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Like many people cocooned at home during this COVID-19 pan-
demic, I struggled with ideas to occupy my time. Hi, I’m Lee Ann
Koppel. A resident at The Club since March 2007, I’m going to
share with you the stress-relieving hobby I found to which I be-
came quickly addicted. This craft has been around since 2010 in
Asia and Europe but only became popular in the U.S. during the
last 3 years. It is called Diamond Painting.

Diamond Painting originated in China. It is described as a combi-
nation of cross-stitch and paint-by-number. I discovered this hob-
by on Facebook and since I have experience with counted cross-stitch, I thought I would try it.
In Diamond Painting, an applicator is used to apply faceted resin rhinestones, one-by-one, to an
adhesive color-coded canvas painting. The result is a mosaic art form that sparkles and shines.

There are a huge variety of kits available in Diamond Painting. You can choose from thou-
sands of canvases that cover almost every theme imaginable including animals, landscapes, fa-
mous paintings, abstracts, inspirational scenes, religious pieces, flowers, fantasy, Disney and
more. You can even have personal photos made into Diamond Paintings. The kits include eve-
rything you need: canvas, rhinestones, and applicators. The resin rhinestones are tiny, about
2.8 mm square. I find using tweezers and a lighted magnifying glass is most helpful in placing
the rhinestones on the canvas. The canvases also come in a variety of sizes, so you can start
small to see if you enjoy the craft. The finished art piece is suitable for framing and can be en-
joyed by all.

Flowers are my favorite subject, although I have done landscapes, mandalas, and exotic sub-
jects. I have completed over twenty canvases and have given some of them away to friends
who have admired them. I have also begun to do some requested paintings as gifts.

Beyond paintings, Diamond Painting has been adapted to other mediums as well. You can now
Diamond Paint key chains, bookmarks, book covers, purses, greeting cards, ornaments, shop-
ping bags, decorator items and more. The craft continues to grow.

I have primarily enjoyed Diamond Painting because it is relaxing and relieves anxiety. That is
important during these trying times. Placing the diamonds on the canvas is calming and

February 2022 Page 27