What Is Diamond Painting?
Diamond painting is a craft that appeared not so long time ago. Diamond painting is similar to painting by number, except that instead of using paint, you are using small diamonds. This type of art has become very popular all over the world in a relatively short time. An interesting feature of it is that this entertainment is not only for children but also for adults. Creating a picture you will not only calm your nerves and relax, but also occupy yourself with this fascinating activity for several hours.
You can buy a set for diamond painting both in needlework stores and online. Everything is already included in the package, so you won't need any additional purchases.
Diamond Painting Components
Diamond painting kit includes:
1) A printed canvas in your preferred size. It is printed with numbers and symbols that correspond with the colors of diamonds and some canvases have a printed guide also. The canvas is covered with a layer of glue that allows the diamond to stick on it with ease and keeps the painting together.
2) Resin diamonds in the required colors. Each diamond has a small number that corresponds to the number on the canvas. You need to be careful to stick diamonds to the right places and not to ruin the picture.
3) A plastic tray to hold the diamonds. Such capacity allows you to separate diamonds so that they do not mix and it is more convenient for you to pull them out.
4) A diamond painting pen tool to pick up diamonds. This pen comes with a hollow end where the nib should be, where the diamond can stick and be transferred to the canvas from the tray.
5) Glue or wax to insert in the pen tool. They are in small containers. You can use glue or wax to stick diamonds to the picture.
The standard kit may vary a little bit. First of all, you need to choose the type of canvas and the shape of the diamonds. There are several options.
Types Of Canvases
Partial Kit
In partial kits, the image is not completely covered with diamonds. In most cases, this is a picture made in very high-quality printing, and only in some areas you need to glue diamonds. A great option for contrasting images when you need to highlight a certain area.
Full Kit
The full kit is completely covered with diamonds. There are no spaces on it for a regular image. They are a little more complicated to perform, but the shining effect of the whole image is worth it.
Multi-Paneled Kits
Multi-paneled kits can consist of diamonds partially or completely. Their main feature is the presence of several canvases that create an overall picture. It looks very impressive.
What Diamonds To Choose?
Diamonds can be round or square.
Round diamonds are most often chosen by beginners since they are much easier to apply to canvas. The disadvantage is that they do not completely cover the surface, so there may be gaps that reduce the effect of shining.
Square diamonds are great for creating large paintings. If you work with them carefully and accurately, the result will be amazing.
So, you have decided on the form. Now you need to choose between 3D and 5D diamonds. In the first case, the diamond has three faces, and in the second — five. If you want to get the maximum effect of radiance, then it is better to choose 5D diamonds.
How To Do Diamond Painting
So, we figured out the types of canvas and diamonds, and also studied the standard set. Now let's look at how to do diamond painting.
- Prepare a place to work.
Before starting work, you need to choose a convenient place that is spacious enough for the canvas and light. Most likely, you will work more than one hour, so you should feel as comfortable as possible. Also, make sure that there are no distractions, then the process will be faster.
Do not forget to protect the place from pets or small children, in order not to harm not only their health but also your picture.
- Arrange the painting kit.
Place the instruments for work in the most convenient places to spend a minimum of time to get them. So you can work faster and spend less effort and attention on taking the things you need.
- Read the instructions.
Most people read the instructions afterward. However, if you look ahead at all the symbols and compare them with diamonds, and also master the technique of using devices, then the work will go faster since you will not need to be distracted each time and put the work on pause.
- Stick the diamonds.
Peel back the covering of the wax and dip your pen into the tub of wax to fill the nib. Once you do this, you can press the pen on the heads of the diamonds to pick them up. The diamonds will easily stick onto the pen. After that, place the diamond on the canvas. In this case, you do not need to press too hard so that the glue does not stain the diamond.
- Frame the painting.
To prevent the picture from looking unfinished, put it in a frame. You can buy ready-made or construct it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Diamond painting is a fascinating activity that will cheer you up and provide pleasant leisure.
You can choose a picture from thousands of options, including size, the shape of diamonds and canvas. This set will be a great gift option for both an adult and a child.