Tips & Tricks: Large Canvas & Heavy Confetti

[@SagaciousSix]

After each color, I scan the whole section with a magnifying glass with a light on it to make sure I got them all. I hate discovering that I missed one. Great video!

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Wow! That’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss one. I hate it when I miss one too, but like I showed in the video: that’s what I love above glue dots. I can just dip my pen into the container and pull one drill out. Still… have to go find that color again and then I probably find another missing spot later. 🤷‍♀️ Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@kate4121]

I do that too, SagaciousSix. It really helps!

[@breeinatree4811]

Thank you for the info. I appreciate it.

[@LiaLipkovits]

I just got my first big canvas and did not know where to start. Thank you so much for your tips. Now I am looking forward to beginning this painting. You are easy to listen to and very straightforward. I will use your method from here on in. Your piece looks beautiful. Thanks again,🤩

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@LiaLipkovits thank you so much for those wonderful compliments! It means a lot to me to hear that my videos are helping. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck on your large diamond painting! I love large paintings and actually prefer them at this point. I also just finished (finally) the diamond painting in the video too. It looks really cool. Thanks again! And good luck!

[@ericafine5373]

I've been diamond painting for just over 3 years and have watched many KZbin videos. This is one I wish existed back when I was new. Wonderful job! Definitely subscribed! ❤

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you SO much! Your comment means the world to me!

[@ericafine5373]

I love confetti but this piece intimidates me so much, it's been in my closet. Until now. You've inspired me. I'm still terrified of hating all the black and brown.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@ericafine5373 would love it if you work on it with me. I think it’s beautiful and love the art. I’m very much having issues with some of the main colors, but I don’t want all the money I spent on it to literally end up in the trash. Did you get the enhancements? That’s helping me want to do it. More money into it but also it makes it more fun to have such fun extra drills to put into it with all the crystals and golds etc. I’m actually thinking of pulling this out when I finish Cinderella and finishing that 2nd row, then maybe going back to another canvas I’m really into. I don’t want to get burnt out on it but I really want to get it done. If you do work on yours: share your progress with me 😁👍

[@noellabaird4607]

Awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I like sectioning my canvas too and used a ceramic blade for the last 3 years. I started using a seam ripper instead a few months ago and am totally in love with how easy it is to use it. I taught my 12 year old how to use it too and am happy she can now do her sections without me helping or supervising her anymore. We work our canvases the same as you so I am really glad to have watched your video. I am always looking for better ways to do confetti faster 😅 lol Thank you so much 😊

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you so much. A lot of people have been telling me about the seam ripper so I just ordered one and am going to try it too. I’m excited for my daughter to do some with me but she’s a bit too little yet. I did get her some princess key chains to try first. 🤷‍♀️

[@sherrysterner5276]

Very informative. I've been diamond painting since 2017 and you really showed me something new. Thank you. I really enjoyed your video.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Wow! Thank you! That is an amazing compliment and means so much to me. Thank you so much!😊

[@barbaraphilipps248]

Thank you! I really loved the way that you did this tutorial. I love that you actually show the step by step and even show about the way that the drills adjust themselves as you go. I am alwaysnso worried about leaving spaces or gaps when doing one color at a time. ❤

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@barbaraphilipps248 awe thank you so much! That means the world to me! Sometimes I worry I explain “too much” or repeat myself or I don’t know but I also think we all teach and learn in different ways and hope I can just help someone. So I’m so glad you found this helpful. I used to be really worried about gaps too but have started to let go of that ocd and just enjoy the craft. Only I notice the spaces in the end (if there are any without the light pad). Thanks again!!!

[@Catre-m8q]

I just found your channel and I love your voice and how you talk about the craft. I just joined today so HELLO to everyone. I hope your having a great summer! Here in the UK we just been getting rain.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@Catre-m8q thank you so much for joining! And for the wonderful compliment! I wish I had time to make more videos but with work picking up again, I’m sure my videos will slow down but I’ll keep trying for sure. Thanks for joining us! I hope you continue to enjoy my content whenever I’m able to release it 😁

[@diamondpaintingwiththebesties]

Really informative. I like how you sectioned this video. I watched to see if you had some new tricks but it looks like we almost do things the same. Great video.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Did I miss anything? Thanks for watching

[@diamondpaintingwiththebesties]

@@Rubies_And_Moonstones oh I don’t think so lol

[@suekay5353]

I think I love you! As a newbie, I am totally intimidated by confetti heavy canvases. I’ve seen people’s pictures on FB and they have 10-20 trays on their table. No way could I do that but I can do what you showed. Here’s the best part…I have wanted The Astronomer since I first saw it but didn’t buy it. After seeing this video, I felt I could do it. DAC had a BOGO50 sale going plus it was on sale for $15.00 off and low stock which means they are going to archive it. I immediately purchased it and am so excited!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you 😊

