Before You Begin

• Set up your work area first. Lay down paper towels or a clean mat to keep the bricks organized.
• Lay out everything in the kit so it's all within reach before you begin.
• Make sure you have all 9 baseplates, 12 baseplate connectors, colored bricks, brick separator, and adhesive hanging strips ready.
• You will also need a phone, tablet, or computer to use the photo-to-mosaic app and download your personalized building guide.
• Choose a clear photo before starting. A close-up photo with good lighting and one face usually gives the best result. Avoid photos with small faces, busy backgrounds, or heavy filters. 

Step 1: Connect the Baseplates

• Take the 9 baseplates.
• Arrange them into a 3 x 3 square.
• Flip the baseplates over.
• Use the included baseplate connectors on the back to lock the plates together.
• Make sure all 9 plates are securely connected so you have one solid surface for your mosaic. 

Step 2: Upload Your Photo

• Scan the QR code in the instructions to open the photo-to-mosaic app.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to upload your chosen photo.
• Wait for the app to create mosaic previews.
• If the preview does not look right, try another photo.
• Browse the different mosaic versions.
• Choose the version you like best.
• Download the personalized PDF building instructions for your selected design. 

Step 3: Prepare Your Building Guide

• Open your downloaded personalized PDF.
• Keep the guide visible on a screen or print it out.
• Look at the color and position shown for each brick.
• Organize the bricks by color before you begin if that makes building easier.

Tip: Completing one small section at a time can make the mosaic easier to build. 

Step 4: Build Your Portrait

• Start with one section of the baseplates.
• Follow the personalized PDF instructions.
• Place each colored brick onto the matching position on the baseplate.
• Press each brick firmly into place.
• Continue row by row or section by section.
• Keep checking your guide to make sure the colors and positions match.
• Continue until the entire portrait is complete. 

Step 5: Fix Any Mistakes

• If you place a brick in the wrong spot, use the included brick separator.
• Carefully remove the incorrect brick.
• Place it in the correct position.
• Continue building your mosaic.

Tip: The instruction video also shows how to use the brick separator.  

Step 6: Prepare the Wall

• Choose where you want to display your finished mosaic.
• Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol.
• Let the wall dry completely before attaching the mosaic.
• Make sure the display area is clean, dry, and suitable for the adhesive strips. 

Step 7: Attach the Hanging Strips

• Separate the included adhesive strips so you have 4 individual strips.
• Peel the backing from one side of the first strip.
• Press it firmly onto the back of a baseplate connector.
• Position the strip vertically with the pull tab pointing downward.
• Place it near the top of the artwork.
• Repeat until all 4 adhesive strips are attached to the back of the mosaic.
• Make sure all strips are vertical and the tabs point downward.

Step 8: Hang Your Mosaic

• Peel the remaining backing from all 4 adhesive strips.
• Hold the mosaic level against the wall.
• Position it exactly where you want it.
• Press the mosaic firmly against the wall for about 30 seconds per strip.
• Check that the mosaic feels secure before letting go.
• Your Keepsake Pixels portrait is now ready to display.

Removing the Mosaic from the Wall

• Hold the pull tab at the bottom of the adhesive strip.
• Pull the tab straight down, parallel to the wall.
• Do not pull outward.
• Repeat with each strip until the mosaic is released.
• Pulling straight down helps protect the wall paint.