Diamond dot painting is a new trend that’s been going around. Or at least I hadn’t heard of it until a fellow blogger (@KissedDaisy from Fairy Kissed Daisy) mentioned it on twitter and shortly afterward my mother mentioned it in a phone call. At this point, I knew I had to give it a try. Diamond dot painting seemed like the perfect addition to my monthly learn something new feature. If you have ever done a paint by number and enjoyed it then you will like diamond dot painting. I happened to love doing paint by numbers as a teen.

Diamond dot painting is simple, fairly cheap (prices are dependant on the size of kit your order) and suitable for both kids and adults. Even better, there is a large variety when it comes to style and looks so it should be very easy to find a piece that fits with your home decor!

Learn Something New With Kristin

Feature 5 – Diamond Dot Painting

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What is Diamond Dot Painting?

Diamond dot Painting is basically a new version of paint by number. Instead of filling in a canvas using numbered paints, however, you are filling your canvas in using 3d faceted bits of plastic. No, they are not real diamonds. While I am sure you could do this with bits of real gemstones I have a feeling the price would put it out of most of our budgets. Maybe if I win the lottery.

The good news is that the faceted plastic bits are quite shiny. They glitter much more then I expected them too and the effect is very pretty on the finished piece. So real diamonds or not this is a fun craft worth trying out!

What Equipment do I need?

This is a pretty simple craft, everything I needed to complete my picture was provided in the kit I ordered (Just like most paint by number kits). The only thing extra I bought was a frame and I picked that up at the Dollar Tree.

Included in the Kit

• One Pre-printed and numbered Picture Canvas
• One diamond Dot Tray – to keep the faceted plastic organized
• Diamond Dot applicator Tool – to pick up the plastic bits and apply them to the canvas
• a small square of Wax – to help the applicator pick up the plastic
• Bags of numbered Faceted Plastic bits in various colors.

Tools/Items Used outside the Kit

• Scissors – to cut small openings in the bags
• Tape – to keep the extra plastic bits in once I was done with a color
• A Picture Frame – I got mine from the Dollar Tree.

How do you do it?

Diamond dot painting is probably one of the easiest learn something new projects that I have tried so far. In terms of skill level – I let my 6 year old try a part of my picture and she got along just fine. My 10 year old also enjoyed it, however, they only wanted to do it a little bit at a time. This is a craft that kids can do very easily but probably one that should be spread out in small chunks to keep them from getting bored.

Diamond Dot Painting Step 1 – Pick your design

This is silly but this is the step I had the hardest time with. There are just so many pretty designs out there! They range from serious to cartoony, big and little. Some of them fill the entire canvas with the faceted plastic others only select portions. I picked up my print on Amazon.

If you are planning to try this craft prepare yourself for a few hours of scrolling through different options and trying to narrow down your favorites. I was stuck between a peacock, a 4 seasons print, and a cute little owl. In the end, the cute little owl won out for a couple of reasons.

1. It was a smaller print – This not only meant it was cheaper but also that it was unlikely to take a lot of time if I didn’t enjoy it.
2. It was Blue and Orange – Hello blog colors! Was I thinking about the potential for this little goofball to show up as a picture prop from time to time? Yes, yes I was!

Am I happy with my choice? Yes, I quite like how my owl turned out and I’m glad I got the smaller print while the kids were home and my crafting time is limited. Next time, however, I will probably invest in a larger picture. When you are picking your print be sure to keep your working space, room decor and time limits in mind. For reference, it took me about 4 hours spread over a couple of days to complete my little owl which is not a full canvas picture and measures approximately 8 x 12 inches.

Diamond Dot Painting Step 2 – Decide on your plan of approach

I have found that there are two types of people when it comes to these sorts of projects. The type of person who does all of the same color in one go, and, the type of person who goes line by line mixing and matching colors as needed.

I tend to be the first type. I get annoyed if I have to switch colors and supplies endlessly so I open one color at a time and do it all. How you decide to tackle your picture is completely up to you! You only get one tray with your kit however so you might want to look for some extras or a few plastic lids could work in a pinch should you want to mix and match as you go.

Diamond Dot Painting Step 3 – Preparation.

With your plan of attack figured out its time to start ‘painting’. Peel back the plastic coating on your canvas to reveal the sticky part that will hold your faceted plastic in place. I highly advise that you only pull the plastic off of the parts you are working currently working on. Likewise, if you won’t be doing your entire painting in one sitting make sure you keep track of that plastic covering to protect your picture while you store it between sessions. If you DO lose the plastic coating a piece of wax paper set over your picture would probably work.

With your plastic pulled back, pick the color you want to start with and cut a small slit in the top of the bag to open it. I suggest working with a few pieces of plastic at a time, they are small and like to cling to things so having a bunch out at once can get troublesome! The plastic tray they provide to keep them organized is very helpful. Your beads will have two sides to them, one is the faceted side the other is flat. You want the faceted side to face upwards on your painting but sometimes the beads like to sit in the tray upside down. Giving the tray a little shake when this happens generally right them.

Diamond Dot Painting Step 4 – Applying the Faceted Plastic

Now its time to pull out the applicator they have provided you. Dip the applicator tip into the wax and then pick up your plastic bead. The wax helps the applicator pick up your beads of plastic. If at anytime your applicator seems to be having trouble picking up the bits of plastic it likely needs more wax. I had to reapply the wax only a couple of times.

Place your faceted plastic beads on the correctly numbered squares, just like a paint by number repeat until your painting is Finished! If you place a piece in the wrong spot it is possible to use the applicator (or your fingernails) to pick it off so don’t worry! The little bit of plastic can also be pushed around a touch if you place one a bit off center.

If you are doing your painting one color at a time make sure you place your beads on the center of the number printing on the canvas. Placing too many beads off center will result in having a difficult time making room for other colors down the road. Again, if this happens the beads can be pushed around a bit so no worries!

Diamond Dot Painting Step 5 – Frame and Display your Artwork!

Once your painting is completed it’s time to frame it. I suggest removing the glass panel from your frame as the glass seems to dull the shine of your ‘ gemstones. This is also how I framed my Acrylic Pour Paintings. The Dollar Store is a great place to find smaller frames on a budget and I have used them for several projects, including my Faux Stained Glass. Larger pictures might require a bit more searching.

Let me know if you give this a try!