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@suekay5353 oh! You make my heart so happy! Thank you!!! I don’t want this next part to scare you but I’m just being honest: I’ve really struggled with the quality of the drills on this one. BUT! And that’s a big BUT! BUT when I got mine it was like a year ago and was in low stock and I think my kit had been sitting on the shelf a while. So your kit should have the perforated cover and I would assume that the drills are probably a lot better. I just want to say that in case you see any other videos I do about how I’m “struggling to get through it”. But I was also a part of an event and saw a bunch of people complete it and it looks amazing!! I’m just halfway now but I absolutely love how it looks Also, I’d highly suggest getting the DP with Sparklers enhancement kit. It really makes it a lot of fun and brings it up so cool! It’s helping me to enjoy it more. I’m really starting to enjoy enhancing my other canvases now too. One more thing: if the confetti is intimidating then I also suggest don’t just one perforated square at a time. It really helps to force you to focus on that one square and not get lost in the rest of it. I wish mine had the perforated cover. And yes: no way could I do mine with 20-60+ trays! No way do I have the space for that (and I’ve seen horrible accidents where they all fall too! 🤦‍♀️) Sorry. Long response. Thank you so much for the compliment! One of the best I’ve ever received. It means so much to me. And if you ever have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out on KZbin or email (email is always in description box) Thank you so much! Have a wonderful week. I hope you enjoy it. It really is beautiful

[@suekay5353]

@@Rubies_And_Moonstones Thanks for taking so much of your time to send such an informative reply. As you suggested, I sent you an email yesterday but not sure if you received it. I got a funky message from Yahoo.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@suekay5353 thanks for messaging me. Just checked my email to reply 👍

[@CherGoodman-dd3dk]

Fantastic tips! I found this video extremely helpful, Thank-you!!

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked it and found it helpful. That’s why I make them: hoping they will help somebody

[@towerjunkie19]

I definitely prefer the release paper tip only because with the ceramic blade I either don’t press down enough and it doesn’t tear or press too hard and cut into the glue which sometimes can be confusing to determine which number, letter or cymbal I messed up. I will have alot of shopping to do to get more stuff to make diamond art even more enjoyable. I need stuff! Lol. I’m quite older than you 62 so I use a light board. A lamp close to my work cuz a light board sometimes isn’t enough. I have a magnifier I have to clip to my glasses. Sheesh! Also with the release paper it’ll keep me from getting stuck to the glue. You don’t know how many times I’ve had to peel my wrist off the paper. But despite all the “stuff” I do love diamond art. I love the sparkle look to a picture

[@towerjunkie19]

Does the diamond art club use the same cymbals on all their paintings? I haven’t bought anything from there yet. I’m waiting to hone my skills on cheap art before I try an expensive one. But temu does have alot of nice diamond art. I did a black cat one that I really love. The cat is the spitting image of my cat Dazee who I lost in 2012. He was 16. My husband and I had him from a kitten. He was the sweetest kitty

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Loving all your comments! I like all the methods but do find myself using the ceramic blade most frequently when the perforated cover isn’t on my piece. And I use a light board and desk lamp too. Don’t need a magnifier yet though but have to have good lighting It’s hard because “stuff” is pricey but it really can make diamond painting so much more enjoyable and easier on the body if you can invest in the right tools for you

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@towerjunkie19 they use a lot of the same symbols but they will change what DMC number they go with depending on the painting. But the one they use for black (or the darkest color) and white (or the lightest color) tend to be the same two symbols. I was like you where I wanted to practice on cheap kits first, but then I finally tried a DAC kit and the difference is night and day! Especially with squares. I wasn’t able to really “get” squares or multi placing on the cheaper kits but once I got a DAC and had good (mostly) drills, it was so much better and made the whole diamond painting experience SO much more enjoyable!!! I wanted to throw some cheap kits out I was so frustrated. But not with DAC. Also, once I learned about licensed art and its importance, I couldn’t allow myself to buy unlicensed art anymore. I want to support the artist and hate that their hard work gets ripped off. But there’s a lot of stock images and I don’t know if you saw my ARTDOT videos but they have reasonably priced licensed art too. I have been thinking of doing a video on that too

[@SmartDollCosplay]

I personally really like working with washi tape. I use the new plastic perforated covers, and just use the washi to outline the area so I can see it. I never thought of using velcro, that's so clever! I use an A4 lightpad myself, and I roll the canvas up to fit in smaller surfaces . I abuse my canvases, and I'm always surprised by how strong they are. Great video!

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

That’s exactly how I use the washi tape on the perforated canvas! I love that option. The Velcro and clips has been SO helpful to me! And now I love that it keeps my light board in place too and I didn’t have to put it directly on my nice new drafting table in case I ever don’t want it And thank you! I put a lot of time into this one. I’m glad I finally got it posted.

