What Is Diamond Painting | All You Need To Know
What is Diamond Painting?
Last updated: Novmeber 10th, 2022
I'm new. Is it hard to get started?
Diamond painting is now more popular than ever. If you've ever had to describe what it is to someone (or if this is the first time you've heard of it), the first reaction you have might be one of slight confusion. Are they real diamonds? Is there actual paint involved, in the traditional sense? We're here to answer all the questions, and more!
Painting with a diamond kit is simple and perfect for anyone looking to pick up a new artistic hobby.
Starting a new hobby can be overwhelming sometimes. Everything seems foreign and you never know if you’re on the right path. New hobbies should be exciting, not discouraging. That’s why we made this post.
We’ll lay out everything you need to know about diamond painting from the supplies to the best beginners’ diamond painting techniques. Here’s everything you need to know about diamond painting and how to get started.
So what is diamond painting exactly?
This wonderful but relatively new crafts activity can best be described as a fusion between cross-stitch and paint by numbers.
First of all, there are unfortunately no real diamonds involved. Otherwise, they'd be impossible to afford! Instead of threads and paint, you're using "diamond cut" resin or acrylic rhinestones that do actually shimmer and shine... just like actual diamonds!
Similar to a paint by numbers, you glue these diamonds (called "drills") to a sticky canvas by following a color guide or legend. All pictures are charted to a grid of coded square or round shapes, each with a symbol in the center. A hollow pen-like stylus is stuck into a piece of wax to pick up each individual drill to be moved from a tray to the canvas.
There are so many wonderful and colorful designs to choose from. No matter your passion or interests, whether that be animals, landscapes or celebrities, there is definitely something for everyone.
If you want to quickly find something, use the available product filters in each of the shop's collections. Heartful Diamonds stocks some products in the USA as well as overseas warehouses.
If you're having trouble finding the design you want, simply send us your favorite picture and we'll make a custom diamond picture just for you. Read on to find out more!
Diamond painting is a simple, easy hobby that is perfect for relaxing at home. It’s straightforward and great to complete by yourself or with the help of your children. We don’t recommend diamond painting for young children.
The small rhinestones can be swallowed by small children and pose a large risk to their health. Please enjoy diamond painting with responsibly aged children.
Painting with diamonds is simply one of the best ways you can relax at home. So perfect for social distancing and staying safe in a global pandemic!
What's in a diamond painting kit?
Your kit will come with all the supplies you need in order to become a diamond painting pro.
If this looks like quite a list, don't worry. Every kit purchased comes with the selected canvas plus all of the required tools required to complete it.
1. The packaging box. The entire kit is packed into one of these padded boxes and shipped to your door.
2. Textile canvas. Your chosen reference picture is printed on the canvas in the form of coded squares or circles.
3. Packets of "diamond" rhinestones. Generally 15 to 60 colors per kit. These are picked up with the pen and then stuck on to the canvas.
4. Hollow tipped stylus. Your main working tool. Wax is pushed in to the tip to pick up the diamonds.
5. Wax pad. The pen is pushed into the wax to fill it up with sticky wax.
6. Ridged tray. This is the the "pallet" where you will want to pour the diamonds that will be glued on to the canvas.
Choosing a design to work on
Before you get started: pick a design you love!
The first decision facing any would-be diamond painter is the most important - what type of picture do I want to make?
Popular canvases feature landscapes, animals, pop culture references, abstracts, fantasy worlds, flowers, religious scenes, and nature. There’s endless opportunity to create a dazzling piece.
There’s plenty of options for DIY diamond painting kits available today. Heartful Diamonds has a vast variety of kits to choose from. It’s as easy as picking out a canvas you like and placing an order. Look for a canvas that matches your personality. Paint something you're passionate about. Get creative.
Already started browsing some in stock kits and can't find a design that really resonates with you?
Here's the best part: you can create your very own custom made diamond art from your own picture.
That's right, any picture on your phone, tablet or computer can be custom made into a diamond painting! At Heartful Diamonds, this is actually our pride and joy - the one thing where we're confident we have no equal.
You can make your very own diamond art from any picture of you, your pets, kids or an important event like birthdays, anniversaries or graduations - and much more!
If you're looking for motivation and wondering at all the possibilities, simply head over to our custom diamond paintings page and check out the glowing reviews!
Before you get started: pick a design you love!
The first decision facing any would-be diamond painter is the most important - what type of picture do I want to make?
Popular canvases feature landscapes, animals, pop culture references, abstracts, fantasy worlds, flowers, religious scenes, and nature. There’s endless opportunity to create a dazzling piece.
There’s plenty of options for DIY diamond painting kits available today. Heartful Diamonds has a vast variety of kits to choose from. It’s as easy as picking out a canvas you like and placing an order. Look for a canvas that matches your personality. Paint something you're passionate about. Get creative.
