What to Do with Leftover Diamond Painting Beads: 9 Creative Ideas

You’ve probably noticed that once you’ve completed a few diamond painting projects, you’ve also gathered a stockpile of extra beads. You don’t want to throw them out because it feels like a waste, but you’re also not totally sure what to do with them. 

Don’t worry. We understand the feeling. You can certainly hang on to your extra beads in case you need more of a specific-colored gem in the future — but, instead of tucking them away and waiting for the day to come when you are short on a few beads, why not turn them into an entirely new project or craft altogether? Check out some of our favorite ideas for what to do with extra beads from diamond painting kits and learn how you can put those diamond painting accessories to good use in other ways.

@notsoartsyjane My least fave! Did I finish kitting down? NOPE!✨ #diamondpainting #diamondartclub #diamondart ♬ original sound - 𝓝𝓸𝓽𝓼𝓸𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼𝔂𝓳𝓪𝓷𝓮✨

1. Make Beads-in-a-Bottle Crafts

Remember that children’s craft called sand art? The idea was to pour different colored sand into a uniquely shaped bottle to create an interesting pattern. Well, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this arts and crafts project! And guess what? You also don’t need sand to create the same effect. Leftover beads are way more fun than sand, anyway. 

Grab your stash of extra diamond painting beads and organize them by color (if they’re not already). You only really have to do this with the colors that you’re planning to use in this project, but it will make things easier in the future if you’re planning to use your beads for even more crafts. Once the colors are sorted, find a bottle or a jar that you want to use and begin to pour your beads into the container in layers. Keeping the same colored beads together will create an interesting design, particularly if you vary the thickness of each colored section. You can also tip the container slowly as you pour to add curves to your layers! 

2. Create Ornaments

There’s nothing quite as special as a handmade ornament, and creating Christmas ornaments with leftover diamond painting drills is a fantastic way to add sparkle to your Christmas tree. You can give them as presents or make them with your children as a fun Christmas tradition. Leftover diamond painting beads are the perfect material for unleashing your creativity when crafting ornaments. 

For an easy craft, you can purchase hollow ornaments with pop-off tops. Pour your selection of diamond beads into the ornament, and you’ve got a brand-new, sparkly decoration for your tree. Another way to get creative with your ornaments is to use your extra beads and diamond painting accessories (like a diamond painting pen) to create patterns, spell names or add some extra flair to them. Just be sure to use wood glue on wood ornaments and a strong craft adhesive, like e6000, for plastic ones or fabric. For a unique twist, transform clear plastic ornaments into miniature snow globes by adding diamond drills as “snow” and small figurines or decorations inside.

3. Use Needlepoint Patterns as New, Smaller Canvases

For diamond painters with old needlepoint patterns lying around the house, you can turn your old stitching grids into a new diamond painting pattern. Needlepoint grids and diamond art canvases are very similar, and both use the DMC color coding system. So, if you are using thread in color #123, your drills in color #123 from Diamond Art Club® will be a direct match.  Make sure you have several different colors of leftover diamond painting drills before beginning, then use your diamond painting accessories and strong craft glue to apply the beads directly to the pattern. When you’re finished, put it in a frame and add it to your home decor!

4. Spice Up Your Accessories and Decorative Items

If you’re the kind of person who loves to add a little sparkle or glitter to your belongings, then you’ve got endless possibilities for what you can do with your extra diamond beads. Have an old pair of white sneakers? Glue some diamond beads to them. What about a plain wooden sign hanging in your home? Add diamond beads! You could even use your spare diamonds to decorate your phone case, pencil cup or coasters. For coasters with pre-made designs, check out our new diamond painting coasters!

Let your imagination run wild with this crafting idea and come up with an item to bling out. Find a plain belt and glue diamond beads in a unique pattern. Jazz up your home or apartment with wall decorations made from your leftover diamond beads. Add sparkle to any holiday with beaded stockings on the fireplace, shimmering orange jack-o-lanterns on your porch, or dazzling Easter eggs on your table.

5. Donate Extra Beads to a Nearby School

Maybe you’re not interested in re-crafting your extra diamond beads, or maybe your collection of leftovers is large and you’re just looking for a way to downsize. If that’s the case, consider donating them to a school or daycare in the area. Teachers are always looking for more materials to incorporate into the classroom, whether for art class, recess or a planned lesson. This is a great way to give your extra beads to someone who will make good use of them.

6. Embellish Photo Frames

Give new life to plain picture frames using your leftover drills. Use your diamond painting tools to apply drills in patterns or create a full-coverage design. This project works well for wooden or plastic frames. Create themed frames for holidays or match room decor by selecting complementary colors. You can even spell out words or names using different colored drills for a personalized touch. These embellished frames make great gifts and add a special sparkle to your favorite photos. Diamond Art Club® now has a line of kits called Frameables™ that come with the frame included and there’s nothing to stop you from adding your extra beads to them as well!

7. Design Custom Greeting Cards

Put your diamond painting skills to work by creating one-of-a-kind greeting cards. Start with blank cards or our diamond painting cards and apply leftover drills in various designs with your diamond painting pen. Create simple patterns, spell out messages or craft miniature scenes. This is an excellent way to use up smaller quantities of different colors. Your handmade cards will really stand out on birthdays, holidays or any special occasion. This DIY project is perfect for beginners looking to practice their diamond placement skills on a smaller scale.

8. Try Diamond Painting Nail Art

For a fun twist on your typical manicure, use your leftover drills to create dazzling nail art. Apply a base coat of nail polish and then use tweezers or your diamond painting tool to place individual drills on your nails. Seal with a clear top coat for long-lasting sparkle. This micro-version of diamond painting is perfect for those who love to have art at their fingertips — literally!

9. Transform Plain Flower Pots into Dazzling Planters

Bring new life to your garden or indoor plants by decorating plain flower pots with leftover diamond painting drills. Start with terracotta or plastic pots in any size. Clean the surface thoroughly and apply a base coat of paint if desired. Use your diamond painting tools to create patterns, spell out plant names or cover the entire pot in a mosaic of colorful drills. For outdoor pots, seal your design with a weatherproof clear coat to protect it from the elements. This project allows you to use various colors and create unique, eye-catching planters that showcase your diamond painting skills alongside your green thumb.

@diamondartclub As easy as - dip, place, sparkle and repeat! ✨ #diamondpainting #diamondartclub #diamondpaintingaddict #asmr ♬ original sound - DiamondArtClub

Watch Your Creativity Soar  with a Project from Diamond Art Club®

There really are limitless ways to repurpose extra beads from your diamond art projects. Try out one of the ideas listed above or use them as inspiration for something entirely different and unique. And if you’re looking for more diamond art painting projects, you’ve come to the right place. Diamond Art Club® offers a wide variety of painting options in different subjects like nature, fantasy and holidays like Christmas and Halloween. We also offer diamond painting accessories in case you need to invest in new tools to take your crafting to the next level.