A DIY home decoration with Paint by Numbers and Diamond Painting

Do you want to have fun, relax, and forget about daily stress while creating your own DIY home decor? If you are out of ideas, consider giving paint by numbers or diamond painting a try. These are two creative art concepts that do not require any prior knowledge. All you need is a kit to awaken the creative genius within you.

The Concept of Paint by Numbers

Paint by numbers is a creative art form accessible to both children and adults. Considered a separate artistic style, paint by numbers is both an artistic method and a creative hobby. This type of art and creative hobby involves painting a work on a pre-printed canvas. The canvas is divided into several numbered zones or squares to color. The principle of paint by numbers is easy to understand, and you can usually select adult paint by number kits with 3 difficulty levels (easy, intermediate, advanced) according to your current skills level and the complexity of the design.

To create a work of art with paint by numbers, you simply paint each numbered zone on the canvas. According to the principle of this artistic style, each number corresponds to a color. This allows you to paint as many canvases as you desire to create an interesting paint by numbers collection.

The History of Paint by Numbers

Paint by numbers first appeared in the 1950s in the United States. This artistic concept quickly gained popularity thanks to Dan Robbins, an artist who worked for the Palmer Show Card Paint Co. Paint by numbers was even adopted by the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci, who was the precursor and the first artist to model the technique of this art. Since then, several kits have been developed for adults to create works of art in a fun way. It was later that kits adapted for children were designed to allow them to express their creative side as well.

The Advantages of Paint by Numbers

Paint by numbers is a fun hobby with numerous benefits. It helps develop patience and precision as you practice. To have an exceptional work of art at the end of your project, you must paint each zone with precision, focusing on one color at a time while remaining calm and serene.

Paint by numbers helps discover and develop artistic sensibilities. Thanks to this type of art, children, in particular, learn about color combinations. It also helps associate numbers and colors, developing dexterity, creativity, and organizational skills. Paint by numbers allows you to access pictorial art and enjoy a worthwhile distraction. Finally, practicing paint by numbers boosts your self-confidence because it helps you overcome certain complexes.

How to Choose Your Paint by Numbers Kit?

To start painting by numbers, you need a kit. To choose the right kit, consider the following criteria:

  • The support: You’ll need a support, which can be paper, canvas, cardboard, or wood. For beginners, paper is the recommended support.
  • Brushes: Choose brushes according to your preference. On the market, you will find kits with natural, synthetic, Kevrin, or sable hair brushes. You will also find soft or hard, flat, round, and fan-shaped brushes.
  • Type of paint: Whether you are a beginner or experienced in paint by numbers, you must choose between acrylic, oil, or watercolor paints. Acrylic paint can be applied to all types of support.

Starting Paint by Numbers Activity

One of the unique features of paint by numbers is that it does not require prior artistic knowledge. Anyone can start by simply purchasing a paint by numbers kit. Once you have your kit, gather all the materials you need (paints, brushes, canvas, etc.), and start painting the numbered zones on the chosen canvas, respecting the correspondence between colors and numbers.

With this type of art, you have the freedom to proceed, as you like. However, it is advised to paint in ascending order of the numbers on the canvas. You also have the option to paint the dark colors first, then the light colors, or vice versa.

The concept of diamond painting

Diamond Painting, also known as Diamond Art is a unique form of artistic painting characterized by its mosaic art form. It involves creating a frame by attaching small resin rhinestones. Each tiny sparkling diamond corresponds to a symbol on the canvas and represents a DMC color code.

Diamond Art is as simple and easy to understand for children and adults as paint by numbers. Like paint by numbers, no prior knowledge or experience is needed to start diamond painting. All you need is a kit to unleash your creative genius and become hooked on this artistic painting. Unique in its kind, diamond painting is a creative pastime that may seem complex, even intimidating at first. But after one try, you might make it your favorite hobby because it offers many benefits.

The origin of diamond painting

Diamond painting is a form of artistic painting that first appeared in 2015. Creative and combining relaxation and entertainment, diamond painting is a concept that was first launched in China. The concept was then exported to Russia and the United States. Over time, the concept has undergone significant improvements to become what it is today.

The strengths of diamond painting

Diamond painting is a fun activity with several benefits. It helps you forget all the stress caused by everyday hassles. It is a constraint-free, entertaining, and relaxing artistic activity. For adults, diamond embroidery is the perfect activity to get rid of anxiety by focusing on something else. Diamond painting also helps develop your creativity, dexterity, and concentration. Indeed, this form of artistic expression requires attention when you start. Moreover, diamond embroidery develops your motor skills and memory.

How to choose your diamond painting kit?

Diamond painting kits are sold in both physical and online art and craft stores as they are accessible to everyone. If you are looking for a reliable diamond painting brand, you can find one here.

When choosing your kit, you need to consider a few essential criteria. The first criterion to consider is the shape of the rhinestone. Diamond embroidery is done on a round or square rhinestone. For each shape of the rhinestone, you need a diamond shape. For a square rhinestone, you need square diamonds and round diamonds for a round rhinestone.

The second criterion to consider is the type and size of the canvas. On the market, there are plastic canvases that are very affordable because they are of low quality. The second type of canvas is made of fabric. Its quality is impeccable, but its cost is high. As for size, you have the freedom to choose the one that suits you since canvases are available in several dimensions. Finally, check if the essential elements are included in the kit. If everything you need is there, you can buy it and put your creative genius to work.

Getting started in diamond painting

Practicing diamond painting requires suitable materials and some effort on your part. After obtaining the kit, you must set up a space and take time to study the symbols printed on the canvas. After this study time, you can start working. But first, pour all the diamonds into your tray and shake them so that they face upwards.

  • Lay out your canvas

At this stage, you must flatten the canvas to prevent it from creasing. You must also remove part of the protective film.

  • Pick up the diamonds and stick them to the canvas

Here, you must remove the wax covering on each diamond and fill the tip by dipping your stylus in the glue pot. After that, you can stick the diamonds to the canvas, following the corresponding symbols.

At this stage, avoid pressing too hard on the diamonds so as not to displace the adjacent diamonds. Make sure to place them correctly, following the pattern and color code provided. As you progress, you will become more adept at picking up and placing the diamonds.

  • Seal the finished work

Once you have completed your diamond painting, you will want to seal it to protect your work and ensure the diamonds remain in place. Apply a coat of sealant over the entire painting, and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Frame your diamond painting

After the sealant has dried, you can frame your finished diamond painting. Choose a frame that complements your artwork and fits the size of the canvas. Carefully mount the painting in the frame and make sure it is properly aligned and secured.

  • Display and enjoy your masterpiece

Finally, find the perfect spot in your home to display your diamond painting. Hang it on the wall or place it on a shelf where you can admire your work and share it with friends and family.

In conclusion, diamond painting is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that offers relaxation, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. With the right kits and some patience, you can create stunning DIY works of art to decorate your home while spending a good time.

Posted by Maya

Maja Markovski is an architect and the founder of ArchitectureArtDesigns.com, a leading platform dedicated to inspiring creativity and innovation in architecture and design. Through insightful, well-researched content, Maja aims to foster a deeper understanding of how architecture and design shape the world, offering both practical advice and thought-provoking artistic perspectives for professionals, students, and design enthusiasts.