How to Travel with Diamond Paintings

Chances are, heading home at the end of a long day, you can’t wait to settle in and work on your current diamond painting project. But what if you didn’t have to wait? While you might usually diamond paint at your dining room table or in your craft room, diamond art is a craft you can take with you wherever you go. Whether you’re taking a vacation and considering tucking your diamond painting canvas in your carry-on, thinking about working on diamond art during your lunch break, or just ready for a change of scenery and thinking about crafting at a local library or coffee shop, it’s possible to take your current work in progress (WIP) just about anywhere. The key is ensuring that you don’t damage your artwork in the process.

With the right accessories and preparation, you can travel safely with your kit and complete stunning works of art while on the go. Keep reading to discover some helpful diamond painting tips from the experts right here at Diamond Art Club®! By the time you finish, you’ll be ready to take your work in progress on your next trip — whether it’s down the street to your favorite coffee shop or around the world for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Bring Your Own Light

Every diamond painter knows having adequate light is a must, and you likely have a well-lit spot set up in your home. When traveling, though, you may not always have easy access to the light you need to work on your WIP. Hotel rooms are often dark, and finding adequate natural light can be tricky. That’s why we recommend traveling with your own diamond art light pad. Lightweight and compact, light pads won’t take up much space in your luggage or make them heavy. You can even fit one in a carry-on bag! And since they light the canvas from underneath rather than shining a light from above, they don’t bother other people around you. If you only listen to one travel tip from this article, choose to bring a light pad with you when you travel. 

Invest in Spill-Proof Containers

If you plan on taking your diamond art on the go, buying spill-proof storage containers for your diamond drills should be another of your top priorities. Zippered baggies, cardboard storage boxes, and other DIY solutions you usually use are fine for when you are at home. But when you’re traveling, you need something a bit more secure. Look for spill-proof vials with screw-on caps to prevent any accidental spills in your bag. 

When kitting up and filling your containers, remember to screw those lids on tightly! There’s nothing worse than accidentally spilling all of your diamond drills while on vacation and not having enough to complete a finished diamond painting. 

Carry Your Canvas in a Puzzle Carrier

Transporting a partially completed diamond painting is tricky. Fortunately, puzzle carriers make the job much easier — especially for larger canvases. These carriers are designed to store and protect jigsaw puzzles, but they are also perfect for diamond art canvases. They come in a few different styles–however, the ones featuring a roll-up mat and an inflatable tube work best. 

Place your canvas on the mat with the diamond painting drills facing outward. Don’t forget to make sure the protective cover is in place! Then, carefully roll up the mat and secure it with straps or rubber bands. Rolling your canvas up in a puzzle carrier is a great way to prevent creases and other forms of damage.

Consider Purchasing an Artist Portfolio with Pockets

Source: Olga Popova/Shutterstock.com

Puzzle carriers are great for transporting diamond art canvases, but they don’t leave room for much else. If you are looking for something to hold your canvas, light pad, and the diamond art tools needed for completing it on the road, consider buying an artist portfolio with pockets. 

The main compartments of an art portfolio case are perfect for holding and protecting your work in progress as well as your light pad. Additionally, the extra pockets work great for holding drill pens, tweezers, extra wax, and other accessories. Depending on the size and style of the portfolio, it may even be roomy enough to hold your diamond organizer. 

Most artist portfolios are waterproof or water-resistant and can protect your artwork from the elements. They might be pricey, but if you travel regularly or plan on taking your diamond painting back and forth to work, a high-quality portfolio is worth the investment! 

Ensure You Have All the Necessary Diamond Art Tools You Need Before You Head Out

Pack a Small Kit

If your current work in progress is a large canvas, consider starting a smaller one for when you’re on the go. The bigger the diamond painting kit, the more challenging it will be to carry around with you. It’s also difficult to find space to work on large diamond paintings in cars, planes, or cramped hotel rooms. In addition to dealing with the oversized canvas itself, you’ll need to carry more diamond drills and diamond painting tools. Besides small canvas kits, diamond painting card sets and stickers are also ideal for crafting on the go. These compact and portable options allow you to enjoy your creative pursuits wherever you are and ensures that you can add a touch of sparkle to your day, even when you're out and about. You can save yourself a lot of hassle by packing a smaller kit to work on when away from home. 

Also, remember that accidents can happen no matter how careful you are. From spilled coffee to lost luggage, all sorts of mishaps could befall your latest project while you are on the road. By sticking with a smaller diamond painting when crafting away from home, the potential loss is much less significant. It’s also a lot easier to cope with losing a project you’ve only spent a few hours on than one you’ve been working on for months! And, of course, losing a small kit also has less of a financial impact than losing a large one.

Don’t Spend Your Entire Vacation Diamond Painting

We get it — diamond painting is a fun and addicting hobby. But don’t get so caught up in your project that you forget to have other types of fun while on vacation! Put your diamond placer down, take in the landscape, participate in activities, and engage in new experiences. We promise your diamond painting will still be waiting for you when you’re finished! 

Happy Travels!

Diamond painting, the latest twist on paint-by-number kits, isn’t just an at-home activity anymore! Whether you’re going on vacation, traveling for work, or thinking about working on your current project during your lunch break, the hacks above will make traveling with diamond painting a breeze! From beginners to seasoned diamond painting pros, anyone can enjoy diamond painting on the go with a little thoughtful preparation.

Header Image Source: Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock.com