Pixyls Review - Are These Adult Sticker Kits Worth It?
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Here’s my full review of the Pixyls sticker-by-number kits for adults.
Never tried a sticker-by-number kit before? No problem!
In this blog post I explain exactly what these kits are and whether they’re worth buying, with real photos of kits I’ve completed myself.
Don’t have time to read this post?
Use my code ‘SHEREADSANDTRAVELS10’ for 10% off your entire order on the the Pixyls website.
Pixyls Review
Are These Pixel-Art Craft Kits Worth It?
At first glance, Pixyls look very similar to your standard paint-by-numbers kit.
Each Pixyls purchase comes with a numbered canvas, that combines small sections of colour to create a larger overall design. The main difference is that you’re provided with sheets of tiny square shaped stickers instead of paints, with no need for paint brushes or water.
Something else that sets Pixyls apart is its pixel art style, which requires you to attach rows of small, square shaped stickers to the canvas.
For this review I have tested a two Pixyls kits, including one Koi Pond Bookmark and a larger, Patisserie Animals Canvas. I’ve also completed one set of Vexyls Bookish Bookmarks, which include larger, different shaped stickers to create their designs.
Read on for my full review of these sticker-by-numbers kits, including who I think they’re best for, and with an exclusive discount code.
What Are Pixyls?
Pixyls are sticker-by-numbers kits that feature unique pixel art designs, created using small square shaped stickers. Each kit comes with a set of different coloured stickers, and a printed canvas with numbers for each colour.
The idea is that you then stick the pixel-like stickers onto the canvas, matching up the colours with the numbers on the grid. As you build up the image you eventually end up with a beautiful piece of finished artwork that you can keep or display.
Something I love about Pixyls is that their designs are created by real artists, and they never use AI to create their artwork.
How Do Pixyls Work?
1) Choose Your Design
The first thing you need to do is choose which design you want to start with. Their website has lots of choices to suit all preferences, including canvases, bookmarks, desk friends, magnets, key chains and collectible cards.
The designs themselves range from small and cutesy to large and elegant, meaning there really is something for everyone.
2) Set up your workspace
I recommend setting up a flat workspace with enough room to place your canvas and spread out your stickers.
Next, take a look at the canvas and spend some time matching the stickers to the grid, working out which colours go where. All of the kits come with a colour print out of the finished design, which you can look at if you’re ever unsure what goes where.
Make sure to grab your sticker tweezers if you have them, as these make applying the stickers so much easier!
Tip: Make sure you order a sticker applicator if you don’t have one already. This makes it so much easier to apply the stickers neatly.
3) Apply the stickers to the grid
Now it’s time for the fun bit! Begin filling in your design by attaching the coloured squares to the canvas, matching them up with the correct numbers as you go.
Take your time and work your way through the design however works best for you. Some people move through the numbers one at a time, while others prefer to complete their designs line by line or section by section.
This does take a bit of practice, and you’ll find yourself getting faster and neater as you progress.
4) Continue the Process Until the Design is Complete
Repeat the previous step until your artwork is finished.
This can take several hours, depending on the design that you’ve chosen, which will come to life as you progress. I often find that I spend so much time focusing on the tiny pixels that I’m amazed at its overall effect once I draw back and look at the whole canvas!
Top Tip:
I find that completing sections of the design in a checkerboard pattern helps to keep the rows straight.
My Pixyls Review: What I Liked
There are loads of things that I love about these Pixyls sticker-by-number kits.
Design Quality
Pixyls are hand designed by their team of artists and never use AI.
The attention to detail is fantastic, with vivid colours and small details that make the designs pop. They also have a wide variety of projects to choose from - from smaller pieces like bookmarks to canvases in a range of sizes.
At some point I want to pick up one of their large canvases, and have my eye on this … print. It’s huge and I’m sure will take many hours to complete!
Sticker Quality
This is something that I was really impressed with. The stickers are great quality: bright and glossy, easy to peel from their backing and with good adhesion.
They’re made from a strong material that makes it easy to move them around, and I’ve never had a sticker break or crumple while I’m placing it. Each kit comes with extra stickers in case you need them, which is really useful in case you drop or misplace any.
A Relaxing Way to Reduce Screen Time
This all depends on what you enjoy, but I personally find these kits to be very relaxing.
The repetitive nature of peeling and attaching the stickers gives me a calm, meditative feeling that allows my mind to wander. It’s also perfect for working on while watching a comfort TV show or listening to an interesting podcast.
Ultimately, this is a great way for me to reduce my screen time and spend less time scrolling on my phone.
Ease of Use
I recommend that beginners start with smaller projects that are more simple and are quicker to complete. This will help you to build up your confidence and sticker placement skills, so you can work towards creating larger pieces of artwork.
Beginners will find that the learning curve required by sticker-by-numbers isn’t too steep, although they do require a certain amount of precision. As you practice you’ll find that your artworks become neater, and mistakes can easily be fixed.
Each kit has an additional 10% quota of extra stickers, which really helps to take the pressure off.
Don’t Forget…
Use my code ‘SHEREADSANDTRAVELS10’ for a 10% discount off your entire order!
