So you’re a first time diamond dotter. Maybe you have your Diamond-Dot Painting design already and are not sure how to proceed. Yes, there are things you should and shouldn’t do. But for the most part it is pretty straight forward.
This is not a difficult craft. It’s therapeutic and wonderful! But to make it a pleasant experience there are a few things we recommend you DO NOT do.
Do Not Remove the Plastic Cover
We are referring to the plastic film that protects the sticky part of the canvas.
Removing all of it in one go will result in a sticky, dirty, messy business. Not only will you have a hard time maneuvering around, but the exposed sticky layer will attract dust and hair. By the time you near the completion of your design (if you haven’t gone into a fit of rage yet) you will find it quite annoying and repulsive when you see the amount of floating grunge that has embedded itself onto your canvas.
Do not remove the whole plastic film. Instead, do your diamond dot painting in sections large enough for you to handle before the dirt starts to get in the way. You can do this by peeling back a small section and dotting that area. Once you are done then you can peel back further and complete that section. Once that area is complete you can either fold the plastic back down or cut away the excess.
Do Not Use An Alternative to the Plastic Film
Let’s say you did not read this article and went on right ahead and ripped that baby off in your extreme excitement. Now what?
You may think wax paper is a good replacement. No. Perhaps cling wrap? Nope. If you haven’t thrown away the plastic film then reapply it as carefully and as straight as possible.
The only possible substitute is the paper used to cover the sticky stuff you use to wrap school books. You can find this in rolls at a stationery shop.
Do Not Combine Colours
Your beads have come in separate bags for a reason. Some beads may look very similar in colour. Trust me. They are not the same colour. The wide range of shades makes it possible for your diamond painting to have that fabulous end result. Sometimes two colours may look the same but they make the world of difference on the design.
Do Not Substitute Colours
The process the design goes through makes sure that the colours are as true to the original picture as it can be. Substituting a colour with another that may be even one shade away could potentially wreck the completed design.
It’s not to say it will definitely not work. We will be happy to assist you in picking a suitable replacement colour for your Diamond-Dot Painting. For assistance just email queries@diamonddotpainting.co.za.
Do Not Fill Your Tray
As tempting as it may be, you might find it a minor setback pouring the entire contents of the packet into the tray. It will be hard to scoop up or pick out a dot with your applicator pen. You won’t be able to line up the diamond dots to use the 3 or 6 dot applicator.
The trick is to gauge the area and tip out just enough to cover it. If it’s a dense area then do it in stages. Bit by bit.
Do Not Roll Your Design Inward
Rolling your design inwards will result in the beads popping off. Roll it outwards to keep the beads intact.
You can slot it back into the box this way if you still have the packaging with you.
These are all suggestions that were learned the hard way. If you have any other lessons you learned the hard way then leave them in the comment section below for all of us to see and apply.
If you are just getting started but don’t want anything that is too intimidating, try one of the designs below. They are great for beginners!
I am staying in Vereeniging where can n buy a kit
You can find the nearest shop or agent that stocks our kits on the Store Locator here: https://diamonddotpainting.co.za/agent-shop-market-locator/
Or you can go to our online shop and purchase kits here: https://diamonddotpainting.co.za/shop/
Hi, I got so frustrated with the pen and wax that I now use the tweezers which is so much better and faster for me. This is my first diamond dot painting but no beginner to following the colour codes. I’m doing the horse one and thoroughly enjoying it.
We are so glad you found a technique that works for you! Please send us a picture of your finished horse. We would love to see it!
Im also a first timer but i find it is better not to dip you’re pen in the wax constantly just every now and again. I made the mistake of removing the whole film guess ill be sitting here for a good couple of hours😱
One of our dotters only uses her wax maybe 6-8 times for a 40×50! Not sure how she manages that. She really makes it stretch. Also removing the cover completely is definitely a no-no. The sticky stuff is glue so it will dry out.
Hi I love diamond dot
Hi Rochelle
We absolutely love hearing this !!
Have a wonderful day
Could you use a snap off blade and cut the plastic film into sections while working instead of this struggle? I use this method and it works just fine.
Yes absolutely whatever works for you , as long as you do not take off the entire plastic film all at once as the glue might dry out or all the dust and hairs will stick to the canvas .