[@twingirl56]

Gretchen, thank you. I always learn so much from you! 🎉

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you so much! Glad I can help 😁

[@ellentaylor8857]

New subscriber, enjoyed your tips.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@StarlightStarbright70]

Thanks so much for the tips and great explanations. I’m fairly new to diamond painting so enjoy listening to other ways of doing things. I also work in squares and just find it so much easier. Thanks again 🤗🤗

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

You are most welcome! Thank you for watching! So glad you found diamond painting too.

[@LolaRyck]

Genius!

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@LolaRyck thank you!!!

[@KatCanby1528]

Hi Gretchen, thanks for the informative video. I have an XXL wooden easel and at the top of it I inserted a pool noodle on the edge, that I cut a slit into, to keep my canvas from creasing as I move it up and it falls over the edge. I also use a very large piece of foam board, 24”x36”, on my easel and then put my light pad on top of that and it makes the surface area way larger. I only use the foam board when I have large canvases and use my A2 light pad and then for smaller ones I take the foam board off and use my A3 light pad. I also use a tray tower because I like the convenience of just grabbing a tray when I need it. Hope some of this helps. 😺

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you! I love these ideas. I’m going to have to remember to share these in a follow up. Sounds like your foam board is similar to how I use that clipboard tray. I actually bought a bunch of foam board (various sizes) when I bought the clipboard tray, thinking of using them the same way but went with the extra large clipboard Using an easel is so helpful to me! I don’t know how people diamond paint flat. That would hurt my neck if I did it too long. The drafting table has been amazing though. I’m so happy I have the room for it and was able to switch. Thanks so much for your comment and for watching. I’m always going to remember you were my first giveaway winner. That’s really special to me. Thanks again

[@KatCanby1528]

@@Rubies_And_Moonstones😻

[@feliciadavis1416]

Hi, Felicia here. Good job. I handle the same way. 😅😅😅😅

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you so much! I do think it is a good method. I know there are lots of different ways but… once I find a way that works I tend to stick to it

[@kate4121]

Great tips! I wish I could get my drills to line up in my tray like you do.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thanks! I plan to make a video on trays. I really think the biggest thing is having a “good” tray. One of the best investments I made to improve my diamond painting experience

[@breeinatree4811]

I saw a video that said it's best to have a bigger tray with higher sides and ridges.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@breeinatree4811 having a good tray is essential. Especially if you’re doing a lot of color blocking to get them to all line up well.

[@kathy-2756]

Hi Gretchen, new subscriber. Thanks for this video! You explained everything very well, very easy to follow. The drafting table tips are especially helpful. I do DAC landscapes most often so there's a lot of confetti and they're quite large. So... I got the 40-tray tower on amazon and have mixed feelings about it. It really works, but there are things I don't like: I still have to kit up the bottles, and then kit up the trays as well. Obviously, since it only holds 40 trays, I will effectively be working from the storage bottles and the tray tower at the same time. It's a toss-up as to whether it's really worth it. It's very big and takes up a lot of room on my desk. If I don't need it, there's nowhere else to put it in my craft room. Only one (large) painting can live there at a time. If I want to switch to another painting for awhile, I can't use it for the new one. Bottom line, I don't think you're missing out if you don't have one.😊 I will go back and watch your other videos. See you in the next one! Kathy in GA USA 🐦🌻

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thanks for subscribing and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Having the Velcro and clips has been so helpful for me. Especially when I was working on an easel that was very upright. I actually haven’t done a landscape yet. I’d like to do a custom of my parents farm but am still trying to figure out who to order from. I’ve thought about getting those new trays that are also storage containers… cannot think what they’re called. Cateared? Think that’s the company. They have a 90 slot tower system (or you can combine it) but not sure how many drills fit in each tray. Still, then it takes up all that space. Don’t know if I’d like it, like you said, and if you have to still have a storage system for all the extras anyway… 🤷‍♀️ but it would be nice to just have the color you need ready to pull out so you don’t have to shake a tray for a few dots. Granted that’s why I like glue dots. Still. Thanks for the feedback and thanks again for subscribing! Hope to talk to you more soon!

[@tanauck]

Thank you so much for sharing about the tower/tray system. I'm going to keep this in mind when I'm having FOMO😂❤❤❤

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@tanauck right? I think I feel the same way. Maybe I’d use it once but then not. Who knows? I’m sure it’s for lots of people but just not sure if it’s for me. Thanks Kathy for your comment helping us learn!

[@annetaylor8399]

Nicely done video, new subscriber.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Thank you so much!

[@twingirl56]

Absolutely fabulous!!🎉🎉🎉

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@twingirl56 thank you!

