MemoBrick Calm Build Gift

Calm Build Gift

A calm, predictable project with a clear finish: a 16×16 brick mosaic of a photo they love, built one row at a time. Build it together or alone, in short sessions, at your own pace.

A 16 by 16 inch brick mosaic of a Bernese mountain dog next to the original photo

Every brick is the same small 1×1 brick. Only the color changes. The bricks come in labeled bags sorted by color, matching the printed color map, so you can open one bag at a time and follow the map row by row until the picture appears. We put together a free printable plan to make each session simple and clear.

We made this gift with autistic people and their families in mind, and for anyone who likes a calm, step-by-step project. We say "autistic people" because many autistic self-advocates prefer it.

What's in the gift

  • The 16×16 DIY brick mosaic kit, $69.88. One baseplate, 2,500 bricks in labeled color bags, a printed color map and the building tool. About 2.5 hours of building, easy to split into short sessions.
  • Their own photo. A pet, someone they love, a favorite place or something they are into. Upload it in our editor and see the mosaic before you order.
  • The free Calm Build Plan. A 3-page printable to download below. No email needed.
  • Optional: a black 16×16 frame, $49, sold separately, for hanging the finished piece.
Black 16 by 16 inch frame for a brick mosaic

The frame is optional. Add it in the cart if you'd like it.

Download the Calm Build Plan

Three pages: a 6-step plan, a tracker for all 50 rows of the 16×16, and cut-out cards that say NOW, NEXT, STOP HERE, BREAK, DONE TODAY and FINISHED!

Download the free plan (PDF)

How to use the plan in 3 steps

  1. Before you start. Print the plan and cut out the cards. Pick a quiet table with good light and a session length. 15 or 20 minutes is a good start.
  2. Each session. Open one color bag. Follow the map one row at a time and tick each finished row on the tracker.
  3. When it's time to stop. Put the STOP HERE card on the table, leave the next bag ready and write down the rows done today. Stopping is part of the plan.

Building together

Try three jobs:

The map readerReads the next row from the color map.
The color finderFinds the right color bag and hands over the bricks.
The builderPresses the bricks onto the baseplate.

Swap jobs every few rows, or keep the job you like best. Building alone works just as well: one person does all three, one row at a time.

For more ideas, read our guide Building a Brick Mosaic as a Calm, Shared Activity for Autistic Kids and Adults.

Ready to see their photo as a mosaic?

Make your 16×16 mosaic

Upload a photo, see the mosaic, then order the kit for $69.88.

Prefer some help? Send us a photo and get a free proof from our designers before anything is made.

Small parts. The kit has small bricks. It is not for young children or anyone who may put small pieces in their mouth. Keep loose bricks and bags out of reach between sessions.

Questions

Is this a therapy or a treatment?

No. It is a building kit and a free printable plan. We don't claim it treats or improves anything. It is simply a calm, predictable project with a clear finish.

How long does it take to build?

About 2.5 hours for the 16×16, or 50 rows. The plan splits it into short sessions, so you can do a few rows a day with no rush.

Are all the bricks the same?

Yes. Every brick is a 1×1 brick, so the motion is the same every time. Only the color changes, and each bag is labeled with a color name and number that match the map.

What photo works best?

A clear, close-up photo with one main subject works well on the 16×16. You see the mosaic in the editor before you order, so you can try a few photos and pick the one you like.

Do I need the plan to build the kit?

No. The kit comes with its own printed color map. The plan is a free extra for anyone who likes short sessions, a tracker and clear stop points.

How much is shipping?

US orders of $125 and up ship free. Below that, the cost depends on your address and you see it before you pay. To receive it before Christmas, order by December 15.

Can I choose a bigger size?

Yes, the editor has more sizes. The steps in the plan work for any size. The row tracker is made for the 50 rows of the 16×16.