Samples of stock designs you can choose
Already started browsing some in stock kits and can't find a design that really resonates with you?
Here's the best part: you can create your very own custom made diamond art from your own picture.
That's right, any picture on your phone, tablet or computer can be custom made into a diamond painting! At Heartful Diamonds, this is actually our pride and joy - the one thing where we're confident we have no equal.
You can make your very own diamond art from any picture of you, your pets, kids or an important event like birthdays, anniversaries or graduations - and much more!
If you're looking for motivation and wondering at all the possibilities, simply head over to our custom diamond paintings page and check out the glowing reviews!
Samples of the types of pictures you can use for a custom order
How it all comes together
Before you get started, clear out an open space on a wide desk or crafting table. Unfurl the canvas and make sure it's flat! Make sure you have all the tools ready and lay out the many bags of diamond drills in a neat pile.
Every canvas comes with a protective layer of film that goes over the (very) sticky glue that covers the entire picture. Only peel back the section that you need to work on, while leaving it on at all other times.
Step 1. Get organized!
Look at the color chart and choose one of the corner colors to start. Find the matching bag of diamond drills based on DMC number.
Step 2. Pour the drills out
Open the bag of diamond drills of your selected color with some scissors. Pour a small amount out on the tray that came with your kit.
Step 3. Gently shake the tray
Very gently shake the tray from side to side. This will bump the diamond drills over the ridges so that they are aligned correctly - pointy side up.
Step 4. Apply the wax
Use the pen and push the tip all the way through the wax pad. The hollow point should fill up. Then use the tip to pick up one diamond drill on your tray.
Step 5. Place on the canvas
Now for the best part! Find the matching symbol for the color on your canvas and gently push the diamond drill on. Repeat, switch colors, repeat!
Step 6. Frame it up
When you've filled up the entire picture with diamonds, you're done! Marvel at your gorgeous work, then frame it up or give it away!
Watch the video!
That’s pretty much everything you need to know to get started diamond painting right now. New hobbies are sometimes intimidating but getting started is easy with these simple steps. Just choose a kit, get organized, glue, and secure. Nothing intimidating about that!
Different types of diamond paintings
If you've already spent time browsing different diamond painting designs, you may have noticed that all products will specify two things.
One is the canvas or picture size and the other is the diamond shape of that particular kit.
Here, we help you break down what each of those mean.
Which size to choose?
Canvas size vs Picture size
Different sites may list their specifications as either "canvas size" or "picture size". It's important to know the difference!
Every diamond painting canvas has a white border around the actual picture. This is where the logo of the company and one or two color guides will occupy the space.
The picture size only refers to the "working area" of the design, where you will actually place the diamonds to complete the picture. In other words, make sure you're comparing apples to apples!
Recommend size for beginners
It may be tempting to go for the smallest size to "try out" a diamond painting to see if it's for you, however the one thing you should keep in mind is that smaller sizes mean less colors and less detail in the final picture.
Even if it's your first canvas, we recommend at least a small-medium size like 30x40cm (12x16 in). These don't take as long as larger canvases, but still provide beautiful details worthy of a spot on your wall!
Which diamond shape?
Square or Round?
There are sound arguments for both sides of the Square versus Round debate. We'll give you the gist of it right here:
You should choose Square if you don't mind the extra challenge. At smaller sizes, the square base means that the diamonds fit more snugly together, leaving less chance for any gaps in the picture.
Customers also love the "click" feedback they feel when edging the corners of the square bases together on to the canvas. It feels almost like the clicking of cross stitch needles!
You should choose Round if you're just looking for an easy and relaxing time, without expecting to spend too much effort. While easier to do than the square counterparts, there may be tiny gaps in between each placement as the round bases allow much more leniency.
Usually the printed background makes these gaps unnoticeable especially when viewed at a distance of more than a few feet.
Recommend shape for beginners
If it's your first time, we recommend trying the Round diamonds first. This ensures a smooth experience without exhausting your patience!
For a more detailed breakdown, feel free to check out our complete article right here.
Diamond painting tips and tricks
To keep the diamond painting process smooth and simple, here are a few tips and tricks to help you out:
1. Glue or Tape Diamonds Next to Symbols on Canvas
- This provides you with an even easier reference to find the diamonds you need in addition to the guide that’s already included.
2. Mark Your Diamond Bags with with Symbol or Number Using a Marker
- Kits already come with Ziploc bags to help you sort your diamonds, but you can also include the number and symbol to further assist you when putting the painting together.
3. Use an LED light pad
- You can place small sections of the workable canvas on a brightly lit LED pad. This illuminates all the symbols on the page, perfect for when you're finding it hard to see what they are. We have one with up to 4 different types of international electrical plugs (US, UK, AU, EU) right here.
