There is an artist in British Columbia, by the name of Bill Blair, who creates entire murals inspired by the 1950's Paint by Number kit creations. Here are a few examples of his work. I am completely in love with the look. It's approachable and kitschy and nostalgic and totally fun!
A bit of history, In 1951 Palmer Paint introduced the Craft Master brand which sold over 12 million kits. This public response induced other companies to produce their own versions of paint by number. The Craft Master paint-kit box tops proclaimed, "A BEAUTIFUL OIL PAINTING THE FIRST TIME YOU TRY." Following the death of Max Klein in 1993, his daughter, Jacquelyn Schiffman, donated the Palmer Paint Co. archives to the Smithsonian Museum of American History (Wikipedia).
There are a few bloggers who have tackled the same look in their homes. Up for the mammoth challenge? Check out their work here and here and here for inspiration and tips.
