Diamond painting is a craft that uses tiny plastic “diamonds” to recreate a picture on canvas. The result is a shimmering, gem-like work of art that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying to create. Similar to cross-stitch and paint-by-numbers, diamond painting kits come with a pre-printed canvas, adhesives, and a set of tiny plastic diamonds in various colors. Crafters use an applicator pen to pick up and apply the diamonds, one by one, over the corresponding color-coded symbols on the canvas.
Before starting your design, carefully review the color-coded chart on the back of the canvas to determine which colors you’ll need and what area to start with. Arrange all of your materials on a flat surface, and make sure everything is easy to reach. Then, carefully deposit a pack of diamonds into the provided tray and gently shake it to ensure that all of the diamonds have their flat sides facing down. This will make them much easier to pick up with the applicator pen.
Once your diamonds are in place, grab the appropriate color from your tray and begin placing them on the canvas. Follow the pattern on the back of the canvas to locate the corresponding symbol, then simply press and hold your applicator pen over the area until the diamond pops up. This will give you a good sense of how the design should look, and also help you find any areas that may need additional attention.
If you’re finding a certain color difficult to pick up, try tilting the applicator pen in your hand to help with visibility and pick up speed. It might be a little tricky at first, but with practice you’ll find that it helps you get the job done faster and more efficiently!
As you work, take a moment to admire your hard work. When you’re finished, consider framing your artwork to protect it from dust and showcase it in your home. If you want to add a more personal touch, consider adding a quote or inspirational message that reflects your own style and personality!
If you don’t have a frame that’s the right size for your diamond painting, or you’d rather not spend the money right now, you can still display it as-is. Simply cover the completed design with a piece of masking tape and a plastic covering. Then, stack a few heavy books on top of it overnight to further adhere the diamonds and ensure that it’s safe to hang. If you’re feeling especially creative, you can even use the diamond painting as a unique and flashy book cover! Or, you can use it to spruce up old school supplies and photo albums with a little DIY flair. diamond painting bilder