What Is Diamond Painting?

What is Diamond painting and how does it work?

Diamond painting has gained popularity in the craft world over the past decade, largely because it is suitable for beginners; it can be a relaxing and therapeutic hobby; and it gives impressive results. Similar to painting by number, diamond painting uses a pre-printed, checkered, and coded canvas as a template for the artwork. However, where diamond painting deviates is that instead of liquid paint and a brush, the craftsman places small plastic diamonds, or drills, to fill each labeled space. The bits are small and shiny, with one side faceted and the other completely flat; they look like pearls but have no holes. After filling each space with its corresponding colored diamonds and completely covering the canvas, each finished diamond painting is of a glossy, textured mosaic quality, ready to be framed and displayed.

How does diamond painting work?

Each diamond painting kit contains an adhesive coated canvas covered with a protective layer of paper or plastic. By folding back part of the blanket, the artist reveals the sticky canvas and can begin to deposit diamonds in their corresponding slots. Most kits also come with a diamond painting pen that, when dipped in soft wax, collects and deposits diamonds with precision and ease. In addition to pre-printed adhesive canvas, colored diamonds, and specialized pen, many diamond painting kits also include convenient slotted trays, making pickup even easier.

Although the canvas is sticky enough to lock the diamonds in place, if any of them are lost, they can be lifted and retransmitted with tweezers. Once you have all the diamonds in place, apply light pressure with a roller to make sure they all adhere properly to the canvas. Many artists like to keep their finished diamond paintings in plastic sleeves and three-ring binders, but you can also apply a shiny sealer to prepare a diamond painting for display. Once your clear sealer is completely dry, place a finished painting in a frame and hang it just like you would any other piece of art. For bonus points, recycle an old frame and customize it for your crafts with a little paint.

Who can create diamond paintings?

There isn't much knowledge or skills to master to start diamond painting, making it a great crafting option for those looking to jump into a new hobby. Even the most amateur craftsman can adapt well to diamond painting, but keep in mind that little exercises make this activity better for older and older children.

While there is no messy medium or advanced technique to master with diamond painting, it requires careful, methodical work and repetitive movements, so it is important to consciously work on wrist movements and body posture. Additionally, exercising on a light board will help ease eyestrain.

Where can you find diamond painting kits?

Diamond painting kits are widely available and can be purchased at craft and hobby stores, as well as online. In addition to pre-produced kits, you can also order custom diamond painting canvases from various designers online by submitting a photo, which will be scanned and printed on sticky grid canvas and accompanied by lots of plastic drill bits. The resulting illustration will be a mosaic, pixel-like version of the selected photo.

How to start painting with diamonds

Although diamond painting canvases come in a variety of sizes, it is a good idea to start with a smaller project until you are comfortable with crafting. Most kits include everything you need to get started (sticky canvas, diamonds, applicator pen, wax, and drill trays), but it's a good idea to invest in extra drill storage bags or containers. to be continue. .

Record and store the remaining diamonds in the same way that you would store pearls in case you run out of a few in a future project, or use them in other crafts (try placing them in a clear glass vase and add faux greenery for a centerpiece). elegant table). Another smart investment as a beginner in diamond painting: an ergonomic pen applicator with a comfortable grip. Since thousands of diamonds are needed for each painting, an upgraded pen is a good idea to reduce processing time.

Finally, consider dedicating a craft table outside your home for diamond painting, and make sure it's away from pets and little ones for whom little exercises could be dangerous.