“You love the kit. But what colors should you paint it?”
Now you’re looking at the unfinished wood, trying to picture how it could look.
Maybe you need a finished example to help you get started. Maybe you like some of our examples that have been provided, but the colors don’t quite fit your home or your style.
Or maybe you’re wondering, “Would this look cute in pastels?”
Sometimes, seeing a possibility is all you need to get going.
We have thousands of kits in our shop, and while we provide a few finished inspiration images for some designs, we don’t have a painted example for every craft kit we offer.
So many of our customers have asked for more help choosing colors—and I wanted to create a resource you could use again and again.
Imagine your kit in colors that feel like you.
I created Imagine Your Kit in Color, a 12-page digital guide that walks you through using ChatGPT to explore painted inspiration from an unfinished-kit photo.
The copy-and-paste prompts help you request your favorite colors, choose a style, and explore another look if you’re undecided.
Love distressed farmhouse? Prefer boho, whimsical pastels, or primitive finishes? You can describe what you have in mind—or let ChatGPT suggest a direction.
Use our finished examples as a starting point, or explore your own ideas before picking up a paintbrush.
Get the ChatGPT Prompt Guide — $10
One-time purchase • Digital PDF download
Requires your own ChatGPT account with image features available. Usage limits may apply based on chatgpt account type. AI previews are color inspiration; details may differ from your actual kit. This has been tested using a free chatgpt account.
You don’t have to know the perfect colors before you begin. Copy the prompt from the guide, upload your unfinished-kit photo in ChatGPT, (i show you where to get the images) and describe the look you love—distressed farmhouse, boho, whimsical, primitive, or something all your own.
Use the preview as your starting point. Want softer colors or a different finish? The guide includes follow-up prompts to help you explore another look, one image at a time.
Need your kit photo? Visit shopthemakersmap.com and search the CK number on the barcode label on your kit’s bag—including kits purchased on Whatnot. Save the assembled, unfinished-kit image or take a screenshot. Use that photo rather than loose pieces laid out.
ChatGPT account required. Image usage limits apply. AI previews provide color inspiration; details and results may vary.
Still not sure?
Here are some answers to questions about the prompt guide.
Do I need to know how to use ChatGPT?
The guide walks you through getting started and provides prompts to copy and paste. You’ll need your own ChatGPT account with image features available.
Do I need a paid ChatGPT account?
Our examples include results created with a free account. A paid account isn’t required to use the prompt in the guide, but image availability and usage limits do apply to different chatgpt accounts. Purchasing this guide does not include ChatGPT access or additional image credits.
Can I choose my own colors and style?
Yes! Request distressed farmhouse, boho, whimsical, primitive, coastal or another look you love. Use paints you already own or ask for general color suggestions. A specific paint brand isn’t required. But I did include the link to the decoart color chart for Americana colors.
What if I want a different look?
The prompt guide includes follow-up prompts to request another colorway or adjust specific details. Create alternatives one at a time, within your account’s usage limits. You can chat with the prompt and dive deeper as it gets to know the style you are looking for.
Where do I get my kit photo?
Search the CK number on the kit’s bag at shopthemakersmap.com, this includes customers shopping kits purchased on our Whatnot shows. Save or screenshot the assembled, unfinished-kit photo. Website customers can also find purchased kits through their account’s order history.
When using screenshots, especially if you are screenshotting from whatnot shows, the results will vary. Use the insert card to go to our website and find the kit you purchased in a show and save the image.
Will the preview match my kit exactly?
AI may change small details, lettering, expressions, or shapes. You can remind it to not change the kit pieces, add to or take away. Treat the result as color inspiration and use your actual kit as your reference when painting. Screen colors may also differ from physical paint based on your screen resolution.
What am I purchasing?
A 12-page digital PDF guide with setup instructions, copy-and-paste prompts, revision prompts, and troubleshooting help. No physical kit, paint, supplies, or personal painting session is included.
Can i use the images I create for my business?
Images created using the prompt are based on Ambers photos. They belong to her. She does not offer commercial use of the photos created. They are for personal use only.
Can i share the guide with my friends, family, customers?
No this is not to be shared. You can refer family, friends and your customers to purchase their own prompt download. You are also not permitted to use this pdf prompt guide to copy and resell or redistribute in any way.
Your next project could start with “Now I have the inspiration.”
You don’t need every color figured out. Give yourself a starting point, explore a look you love, and make the finished project your own.
Download Imagine Your Kit in Color — $10
One-time purchase • Digital PDF download • For personal use only!
ChatGPT account required. Usage limits apply. AI results vary.
The Maker’s Map kit photos and previews created from them are provided for personal painting inspiration only. Commercial use, redistribution, and use in business listings or advertising are not permitted.
Discounts do not apply to this product.
Live Crafting & Tutorials?
