A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THIS SPARKLING CRAFT
If you’ve ever seen a shimmering piece of mosaic art and wondered how it was made, there’s a good chance it was diamond painting. This fun and accessible craft uses tiny resin “diamonds” placed onto a sticky canvas to create colorful, sparkling designs. With layouts similar to paint-by-number and cross-stitch, diamond painting is easy for beginners yet satisfying for experienced crafters. In this post, we’ll explain what diamond painting is, how it works, and why it has become one of the most relaxing and rewarding creative hobbies available today.
WHAT IS DIAMOND PAINTING
Diamond painting is a craft where you apply small, faceted resin “diamonds” to a sticky canvas to form a colorful, shimmering picture. Each canvas is printed with a chart (similar to cross-stitch or paint-by-number), and each symbol corresponds to a drill color. As you place the drills on the canvas, the design gradually comes to life with sparkle and texture.
Seeing is believing: take a look at our unboxing videos and see for yourself what comes in our premium Diamond Dotz diamond painting kits, and how exciting it is to open one up. (It’s kind of like Christmas!)
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A DIAMOND PAINTING KIT
A typical diamond painting kit includes everything you need to complete a project:
- A canvas with the charted colored design printed on it, and coated with adhesive
- Color-coded diamond drills in labeled baggies
- A diamond painting pen
- A tray to hold drills while working
- Wax for the diamond painting pen tip
Some Diamond Dotz specialty diamond painting kits, like the Masterclass luxury diamond painting series, may also include extras like tweezers, multi-placer tips and cylinders for drill storage.
There are many add-on diamond painting accessories you can purchase separately as you build your diamond painting toolkit. Popular choices are a light pad to illuminate the design as you work, or a roller to help press down the finished design when it’s finished. Many diamond painters collect diamond painting pens – there are many styles to choose from and you can never have too many!
HOW DOES DIAMOND PAINTING WORK
The process starts by selecting a section of the canvas and using a tool called a diamond painting pen to pick up the diamond drills one at a time. The pen tip is loaded with wax, which helps it grab and place each diamond precisely on its corresponding symbol. The canvas has a pre-applied adhesive layer, so the drills stick as soon as you place them. Crafters often work section by section until the full image is complete and ready for display. Our 12-step diamond painting tutorial for beginners takes you through the process - it's so easy to get started!
TYPES OF DIAMOND DRILLS (ROUND VS. SQUARE)
There are two primary shapes of diamond drills:
Round drills are easier to pick up and place. They leave small gaps between each gem, but give the finished piece a softer, sparkly look. While round drill kits are great for beginners, the Diamond Dotz collection includes a vast variety of round drill kits in all skill levels.
Square drills fit tightly together like tiles, creating a crisp, detailed image with no gaps. They take more precision but result in a very polished finish. There are many Diamond Dotz square drill kits to choose from.
Both styles are popular, and choosing one depends on your preferences and project goals.
BENEFITS OF DIAMOND PAINTING AS A HOBBY
Diamond painting isn’t just fun—it’s therapeutic. The repetitive motion of placing drills is calming, making it ideal for stress relief and mindfulness. It’s also a low-pressure craft that doesn’t require any artistic skill or prior experience - it's a favorite hobby for all types of crafters. Many enthusiasts enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a sparkling piece of art, and the finished product makes for beautiful home décor or thoughtful handmade gifts.
DIAMOND PAINTING: IT’S TIME TO GET STARTED
Diamond painting is a soothing, joyful activity that lets you create beautiful artwork—no artistic skills required. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a screen-free creative outlet, or a thoughtful gift idea, diamond painting offers a perfect mix of calm, color, and sparkle.
Ready to dive in? Explore our collection of diamond painting kits, tools and accessories and find everything you need to start your first project today.