Diamond Painting Starter Checklist

1. Gather your supplies

• A diamond painting kit, which includes the sticky canvas, gems (called drills), a tray, wax, and an applicator pen
• Good lighting, ideally a bright lamp or a light pad, so the tiny symbols and gems are easy to see
• A clear, comfortable table or lap desk where you can leave your work set up
• A little patience and a quiet spot, since this is a slow, soothing craft you enjoy a bit at a time

2. Your first project

3. Your first month, step by step

• Week 1: Pick up a small, simple beginner kit and set up a comfortable, well-lit spot. Peel back just a corner of the cover film and place your first row of gems to get the feel of the pen and wax.
• Week 2: Work a little each day, peeling back only a small section of film at a time. Practice pressing each gem down firmly so it sticks, and try a roller tool to flatten your finished rows.
• Week 3: Try placing several gems at once with a multi-placer, and focus on keeping your rows neat and straight. Organize your leftover drills into labeled containers as you go.
• Week 4: Finish your first small canvas, then seal it to lock the gems in place. Frame it or stand it on a shelf, and choose a slightly larger design for your next project.

4. Mistakes to avoid

• Peeling all of the cover film off at once, which lets the sticky canvas collect dust and lose its grip before you finish
• Not pressing the drills down firmly, so gems pop off or sit crooked later on
• Working in poor light, which strains your eyes and makes the tiny symbols hard to read
• Setting drinks or crumbs near the canvas, since dust and moisture ruin the sticky surface
• Starting with a huge, highly detailed canvas that feels overwhelming instead of a small, simple first kit
• Skipping the final sealing step, so gems loosen and fall off over time