Diamonds are my new best friend
6.5.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Creating art with these diamonds is said to transport you to a fifth dimension. And that’s exactly what happened: Diamond Dotz drew me in and never let go.
It’s been all over my social media feeds recently. Pictures and videos of people sharing the progress of their paint-by-numbers designs and proudly presenting the finished works of art. These are no ordinary drawings, but rhinestone-studded, kitschy mosaic motifs for framing. I’m equally fascinated and bemused.
Diamond Dotz describes Diamond Painting as «relaxing, fun, addictive». There must be something about it. Because the hobby artist’s Instagram stories seem as if they’re pretty obsessed with it. No wonder: the Diamond Painting Club claims «5D Diamond Painting» is attributed to relieving anxiety and stress as well as increasing concentration. I’ve no idea how it’s five dimensional. But less stress and more relaxation sounds good! I decide to give it a try.
Kitsch please!
Apart from the big wave off Kanagawa, most of the designs are so cheesy I immediately have to turn on Careless Whisper. Softly drawn tiger cubs, smiling koala bears and graceful horse portraits. All waiting to be studded with diamonds. For once, the choice is actually a little agonising. Do I opt for the majestic jaguar that’s staring straight into my soul? Or rather for the two wolves lingering between sunshine and a full moon in a Photoshop blend, while Hedwig, the owl from Harry Potter, glides over their heads. I can’t decide, so I let the fate of coin toss decide for me. It’s tails – so I take the jaguar.
The entire set includes a design canvas, an applicator, a tray, wax and the diamonds. Apparently that’s all I need to create my first 5D mosaic picture.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting-by-numbers for fine motor skills
When I unravel it, I notice that the canvas shows a different image section than the preview image. Strange.
I try not to let it bother me and take a closer look at the set. I then realise the challenge of diamond painting isn’t for the brain, but for your fine motor skills. Unlike standard paint-by-numbers, you can clearly see the design from the very start because it’s printed on the canvas in colour. On top of the picture there’s a grid with symbols, each symbol has a diamond colour. This makes it very easy to place the rhinestones in the right place. The supposed rhinestones aren’t cut glass diamonds, but plastic diamonds. At a price of 10 francs, I shouldn’t have been surprised. The diamonds aren’t quite as shiny as I had hoped.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Decipher symbols like a spy and set diamonds like a goldsmith
I peel the protective film off the still heavily rippled canvas and finally understand how the diamonds stick to the design. It has an adhesive layer which the diamonds are stuck on to. At the top left side of the design there’s a table with cryptic symbols and numbers. This guides me to the correct bag of diamonds for the respective symbol. Now I just have to decide on the first symbol.
I’ll start with the symbol «a». I open the bag and empty the rhinestones into the green bowl and shake it until most of the diamonds have turned and are lying with their facets facing upwards. I press the applicator into the sticky wax, pick up the first stone and place it on the canvas.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Watch out for the diamond rush
It’s a slow start. It takes me a moment to find the right bags and to carefully tip the diamonds back in. To make my life easier, I put the bags in a box in ascending numerical order and make myself a funnel out of paper, which I use to pour the diamonds without losing them. Now the fun begins. Setting the rhinestones is incredibly satisfying and I’m beginning to understand the joy of it. But it’s not just the satisfaction of setting a sparkly diamond, I’m driven to finish the motif as quickly as possible too. It feels like Diamond Dotz has cast a spell over me.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Relaxing, fun, addictive – diamonds almost have it all
Diamond painting is said to reduce stress. Can’t say I’ve noticed this, at least not in the long term. But I was definitely able to relax and my concentration was surprisingly high while completing it. The fun factor increased over time which I was unsure of at the beginning. To say that this form of art has taken me into new spheres would be an exaggeration. But the fact is, setting diamonds made me forget where I was to some extent. And I have to admit, placing the last stone was like the end of the first season in a great TV series. I feel lost without it. Now I really want to do another one. Don’t tell me I’m addicted?!
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
If you’ve any other ideas on how to reach the fifth dimension, post them in the comments!
In a nutshell
Potentially addictive
This paint-by-numbers method surprised me. To begin with, I struggled to get into a relaxed state when setting the stones. And it’s definitely a matter of taste whether you like the end result. But with a few adjustments, I’ve had fun with Diamond Dotz. There’s definitely a possibility you become addicted. I might even try another design soon.
Pro
- a relaxing pastime
- everything you need is included in the kit
- aplenty diamonds supplied in case a few are lost
Contra
- the design is narrower than shown on the packaging
- very cheesy choice of designs
- dimensions 40×30cm including border. The jaguar is only 35×25cm in size
Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.