Diamond painting is a craft where you place small resin pieces onto a sticky canvas to create a design. The pieces of resin are referred to as ‘diamonds’, even though they aren’t real jewels!
This craft is a bit like a combination of cross stitch, painting by numbers and mosaic art. Instead of threading or painting the canvas, you attach the diamonds to it onto the canvas in a pre-determined pattern. In this way, it’s closest to stamped cross stitch.
How Does Diamond Painting Work?
In order to diamond paint, you start by pouring your diamonds, also known as ‘drills’, onto a tray. You then pick these up using a pen that is dipped in wax to pick up each drill. You can then place the piece in the relevant place on the canvas, where it sticks down.
Is Diamond Painting Good For Beginners?
Yes, this can be a suitable craft for beginners. Other than using the wax and pen, you don’t need to learn any particular techniques or have artistic ability like you would for painting or drawing.
Diamond painting can be a relaxing hobby as its fairly simple to follow along with the steps until you have a completed pattern or picture.
What Do You Need For Diamond Painting?
Most beginners start off with a diamond painting kit. This can include items such as:
- A sticky, printed on canvas
- Coloured drills
- Diamond painting pen
- Wax
- Sorting tray
- Small bags for the drills
If your kit has lots of colours, you may consider investing in extra storage. However, for most people, this is not necessary at the very beginning.
What Can You Make With Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting can be used to make decorative pieces to display in your home. Designs you can follow often include animals, flowers, landscapes, patterns, fantasy art, or personalised images.
Is Diamond Painting Messy?
Provided the drills don’t get everywhere, diamond painting is a fairly low mess hobby.
In order to ensure that you don’t lose or mix up your drills, you can keep each colour in a separate pot whilst you work. Also ensure that you pour your drills onto a tray, rather than a table, to keep them together!
Who Might Enjoy Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting may be suitable for people who like quiet, detailed crafts that don’t need much space. It can be a great choice if you enjoy patterns, cross stitch, painting by numbers, or other craft kits.
If you have ever done sequin by numbers, diamond painting is very similar.
Final Thoughts
Diamond painting is a simple craft where you create a picture by placing small coloured pieces onto a sticky board. It is very beginner friendly and the perfect hobby to follow along with a kit.
If you want something structured, low mess, and simple to start, diamond painting may be for you.