What exactly is Diamond Painting, and why do you want to do it? Good questions. I have answers for you!
Diamond Painting is a new craft hobby that combines cross-stitch and Paint-by-Numbers. With it, you apply tiny resin “diamonds” to a DMC-coded adhesive canvas to create vibrant mosaic paintings. Intrigued? This may be your new craft if you love sparkles and relaxing, repetitive activities.
Why should you consider diamond painting as a new hobby?
Like adult coloring books and puzzles, diamond painting as a hobby has many mental, emotional, and intellectual health benefits. It is also a stress-free activity. This activity relaxes the amygdala—the brain’s fear center—and allows your mind to get the rest it needs. Plus, it’s sparkly, and who doesn’t love a little bling added to their life?
Although you can find a variety of ready-made diamond painting kits at your local craft store or online, we don’t usually love them. Now, there are some cute ones out there, but there’s also a bunch of ugly ones. If you can’t find a cute one that speaks to your sparkly, sober heart, we recommend ordering a custom kit with a photo that you provide for the image.
Sober Curator Pro Tips:
- Start small – this is a project that takes time and patience. If you start with a project that is too large, it will take you longer than this pandemic to finish it. (We’re speaking from experience)
- Pony up the extra money for a light pad under your project. This will make it easier to see the DMC codes. Here’s one from Amazon for under $20
- Most kits will come with a diamond sticky pen. However, if you want a small accessories kit, here’s one from Amazon for under $15. This includes a roller for when your project is finished and you want to smooth it out
- We like big trays, and we cannot lie. Your kit will likely also come with a tray or two. That said, we prefer these larger size trays found on, you guessed it, Amazon for under $10
- You can choose between square and round diamond kits; we’ve only tried the square diamonds.
Where to order the best kits
It’s been a few years since I took up this hobby, and I’ve done my research. Here’s a list of my favs:
- Paint with Diamonds
- Diamond Dots
- Dreamer Designs
- Happy Painting
- Diamond Art Club
- Etsy – various makers
- Vizu Arts
Who else is talking about diamond painting?
Ok, now you’re interested and want to learn more.
Here are some DIY examples – prepare to be impressed and dazzled! LOL
Recall when we mentioned above that size does matter. I made a significant mistake when I ordered a custom kit of my two Boston Terriers, Roxie, and Bella, our Sober Curator mascots. Not pictured is Bella because it will likely not be until 2030 that I get to that part of the diamond painting. OOPS! This one should be called a Diamond Painting MURAL because it’s way (way) too big.
Here’s another one completed using a great shot photographed at the iconic Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. This one was size-appropriate and took a few weeks of diligent work every week.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Maximize your time by diamond painting and listening to your favorite recovery podcasts! We’ve got you covered with a few recommendations here.
Custom diamond painting kits can be made from photographs or illustrations. When choosing a photo or drawing, consider how the image will transfer into small pixels.
You got sober; what will you do to keep your hands busy?
And no, you don’t have to take up knitting. Although, if you enjoy it, get your knit on, homie!
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. You may be the next Sober Picasso, or you may be the next big Pinterest Fail. Either way, you’re creatively creating something with your hands and expanding your mind. That’s a great way to relieve stress and express your feelings.
Are you addicted to pinning? Make sure to follow along with us on Pinterest. Crafting is not your jam, but you may love to read. Head to our #QUITLIT section and see what we’ve been reading.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