Potential Downsides
I loved creating my Pixyls kits, but nothing is perfect, and there are a few potential downsides to consider.
Delivery Time
This is something that surprised me and is worth bearing in mind when you place your order.
I’m based in the UK, and my kits took 17 days to arrive at my home in the UK, from their distribution centre in the US. The delivery time will vary depending on where you’re based in the world, so make sure you order in plenty of time if you need them for a particular date.
Sticker Size
The small size of these stickers does require a certain amount of dexterity and good vision, which may be an issue for some people.
Although this was fine for me, it’s possible that these kits won’t be suitable for you if you struggle to work with small details. Instead, I recommend trying the larger Bixyl kits instead, which are created by the same brand (review to come!)
Time Needed to Complete the Designs
This is another point that will be different for each person, depending on your experience level and speed.
Personally, I found that these kits took much longer to complete than the amount of time listed on the website. For example, the Patisserie Animals Canvas definitely took me longer to finish than the 8 hours listed on its description.
As I’m new to sticker-by-numbers, it could be that I’m particularly slow, and that I’ll complete them much quicker as I gain experience. I also like to watch TV while I work, which probably slows my progress.
What Are Vexyls?
If you’re interested in sticker-by-numbers then I definitely recommend considering the Vexyls kits too.
Created by the same brand as Pixyls, these kits are very similar but with one main difference - the stickers come in lots of different shapes and sizes. In my experience, this makes them much quicker to complete, and I like that you can layer the stickers too.
So far I’ve created a few Vexyls bookmarks and found that I could complete a set of three in just a few hours. This makes them a great choice if you’re not keen on the pixel designs and want something that’s quicker to complete with larger, different shaped stickers.
It’s also worth noting that these stickers are such nice quality, strong and glossy with lovely details. If you’re someone who loves stickers, then I think you will really enjoy the Vexyl kits specifically.
I plan to try more of these in the future, and I will write a full Vexyls review once I’ve had chance to complete more of their kits. Watch this space!
Pixyls or Vexyls: Which One Is Right for You?
Here is my simple decision guide to help you decide between the two types of sticker kits.
Choose Pixyls if you:
Prefer the pixel art style
Want complex, detail orientated projects
Like craft kits that take many hours to complete
Consider Vexyls if you:
Prefer designs that are not limited to the pixel style
Want a project that can be completed in a few hours
Have a love for stickers in all different shapes and sizes
Pricing
I’ve found that Pixyls are very well priced - especially when you consider the quality and amount of time you spend completing each kit.
The Patisserie Animals Canvas is currently on sale for £15.00 and contains a total of 4710 stickers in 49 different colours.
The Koi Pond Bookmark costs £10.00 and contains 2025 stickers in 45 colours.
Finally, the Bookish Bookmarks Vexyls Set costs £14.00 and contains 520 stickers in 53 colours.
Additional kits are available on their website at a variety of price points.
Final Pixyls Review
I’m officially hooked on the Pixyls sticker-by-number kits, and find them to be a great alternative to the traditional paint-by-numbers sets that I grew up with.
Firstly, stickers are way less messy than paints, and I find them to be much more addictive!
In terms of the kits themselves, Pixyls are great quality, with lovely, glossy stickers and vibrant designs. I had a lot of fun working on them, and definitely plan to buy more in future.
There are a few potential drawbacks, and buyers should bear in mind that there can be a lengthy delivery time if you are ordering from overseas. You also need to have the dexterity and eyesight that will allow you to work with very small stickers and place them accurately. Otherwise, you may find that their sister brand Bixyls is better suited to you.
Thank you for reading, and I hope this has inspired you to try Pixyls for yourself.
Ready to Buy Your Pixyl Sticker-by-Numbers Kits?
Make sure you use my code ‘SHEREADSANDTRAVELS10’ for 10% off your entire order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pixyls worth it?
In my opinion yes, the Pixyls sticker-by-number kits are definitely worth the money and make a great way to switch off and relax.
Are Pixyls easy for beginners?
Yes, although it does take a bit of practice to make the sticker placement nice and neat.
How long does it take to complete a Pixyls kit?
This varies depending on the kit you have purchased. Their website lists the average completion time for each kit, ranging from one hour for a small desk friend, to several for the larger projects.
Are Pixyls reusable?
No, these kits are not reusable.
What are Pixyls made from?
Pixyls are made from glossy vinyl stickers, and the canvases are printed on good quality card.
Do Pixyls kits come with tweezers/applicators?
Most of the kits do not come with applicators. If you are new to Pixyls I would recommend adding one of their applicators to your order.
Are Pixyls better than diamond painting?
I haven’t tried diamond painting yet but I plan to give it a go soon - I’ll share an update here when I do.
Can you make mistakes with Pixyls?
It is possible to make mistakes, but they can be easily fixed.
If you put a sticker in the wrong spot, you can use your applicator to lift it back up and remove it. If this doesn’t work, simply place the correct sticker over the top of the incorrect one.
Where can you buy Pixyls?
The full range of kits is available on the Pixyls website, where they ship worldwide.
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