Diamond Painting

Back in 2020, I picked up a new hobby while we were all in lockdown. Why did I pick up a new hobby when I already have so many? Because I burned myself out on spinning, knitting and crocheting, but it did keep me sane for a while. We'll talk about that another day though.

My first big diamond painting. This one was finished January 1, 2021

That new hobby was diamond painting. If you somehow haven't managed to hear about diamond painting, a good way to think about it is cross stitch meets paint by number with sparkles! You have a canvas with adhesive (either poured glue or double sided tape) with the symbols right on the canvas. The drills, or diamonds, can be either round or square in shape and come in bags with the number on them. You have a key that will tell you which color is which symbol and then you can go to town and start working.

I heard about it because YouTube suggested that I might like a video about diamond painting and after watching it, I figured, why not? And promptly ordered a small one from Amazon. I think I finished that one in 3 or 4 days.

A close up of the canvas. Most of the time you don't have similar symbols next to each other. I was just lucky.

And a new addiction hobby was acquired.

Are there currently about 26-27 in my stash and 5 of them currently in progress at the same time? Yes. Have I only actually completed 6 of them and given of those away? Also yes.

Flower Delivery v2 by Yuumei Art from Diamond Art Club

This is the current active WIP that I am working on. It is 27.6" by 40.2" (70cm by 102cm) with square drills with 82 colors and it has a total of 114,929 diamonds (drills). 

I work from the top to the bottom and keep the bottom of the canvas rolled up and in my lap or hanging off the desk, depending on where I am working on it. Occasionally, I will work on the very top upside down so it is a little bit closer to me. I used a light board under the canvas and I have an overhead lamp as well. This is my set up in the craft room where I diamond paint most often.

I'm hoping to get this one finished in the next 2 or so months then finish up one or two too the other WIPs before I start a more recently purchase. I make no guarantees.

Where has the time gone?

I feel like I should be brushing off about 10 inches of dust from my blog with how long it has been. But here's hoping that I can get back into a regular schedule of posting. So much has happened since my last post so here is a little bit of a recap before getting to the fun stuff.

First of all, I have a new job! Which I'm still trying to wrap my head around because I was at my last job for so long. July 2011 to be more exact. And I'm going to be super honest here, it was well past time for me to have left. It was turning into a toxic work environment and I hadn't been happy for a while, but I just kept pushing through. I'm still settling into my new job as I've been there for almost a month as of today, but I'm already liking it so much more.

Second, I have moved! Back in October 2020, I moved in with my boyfriend. Moving during the pandemic was an adventure, but everything made it just fine. I now have a craft room! I do share it with him as he build Gunpla models. They are really impressive.

Third, we had to put Tangie down back in August due to health issues. She had been my best cuddle buddy and there for me for almost 14 years. It was not an easy decision, but it was the best decision for her. We still miss her.

Fourth, meet Tito. He is adorable, completely nuts and absurdly long. We love him so much.

Five, there are new hobbies coming. Be prepared! Here is a little preview of old and new hobbies that have been happening.