4. Flatten the Canvas by either ironing the back or placing heavy books on it
- Some canvases may not be perfectly straight out of the box. And that's perfectly okay! Any old iron you have sitting around the house can be used - simply put it on the highest setting, turn the canvas over and iron out the creases in the back for about a minute or two. If you don't have an iron, another effective way to flatten your canvas without damaging it is to place some heavy books on it and letting it rest overnight.
5. Remember to frame up your work!
- Completed diamond paintings are an absolute treat to look at by themselves; they're even better when framed up! Some canvases may not fit standard picture frames. You can visit a specialty frame store or your local crafts store to find large frames that will suit your masterpiece.
You can use an LED light pad if you're having trouble seeing the symbols
Your local crafts store will have the larger frames that fit diamond paintings
Where to find and buy diamond paintings
When looking for diamond painting supplies, you can either visit a retail arts and crafts store or buy yours online.
If you want to find a large selection of options, including a wide variety of designs, shopping online is your best bet compared to a local store. You won't be able to physically touch or open the box until it arrives, but the sheer number of designs available online more than makes up for this.
Many reputable companies will have a comprehensive money-back policy that ensures your satisfaction - so you won't be a cent out of pocket! In addition, certain diamond-painting specific supplies and accessories may only be found online, from replacement diamonds to spare tools and applicators.
How should I choose where to shop?
It’s also important to know what you’re getting, which is why you should take a couple of steps to make sure you don’t wind up with a poor experience, especially if you're just starting out.
Know the Store Policy
Be sure to check the store's Shipping and Returns or Refunds policy. If you get a defective product, the cost of shipping it back may be more expensive than what it cost to buy your diamond painting in the first place! You should try to see if the store you're looking at has a robust policy that covers you for any damages as well as an easy returns process should anything go wrong.
Beware of Cheap Diamond Painting Kits
If you're shopping around for the lowest possible price for your next diamond painting project, we just have to say - Buyer Beware!
This is especially the case when browsing on large online shopping websites like Amazon, Wish and Ebay. If it seems like the price is too good to be true, then chances are, it could be a literal coin-flip as to whether or not you would be demanding a refund when it eventually arrives at your door.
These kits could include poor quality diamonds, glue that doesn’t stick, poor customer support and extremely long shipping times (6 weeks+). And the worst part? Customer support may be non-existent, so should you have any issues, that's just going to be extra headaches.
Health benefits of diamond paintings
Doing diamond paintings every day relieves stress and anxiety. In fact, it's one of the biggest reasons people get into this hobby!
In today's hectic world, the readiness of and sheer amount of accessible information is both a blessing and a curse. In this kind of environment, there are real physical and psychological benefits of some regular time away from all the visual clutter of LED screens, and the noise of phone notifications. People from all over the world are finding solace in Arts & Crafts to help them wind down and relax.
If you are not yet one of these people, consider that the sudden boom of Adult Coloring Books in 2015 is the strongest evidence that the modern adult is unconsciously crying out for a "digital detox". The hype around coloring books may have faded, but more adults than ever are in desperate need of the benefits that activity provided. From this perspective, we believe Diamond Paintings may achieve even more widespread adoption for these simple reasons:
1. It takes much less effort to do well.
2. Anyone can create amazing art they would be proud to frame on their wall (or give away as a gift).
3 Subject matter of canvases are infinitely less restrictive; the sky is the limit on the varieties of pictures you can create.
While the activity is easy to get into, it's still something that requires the full use of your hands and eyes. That means no getting distracted by any LED screens! Even a smaller canvas will give you 12-15 hours of relaxing "me" time, you can set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day and go as fast or slow as you wish. If you think meditation is too boring, this might just be for you! The uncomplicated, personal and solitary nature of the activity aims to renew your focus and boost self esteem with a hit of guaranteed productivity.
Or say, are you an extrovert who derives energy from being around others? Don't worry; even on smaller canvases, there's enough working space for you to collaborate with friends, family and colleagues. Work together to tackle a large canvas and smile together upon the gorgeous piece of work you'll be proud to show off on your social media feed. The point is to get away from those screens and socialise!
If you've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, or if you just think these pictures would look great on your wall or as a gift, there's never been a better time to give painting with diamonds a try.
Time to dive in!
Phew, what a doozy of a read!
If this all seems a bit intimidating at first, rest assured - you'll get the hang of it once you've chosen your first diamond art and picked up the applicator pen for the first time. The important thing is simply to have fun, relax and create gorgeous art you can share with your friends and loved ones!
When you're ready, simply click on the big white button below to browse all the beautiful products right here at Heartful Diamonds.
Or click the pink one if you've got your own picture you want to make into a custom diamond painting. It's our specialty!
Heartful Diamonds discount code
As a thank you for making it this far, we'd like to offer you a generous discount for all first time customers!
Simply follow this link to access all current promotions and discounts.