My First Diamond Art Kit: Easier Than I Thought

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sihyen sent me the snowman suncatcher kit to try (gifted). Every word about it is my own.

Crafts · Christmas · My First Try

I opened this snowman suncatcher kit and honestly? I felt a little intimidated.

So. Many. Dots. Hundreds of tiny numbered circles, and a bag of beads that looked like they would roll into every corner of my house.

I had never done diamond art before. I almost put it back in the box.

I'm so glad I didn't. Once I got started, it was surprisingly easy. And it turned out to be one of the most relaxing things I've done in a long time.

Here's exactly how it went, step by step, with stills from my video. If you've been eyeing one of these kits and wondering if you can do it: you can.

Watch it come together

Thirty-five seconds, start to sparkle. Turn your sound on for a little Christmas music.

What is diamond art, in plain words?

It's paint-by-number, but with tiny sparkly beads instead of paint. Every spot on the design has a number or letter. Every bead color has a matching number. You pick up a bead with a little pen and press it onto its spot.

That's it. No talent required. Just matching.

How easy it is: my first piece, step by step

Step 1: Open the kit and lay it all out

My kit came with the clear acrylic snowman, bags of beads, a pen, a tray and a chain for hanging. Lay everything on a towel or a soft blanket. If a bead jumps, it won't bounce far.

Step 2: Look at the numbers before you start

This is the part that scared me. Up close, though, it's simple. Each circle has a number. Each bead bag has a number. Find the matches and you're already doing it.

Step 3: Pour one color into the tray

Just one color at a time. Give the tray a gentle shake and the beads flip right side up, shiny side on top.

Step 4: Pick up a bead with the pen and press it on

Touch the pen tip to a bead and it lifts right up. Press it onto the matching number. Then do it again. And again.

This is where it turns relaxing. Your hands are busy, your brain gets quiet, and the picture shows up one dot at a time.

Step 5: Work one section at a time

Finish one color, pour it back, start the next. Peel back the protective film only where you're working, so the rest stays clean.

Step 6: Add the chain and hang it in a window

The whole project took me about two hours. Then I hooked on the chain and hung it where the sun hits.

And look at how it turned out. Just watch it sparkle in the sunlight.

See the snowman suncatcher kit I made →

What I'd tell a first-timer

• Start small. A suncatcher or ornament is the right size for a first try. You finish in one evening and feel proud.

• One color at a time. It keeps the tray simple and the beads from mixing.

• Use a blanket or towel. Beads stay put instead of rolling off the table.

• Give yourself permission to go slow. That's the whole point.

Diamond art I found for next time

I'm already thinking about getting more kits. Here's what I found while looking. I haven't tried these yet. I picked them because they fit the cozy Christmas feel and they're beginner friendly.

A diamond art pen that does the work

An electric pen that picks up beads with a little suction. Great if your hands get tired.

See the electric diamond art pen →

A tool kit to stay organized

Extra pens, trays and sealer in one set, so you're not hunting for a lost pen mid-project.

See the diamond art tool kit →

Christmas ornaments to make with the kids

Small pieces mean quick wins. These would be fun at the kitchen table on a cold night.

See the 6-piece wooden ornament kit →

See the 12-piece hanging ornament kit →

A bigger project for when you're hooked

A 3D Christmas house or a stocking for when you're ready for a few relaxing evenings.

See the 3D Christmas house kit →

See the Christmas stocking kit →

Diamond art gifts

Wine bags and a desk calendar you decorate yourself. Thoughtful gifts for the crafty person on your list.

See the diamond art wine bags →

See the diamond art desk calendar →

Want to see everything in one place? I put every diamond art find on one list.

Shop my All Things Diamond Art list →

The real reason I'm keeping this hobby

Life is busy. Slowing down doesn't come easy for most of us.

These two hours were different. Something fun to focus on while I slowed down for a bit. And something pretty to show for it.

So this is your reminder: make a little time for a little creative project like this. It's okay to slow down.

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