During quarantine I started hearing about Diamond Painting but never really looked into it because I found myself working on things around the house. But when I went away on my girl’s trip a few weeks ago, we decided we needed to bring ALL THE CRAFTS and Diamond Painting was one of those crafts. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this grown up “paint by number” craft and will be adding more to my crafting collection soon.
Diamond Painting – What You Need To Know
What Is Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting is a combination of cross-stitch and paint-by-numbers. The new creative hobby is taking the crafting world by storm. You simply apply colorful resin rhinestones to richly pigmented canvas paintings creating a visually dazzling, mosaic diamond art piece that will sparkle, shimmer and shine. There are all kinds of designs and colors to choose from but no matter what your piece looks like, this will be an activity that challenges your creative side and gets your mind working too. Netflix watching, snow day or quarantine. No matter when you bust out your Diamond Painting you will find enjoyment.
Tools You Will Need?
I love paint by number so this whole craft really was interesting to me. I am not a Diamond Painting expert but after doing my first piece I was super excited to start my next. And during this time of uncertainty and lockdowns I found this activity quite therapeutic. Like I said, I am not an expert but I am excited to share some of my tips and tricks for enjoying this fun and creative activity. Most of the time you can find all of your Diamond Painting tools in a kit when you order. Below are the tools you will need to start enjoying Diamond Painting.
Diamond Canvas – 5D Canvas for Diamond Painting can come in all kinds of designs and sizes. The pre-printed canvas with design chart has a pre-applied adhesive to make your diamond painting experience even easier. You can even get packages with more than one canvas so you can have some on hand!
Diamond Packs – These diamond packs will be individually labeled and packaged in order for you to know which color of diamond goes where on your canvas. If you are feeling super creative you can buy these diamonds with out a kit.
Wax Pad – The wax pad is what helps the diamonds stick to the pen so you can place the diamonds on the canvas.
Tray – A tray makes it a lot easier to grab the diamonds with the wax and sticky pens. Dump the color you are working on into the tray and carefully shake the tray to get the diamonds in the right position.
Sticky Pen – The sticky pens are what you use to pick up and place each diamond. They are a few different types of sticky pens to help you with your painting. Ordinary diamond sticky pens can only stick one diamond at a time but there are also diamond sticky pens that can stick three, six or nine diamonds at the same time!
Tweezers – Tweezers come in handy when those pesky diamonds go in the wrong place or are making them too hard to turn over into the correct position.
Diamond Painting Roller – A specially designed rolling wheel, it is light-weight but long lasting performance, ideal pressing roller for diamond painting, effectively help sticking diamond painting beads firmer to the canvas and do no harm to the shininess of diamonds.
Scissors – Simple but you will need scissors to open the diamond packs.
Tape – I use tape to wrap up the leftover diamonds I end up with in each diamond pack.
Light board – While I have not used a light board, I did hold my Diamond Painting canvas up to the light or window in order to see if I was missing any spots. I could see how this board would make that part a lot easier and probably more comfortable. Obviously, this is an optional item to add to your Diamond Painting accessories.
I am not an expert but I have found some great information and tips to make the world of Diamond Painting even more enjoyable!
Round Vs. Square?
No right answer but there are some differences between the square and round diamonds. The square diamonds look a bit “cleaner” than round drill diamonds. They line up more easily and create a “fuller” mosaic look. Also, the square makes a nice SNAP when placed properly. Round diamonds seem to stick to the diamond pen better, making the transition seem more seamless. Great for those who are just beginning their diamond art crafts. The round shape of the diamonds makes gaps between diamonds which appear more apparent when you are close up with the painting.
Tips For Diamond Painting
Tape or glue your diamonds next to their symbol on the canvas. Easily reference the diamonds you need at quick glance!
Find your Diamond Painting technique.
The Checkerboard Technique – Just like the alternating black and white squares on a traditional checkerboard you simply apply the same method to your Diamond Painting! The best part is when you fill in the gaps, super satisfying when everything snaps into place.
Work Your Way Up Technique – Starting with your smallest quantity color first and then finishing up with the color you have the most of. This means things should get easier as you go along, especially if you are using a multi-head diamond pen.
One At A Time Technique – Work your way across the canvas one color at a time! Keep in mind that the exposed areas might get less sticky over time.
YOUR technique – make it yours. There is no right or wrong technique.
Your canvas will be covered with a plastic film to preserve the stickiness. DO NOT REMOVE THIS PLASTIC FILM ALL AT ONCE. Simply peel back the plastic as you work your way up the design.
If an area of your canvas becomes less sticky, simply dab the area with baby wipes. You can also use this method to get any papers or pet hair off your canvas.
A Great Gift Idea – Diamond Painting
When searching for a gift idea for that hard to buy for person on your list for the holidays and birthdays make sure you consider buying them a Diamond Painting kit. So many great options that will fit any personality. I really enjoyed my first Diamond Painting and I started my second one. I cannot wait to continue doing this fun craft. It is pretty satisfying when all of these pretty little diamonds create a pretty mosaic design and art piece.
Make sure you check out the fun Bottle Cap Flower Wall Art we created on our Girl’s Trip as well. It is another great craft that you and your family will love!
Have you tried Diamond Painting yet?
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