I have done many different crafts in my day, from making beaded jewelry to a sad attempt at crochet. Yet nothing has quite matched the feeling that I get from doing Diamond Art Painting.
What is Diamond Art Painting you ask? Think of it as a mashup between paint-by-number and cross-stitch, only this “painting” is done with jewels. The result is a stunning piece of artwork that, once framed, makes a sparkling, shimmery, beautiful portrait you’ll be proud to display, or even give as a gift. What you do is apply colorful resin rhinestones to a richly-pigmented canvas that has an adhesive applied to it. Using a plastic applicator dipped into a tiny wax heart, you pick up the gems one at a time, and place them in their color-coded spot on the canvas. It’s really simple stuff, yet when your project is complete, you will be amazed at what you’ve created.
I first saw the ad for Diamond Art Painting back in the spring on Facebook. I was intrigued simply because it looked easy, relaxing, no needles, no messy paints, and I couldn’t wait to get one and see what it was all about. I got a discount (since they were trying to lure new customers in by advertising on Facebook) and was told on the website that this is a club, once you’re a member, your price will always be discounted, and there were other perks as well. Coupons, special sales, and more.
Their tag line is “Do What Makes You Sparkle” and let me tell you, I’m obsessed! I have done three small to medium-sized pieces already and I’m now working on my fourth, a big one! It will measure 52"x52" when finished. Of course, it will then need a frame which will make it look polished and perfect.
The very first one I did went to my sister-in-law as a gift for her coffee bar.
The next one was for myself, only it was smaller than I thought it was going to be, I learned after that to check the size before ordering. Some pieces are offered in different sizes. Everything you need is in the kit, your premium-quality canvas, color-coded chart, rhinestones in all the colors needed for that piece, wax, tray, and an applicator. Step-by-step instructions are on the box (it’s so simple, anyone can do it) and online, why, you can further customize your piece by choosing from three different types of “diamonds,” round, square, and Aurora Borealis (AB) diamonds.
The process of working on your Diamond Art Painting is so relaxing, hours go by without you even realizing it. Most of the time, I listen to an audiobook while “painting” and other times I catch a show on Hulu or Netflix.
The third piece I did was for my son’s girlfriend for her birthday. I get so into my work, I actually lose track of time. The process of working on your Diamond Art Painting is so relaxing, hours go by without you even realizing it. Most of the time, I listen to an audiobook while “painting” and other times I catch a show on Hulu or Netflix. I’m a multi-tasker don’t you know.
The project I’m working on now is for my middle son’s girlfriend and for the first time I’m trying square diamonds. What I didn’t realize when I ordered this one is that the canvas is mostly white, which I thought would be monotonous, yet it’s not! It’s exactly the same process, to me it’s like a game to see how many rows I can get done in the time I usually allow for myself to work that day. Sometimes, admittedly, I go over my own time limit. I love it so much! I think to myself, ‘I can’t stop till I get this section worked’ or whatever.
Now, don’t be fooled by fake imitators out there on the web. Diamond Art Club is the highest quality you can buy, they use premium canvases and diamonds, not cheap materials.
Tips and Tricks
There are some tips and tricks that the website will help you with, as well as wonderful you tubers out there, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Layout your canvas when you receive it. Peel back the protective film slowly from each corner, one at a time, then replace it. This will keep the canvas from rolling up on you.
- Buy an Led Lightpad (I got mine from Wish) so you can better see the symbols and colors on the canvas. This makes a world of difference, trust me!
- Slowly remove the plastic film from each section as you work to protect the canvas from dust, hair, and to keep the adhesive from coming off.
- Once you are done with your masterpiece, replace the film over it and use a rolling pin or straight glass to roll over your painting and “set” the diamonds flat.
This new obsession may become your addiction, as soon as you’re done, you’ll want to start another! I always have one bought and put away so I’ll be ready when my current project is done. Another secret of mine is to buy your designs when they are on clearance (if you like what's on clearance), that way you save a few bucks. Not to worry though, once you are a member of the club, you’ll be put on notice when they offer discounted prices.
The piece I’m working on now I intend to give as a Christmas gift, so here’s a sneak peek at the work in progress, without giving away the design.
Besides decorating your space with a beautiful design you “painted” yourself, gift-giving is now so much easier! I have even considered painting a piece for a fundraiser for my cause! (I raise money for the PKD Foundation since I have the disease and my mother passed away from complications of it) The possibilities are endless and you will be hooked like me from the moment you start.
(PS-I am not an affiliate and gain nothing from sharing this article, I’m just passing along my passion for it.)
