Diamond painting is a relaxing, creative craft that is really popular because it’s so versatile and easy to do. While you may have started diamond painting by completing an all-inclusive diamond painting kit, did you know that there are other diamond painting techniques to explore, that don’t require a kit at all? In this guide, we’ll break down the three essential diamond painting techniques so you can choose the best method for your skill level, get creative with extra drills and tools, and make sure that every diamond painting project is unique and interesting. Each essential diamond painting technique offers a different way to create stunning diamond art, from beginner-friendly projects to fully customized designs.
TECHNIQUE #1: DIAMOND PAINTING WITH AN ALL-INCLUSIVE KIT
Diamond painting kits are the way most dotters are introduced to the craft, and where the love story begins. That’s because kits are really hard to mess up and the success rate is extremely high. There are many reasons why people love diamond painting with a kit, but feeling creative right out of the gate is at the top of the list.
Diamond painting kits include everything you need to create a sparkling piece of art, and the kit options are endless. Canvas diamond painting kits offer a huge variety of themes and skill levels, and smaller kits like diamond painting coasters are favorites because they are quick to finish and fun to put to use when done.
Read our How to Diamond Paint in 12 Easy Steps and learn about the process and key supplies you’ll find in most Diamond Dotz diamond painting kits. You’ll discover many kit options for creativity and relaxation.
Why are diamond painting kits ideal?
- Beginning diamond painters love kits because they are foolproof
- Diamond painting kits include everything you need – there is no guesswork regarding supplies
- There are thousands of themes and skill levels to choose from, keeping advanced diamond painters engaged
- The dotting process is rhythmic, relaxing and satisfying
- There are many creative finishing ideas and easy framing solutions for diamond painting kits
TECHNIQUE #2: FREESTYLE DIAMOND PAINTING
Freestyle diamond painting is a technique that is done without a kit. Freestyle diamond painting allows you to get really creative and personalize projects with the Dotz drill colors and designs of your choice. You can embellish a wide variety of surfaces with Freestyle diamond painting – think fashion, jewelry, shoes, fabric and home décor accessories.
The diamond painting tools you’ll need are the same as those found in a diamond painting kit – the diamond painting pen, wax, and tray. These supplies, combined with sparkling Dotz drills and Dotz Stick brush-on adhesive are all you need. In fact, Freestyle diamond painting is an excellent way to use leftover drills and tools from diamond painting kits (so make sure you keep them!).
The main difference between diamond painting with a kit vs. Freestyle diamond painting comes down to structure versus creativity. Kits provide a guided experience while Freestyle projects offer complete artistic freedom. Need some inspiration? Check out these top Freestyle diamond painting projects.
When is Freestyle diamond painting ideal?
- To use extra diamond drills
- To customize the surface of your choice with bespoke designs and colors
- To personalize projects with names, initials or messages
- To dazzle all kinds of dimensional surfaces with all-over sparkle
- To get really creative and go beyond the kit
TECHNIQUE #3: CHARTED DIAMOND PAINTING ON CUSTOM SURFACES
The third essential diamond painting technique is a hybrid of the first two, as it combines elements of each. When you diamond paint following a charted pattern, you are following a set design (the pattern) but you are applying it to a sandwich adhesive or a gridded adhesive fabric. Once the pattern is complete on either the adhesive or the gridded fabric, the finished sparkling piece of art can then be applied to the surface of your choice. So the process of dotting is the same as with a kit, but the final application is more flexible.
Take a look at our full library of downloadable charted patterns and let those creative juices flow. We’ve provided a lot of ideas for you – cell phone cases, greeting cards, decorative boxes, notebooks, zipper pouches and more.
When is using a diamond painting chart ideal?
- If you want to customize a surface with diamond painting but you need help with the design
- If you want variety with the surface that you can apply your diamond art on to
- If you want to use extra diamond drills
- If you want to create names, initials or messages with a charted alphabet pattern
TIPS FOR SUCCESS: ALL DIAMOND PAINTING TECHNIQUES
Regardless of which of the three essential diamond painting techniques you’re using, you’ll want to make sure your workspace setup is efficient and that you’ve got your diamond drills organized before you begin. Choose the right diamond painting tools and have plenty on-hand – you’ll reach for the same key supplies time and time again, regardless of which technique you use.
No matter which diamond painting technique you choose, each one offers a rewarding way to unwind, express creativity, and create something clever. From easy-to-use kits to completely custom Freestyle designs, there’s a perfect approach for you. Ready to get started? Explore our collection of premium Diamond Dotz diamond painting kits and Freestyle gems, tools and accessories and add some variety to your next diamond painting project. You’ll have a blast seeing how fun and versatile diamond painting can be!