Diamond painting is a great way to express yourself through art while also improving mental health. It involves transferring small colored dots (called drills) onto a sticky canvas using a hollow pen-like stylus stuck in wax.
Before you start, it’s important to understand the basics of this hobby. This includes choosing the right kit, making a work environment, and studying the canvas’ symbols to prevent stray dots from getting lost.
Choose the Right Kit
Choosing the right kit is a crucial step in the diamond painting process. The best kits contain easy-to-follow instructions and high-quality materials. They also come with a tray, pen tool, and iridescent or AB diamonds to add some sparkle and dimension to your project.
It is also important to select a canvas size that suits your skill level. Beginners should start with smaller paintings to ensure that they can complete them in a reasonable amount of time.
Finally, you should choose an image that appeals to you. This is especially important since you will spend a lot of time staring at the painting while working on it. Choosing something you love will keep you motivated to finish the project. Moreover, it will make the final product more meaningful to you.
Sort Your Diamonds by Color
Diamond color is a key factor to consider, but it’s usually the last one people think about. In fact, it isn’t even listed in the famous 4 Cs of a diamond because color differences are very subtle and require comparisons with other stones under controlled lighting to detect.
The GIA’s color scale starts at D for completely colorless diamonds and moves down to Z for more yellow or brown tints. The G and H grades are considered “near colorless” and have a slight tint of yellow that’s imperceptible to the naked eye and only visible under magnification in bright light. The lower K-M range of diamonds has a definite tint of yellow and is better suited for a warm metal setting like yellow gold that will enhance the yellow hues in the stone.
Make a Workspace
If you’re a fan of diamond painting, then you’ll probably want to make a dedicated space in your home for it. This way, you’ll have a comfortable place to work and won’t have to worry about the paint spills and other distractions that can occur when working in a hurry or on the go.
A good chair is essential for comfort when doing your project. Sitting for long periods of time can cause aches and pains, so be sure to use a supportive chair that has plenty of room for your feet.
Investing in a resealable container is also a good idea, as it will help you keep your beads organized and safe from damage or loss. Labeling your containers with the code number and corresponding symbol will also save you some time in the future as you can easily find the color you need.
Study the Symbols
One of the most important parts of diamond painting is understanding how to read the chart that comes with your kit. The chart will have a list of symbols that correspond to different colors of drills. It’s helpful to study this chart thoroughly before beginning your painting so that you don’t get confused.
Many crafters find that working on a single section of the canvas at a time helps them make straighter lines and rows and prevents them from mixing up similar-looking colors. It also allows them to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of placing each diamond, one-by-one.
When the final diamond is placed, crafters often feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. They can then choose how to display their work. Framing is the most popular option, though some prefer to remove the frame’s glass so that their paintings can sparkle in any room.
Start Painting
Painting with diamonds is a fun hobby that can be very rewarding. The key is to understand all the moving parts and mechanics of it so that you can be successful.
The contents of a typical kit include a textile canvas that is printed with the reference picture and coded symbols, a pack of resin diamonds in a variety of colors and shapes, a hollow-tipped stylus pen with a wax pad and a ridged tray to pour the drills into. Some kits also include a multi-placer tool with a wider head that allows you to pick up three or more diamonds at one time for faster placement.
Strategies for applying the diamonds vary from artist to artist, some work row by row while others use a zig-zag approach. Regardless of your technique, be sure to cover the canvas with a plastic sheet or cloth when you’re not working on it to keep dust and other debris from marring your finished product.