This prompt tool is merely a resource! Amber has crafted many of The Maker’s Map DIY kits live on her Facebook page, where she has shared painting, assembly, and decorating ideas. She has not been crafting live much because people just are not watching live videos anymore. But that is not stopping her from offering tools and resources to help you get started if you do not watch live videos.
A tutorial is not currently available for every craft kit. When Amber crafts a new design live, the replay has been added to an organized, searchable showcase on vimeo so you can look for tutorials and inspiration for specific kits at the link below.
Because many of our kits can be customized in different ways, the finished examples and video replays are intended to provide creative inspiration rather than limit how you complete your project.
Basic Craft Supplies to Get Started
You will need a few basic craft supplies to paint, assemble, and personalize your DIY kits. Keeping these tools on hand will make it easier to begin crafting as soon as your order arrives.
You can shop many of Amber’s recommended supplies through her Amazon affiliate storefront:
Visit Amber’s Influencer Favorites Shop
There you will find helpful crafting essentials such as paint, paintbrushes, paint markers, glue, sanding tools, and other supplies commonly used when completing The Maker’s Map DIY wood craft kits.
You do not need to purchase a specific paint or paint-marker brand. Use the products you already enjoy or choose supplies that fit your budget and crafting style.
Additional Supply Recommendation
UV resin is also helpful to keep on hand if you enjoy adding resin details to your projects. It can be especially useful for jewelry, earrings, small embellishments, and other detailed crafts.
Build Your Craft Supply Collection
For a more detailed guide, visit our list of 40 Craft Supplies Every Crafter Should Have. It is a helpful resource for building or organizing your craft toolbox and creating a supply stash you can use for future projects.
Find Craft Kit Tutorials
Remember to visit our searchable Vimeo Tutorial Showcase to watch available video replays of kits Amber has crafted. A tutorial is not available for every kit, but new replays are added as Amber demonstrates additional projects.
Browse Our Newest Kits
Shop Entire CollectonCRAFT KIT INSTRUCTIONS
This prompt is not intended to show you how to assemble the kits.
Our unfinished wood craft kits and paint-your-own earring kits are designed to be simple, creative, and beginner-friendly. Use the product listing photos and finished examples as inspiration while choosing your own colors, finishes, and embellishments.
Printed instructions and supply lists are not included with every kit. For help, you may email info@themakersmap.com or use the chat feature on our website.
If you need assistance assembling a kit email us.
Removing the Pieces
Many of our laser-cut DIY kits include small tabs that help keep delicate pieces secure during cutting, packaging, and shipping. Gently press each piece to release it from the surrounding material.
If small interior cutout pieces, also called void pieces, are still in place, gently push them out. They should release easily.
Some pieces may be small or delicate. Work slowly and avoid forcing them. Low-tack painter’s tape can help hold tiny pieces securely while sanding, painting, or decorating.
Cleaning Laser Flashback
You may notice dark discoloration or residue on the backs or edges of the laser-cut wood pieces. This is called flashback and is a normal result of the laser-cutting process. It is not a defect.
To remove or reduce the residue, gently use:
A damp cloth or wet wipe
A baby wipe
Fine-grit sandpaper
Use light pressure so you do not damage or break smaller pieces. Allow damp pieces to dry completely before painting, staining, or assembling your project.
Paint and Personalize
Once the pieces are removed and cleaned, they are ready for you to paint, stain, decoupage, glitter, or decorate with your favorite craft supplies.
The product photos are provided as a helpful reference, but your DIY kit can be customized to match your own style, seasonal decor, or creative vision.
Happy Crafting!
Thank You for Supporting The Maker’s Map
That is really all there is to it. Your DIY craft kit is ready for you to paint, personalize, and enjoy in your own creative way.
Thank you for supporting The Maker’s Map through your purchases, gift giving, sharing, and recommendations. Many customers discover our unfinished wood craft kits after receiving one as a gift, and we hope your project brings you just as much joy as it brought the person who chose it for you.
When you are ready for your next project, you can shop more DIY kits, seasonal designs, interchangeable decor, ornaments, jewelry kits, craft supplies, and other creative products through the shopping options below. You can also support our small business by sharing The Maker’s Map with a friend, following us on social media, or joining Amber for live crafting and tutorial replays.
We are grateful that you chose to create with us.
Have a blessed day!
XOXO, Amber
Amber's Amazon Shop
Visit Amber’s Amazon Affiliate Shop to browse the craft supplies, tools, storage solutions, decorating essentials, and everyday favorites she personally recommends.
You will find helpful products for painting, assembling, organizing, and personalizing your DIY craft kits, along with additional items Amber uses in her crafting and creative business.
When you shop through Amber’s affiliate links, The Maker’s Map may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps Amber continue sharing craft tutorials, creative inspiration, and new DIY projects with the community.