Our friends over at Leisure Arts have just launched a new product this month. They asked us if we would be interested in doing a review and we agreed. Katelyn and I both got a kit and started in on our new projects. Learn more about Diamond Art and about her experience with Katelyn.
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Why work with Diamond Art:
Recently we talked about using your stitching for meditation. We are mostly aware that it is good practice for us to take a moment to rest but we don’t always follow our own advice. Along with thinking about taking a break for our bodies and minds we should consider how often we are using our hands in those repetitive motions while stitching. Another known is that when you do the same motion over and over you are more likely to get carpal tunnel, and nobody wants that. One of the ways that you can try to avoid that it to put your stitching down every now
and then.
I know “shame on me” for even mentioning such a horrible thing! The reality is that if we want to work our craft for a long time without discomfort we should consider taking a break every now and then. I will FULLY admit that it is easier said then done with my pile of WIPs and wish list increasing by the day. Leisure Arts has just launched a new product, Diamond Art, that can help us craft while not stitching.
After using my kit I found it to be very relaxing. It is a mix of paint by number and cross stitch. You do need to follow a pattern and the boxes are little, for those with weak eyesight you will need some type of magnifier. This is not something that I can easily do with my kids, as they are very young, but I could see getting some kits and doing it with my friends. Portability in a project is important to me. I need to be able to stop and start depending on what is going on. Since this comes with a protective film it is easy to work on one color, stop and pick up another color later in the day or week.
Within the collection there are small and large project kits. This would make a great holiday gift for any crafter.
What is Diamond Art:
Diamond Art is like color by number that you might have done with a kid, but now you work with colored diamonds. You may have seen some versions of Diamond Art on the market but it isn’t the same as what Leisure Arts is offering. You will notice that the Leisure Art kits have a greater sparkle to them. This is because they are using 13 faceted diamonds for their high quality color printed fabric. Although you work the project on a canvas there are many things that you can do with your finished piece. Fashioning your own shimmering tapestry to decorate your wall, adhere to a canvas bag, pillow or more!
There are three different difficulty levels that you can pick from. With easy to follow instructions, this product is fun for everyone! You can work with project on your own, or purchase extra tools to have your family or friends join you.
What is in the kit:
Inside of your kit you will find everything that you need. The only thing extra to purchase is a frame, or other materials to finish off your project. If you want to work on your canvas with multiple people you will need to purchase extra stylists since the kit only comes with one.
Your kit will have the canvas that you selected. With a plastic paper on the front to protect the sticky sections you will be able to start and stop your project as you have time and take it with you to finish in another location.
Diamonds are the main component of the kit and they are separated and marked by color. Each bag contains enough diamonds for you to finish the project. In order to make it easier to place the diamonds you will also find a stylish, with optional grip, wax and a tray. The tray in your kit is designed to help the diamonds lay to easily pick them up. Using the stylist with some wax, included in your kit, you can pick up the diamonds to transfer them to your canvas.
I got tendonitis from knitting too much once. I ended up in physical therapy, having to wear 3 different braces over the course of several months, & finally getting a cortisone shot. I was not able to knit at all for over 3 months & it was HORRIBLE. Varying the activity definitely makes sense.
I like the idea of putting the finished art on a canvas bag….maybe to hold knitting!
So sorry to hear about your troubles. No one wants to be told that they can’t do the craft that they love. Glad to hear that you are feeling better.