What Is Sticker by Number? A Beginner's Guide to Pixyls
Everything you need to know before your first kit. No experience required.
If you've seen sticker by number kits online and thought "that looks cool but I have no idea what it actually is," this guide is for you. We're going to explain what it is, how it works, what you need, and what to expect, all in about five minutes of reading.
The Simple Explanation
Sticker by number is a craft where you place tiny coloured stickers onto a numbered grid to create a piece of art. Each sticker has a number. Each square on the grid has a matching number. You match them up, press the sticker down, and move to the next one.
When you're done, you have a finished piece of pixel art made entirely from stickers.
Think paint by number, but cleaner, easier, and with zero mess.
What's in a Kit?
Every Pixyls kit comes with:
- A numbered grid printed on high-quality card stock
- Sheets of tiny glossy vinyl stickers, each numbered to match the grid
- An applicator tool (tweezers or a low-pressure applicator) for placing stickers precisely
- Extra stickers in case you make a mistake (it happens, it's fine)
That's it. No paint, no glue, no water, no extra tools needed. Open the kit and start.
What Does It Feel Like?
Imagine the most satisfying, low-stress activity you've ever done. Now imagine doing it while watching TV or listening to a podcast. That's sticker by number.
The process is repetitive in the best way. Peel, place, press. Peel, place, press. It's genuinely meditative.
"This is the perfect relaxing craft after a long day. I don't need to prepare anything or have a lot of equipment. I can just get started adding stickers without too much thinking."
- Alessandra P., verified buyer
"So glad I found this. I really love relaxing stuff like this! Already did like 6 kits and they all look awesome!"
- Maria, verified buyer
Product Types Explained
Bookmarks ($17)
Size: 2.5" x 8"
Sticker count: ~2,000
Build time: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
The best starting point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, and you end up with a functional bookmark that comes with a protective sleeve. Over 20 designs available.
Sticker Sheets ($15 - $22)
Size: 6" x 8"
Sticker count: ~2,345
Build time: ~4 hours
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
You build individual die-cut stickers on a sheet. When finished, you can peel them off and stick them on laptops, notebooks, water bottles, or display them as art.
Canvases ($24 - $52)
Size: Up to 12" x 16"
Sticker count: Up to 19,200
Build time: 10 - 32 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
The big projects. These result in a finished piece of wall art that you can frame. They take longer, but the finished result is genuinely impressive.
"My first canvas that got me addicted!"
- Katya V., verified buyer
Desk Friends ($10 - $12)
Build time: ~1 hour
Difficulty: Beginner
Small acrylic standees that you decorate with stickers. Quick, cute, and perfect for your desk or shelf.
Keychains ($12)
Pixel art keychains, some with sticker-building elements and some ready-made. Great add-ons or starter gifts.
Magnets ($14 - $18)
Build time: ~1-2 hours
Mini projects that end up on your fridge. Quick to build and surprisingly satisfying.
Tips for Your First Kit
- Start with a bookmark or desk friend. They're short, forgiving, and give you a sense of completion quickly.
- Work in good lighting. You're matching tiny numbers to tiny stickers. A desk lamp helps.
- Don't stress about mistakes. Every kit comes with extra stickers. If you place one wrong, peel it off gently and try again.
- Go section by section. Work through one colour or one area at a time rather than jumping around.
- Put on something to listen to. A podcast, an audiobook, or just some music. Sticker by number pairs perfectly with audio entertainment.
"The free starter kit is perfect for trying things out. I love the relaxing nature of the craft. The stickers stick to the sheets really well."
- CG, verified buyer
What Makes Pixyls Different?
Pixyls is the original creator of sticker by number pixel art. Here's what sets the kits apart:
- Premium glossy vinyl stickers that don't peel or fade
- Original artwork by independent artists (every design credits its creator)
- Extra stickers included so mistakes aren't a problem
- Tips and tricks card with helpful guidance for beginners
- A handwritten thank-you note in every order
"I love this company so much. Their products are so reasonable and I love the free gift that comes with the first order. I also love how they give credit and pay all of their artists, while also keeping products at a reasonable and affordable price."
- Annabelle F., verified buyer
Pixyls vs. Vexyls vs. Bixyls
We make three types of sticker by number kits:
- Pixyls: Classic pixel art. Square stickers on a grid. The original.
- Vexyls: Vector art. Smooth, layered shapes instead of squares. A modern twist.
- Bixyls: A mix of both styles. Creative and unique.
All three use the same sticker-by-number process. If you're just starting out, any of them work.
Ready to Start?
Pick a design you love, open the kit, and place your first sticker. That's literally all there is to it.
Start with a bookmark ($17) | Try a sticker sheet ($15+) | Go big with a canvas ($24+)