[@elizabethwarman9028]

Hi,thank you for the great instruction video. I use my dining room table ( 1965). I have a A1 light.I am working on Golden Cocker Spaniel.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

That’s awesome! I was using my grandma’s dining room table (with an easel), but have since moved to a drafting table in the basement. I thought it’d give me my dining room table back, but now I use it for other things: like framing/painting edges, etc 🤷‍♀️ at least it’s easier to clean up

[@kathleengilley]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing the details, as this is so helpful to a new diamond painter. Do you have a link to the pen and tips you are using?

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@kathleengilley there should be links to everything in the description box, but the pens are different. I use DAC pens but they don’t really sell the “push” pens on their website anymore. But I did see some in their Amazon store front. Otherwise the main ones I use I got in those container systems. Pretty sure I showed that in the video and I put a link to one in the description box. But if you look for the vial/round jar systems on Amazon, a lot of those 60/70/96/120 slot kits come with a free full sized pen (and a lot of other stuff). That’s how I got a lot of my favorites too. I’m not a huge fan of the new twist DAC pens because they’re shorter and get untwisted as I work and I have to keep twisting them in. Hope that helps. If you need more help just let me know. And thanks for watching! Glad you found it helpful. I almost didn’t post this one so I’m glad it’s helping some people. Makes it worth it 😁

[@breeinatree4811]

I wish I had seen your video before I did my first DP. I just finished it a few days ago. I am extremely glad I saw this before I start my next my next DP. I just ordered a 32x42" square drill painting that has a lot of waterfalls in it. It's Rivendell from the movie Lord of the Rings. It's gorgeous. Thank you so much for this video. I got so much out of it. I love the one you're doing. What is it's name and what company can I order it from?

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@breeinatree4811 thank you so much! That’s such a wonderful compliment 😁 The diamond painting in this video is “Astronomer” by Myles Pinkney and Diamond Art Club. There’s a link in my description box. I think it’s available right now. I also got the DP with Sparklers enhancements and LOVE them! Highly recommend. Good luck on your next painting!

[@TammyBrewer-q6y]

What a beautiful canvas ❤

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Isn’t it? It’s one of the first ones I really fell in love with and I REALLY want to complete it. I’m just struggling to get into it because some of those colors have so much trash it takes some of the fun out of it. But I’m determined to get it done eventually. One square at a time, right?

[@miself]

wow ur amazing wow

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@miself 😁 thank you!

[@TheDiamondTechnician]

I enjoy using the release papers as well. I like that it “hides” the part of the canvas I’m not working on. Makes it feel a little less overwhelming and kind of makes each new section a “surprise” of sorts. Great tips!!

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

I agree. The first release papers I got were too transparent so I got more opaque ones. That’s the one downside of just using washi: I see all the same colors I’m not getting in the next section and just want to open it up and finish my tray. 🤷‍♀️ hard to know which way is best. Depends on the canvas for me I think. Thanks for watching and sharing/commenting

[@kathikai2000]

I personally love a confetti canvas! Confetti hides a lot of sins! 🤭🤫

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Haha. Love that! I like a good mix but I also don’t mind lots of confetti. It’s what makes them look so cool!

[@towerjunkie19]

That’s funny ha ha. I just finished watching your most recent wip and chat and I mentioned I like steampunk and what do I see here? A steampunk telescope

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Haha too funny

[@Alexsparkles420]

Wow this canvas has changed since I did it when it was first released.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@Alexsparkles420 really? How so? I don’t even know when it was first released

[@Alexsparkles420]

@@Rubies_And_Moonstones no special drills. Just ABs. I did it about 18 months ago?

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@Alexsparkles420 oh. I think you’re referring to the DP with Sparklers enhancement kit that I bought from their website to go with it. Mine still only came with the same 4 ABs as charted by DAC, but the enhancements from DP with Sparklers really make it fun and add a lot to a piece like this. They have them for lots of different projects. I’ve used it on Richard Lorenz’s “Purnell”, and I plan to use it on some future kits they’ve made plans for, because I’m not great coming up with my own enhancements yet. 😁

[@Alexsparkles420]

@@Rubies_And_Moonstones oh oh! I thought it was a new revision of this kit!

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

@@Alexsparkles420 😆 I could definitely see why you thought that. But don’t worry. It is the same. It would be nice for some updates to be made but I guess they retire all the “old” kits anyway. I wonder which one has been out and available for the longest period of time? 🤔

[@launcestoncrocheter9394]

Oooo

[@elizabethwarman9028]

No basement, underground rivers, streams and lakes here in Southern California

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

You have the most beautiful weather there. I have the cold/snow/ice we get in the winter. Plus, living in tornado alley, I could never buy a house without a basement.

[@tracygoodenough7198]

Art dot do a A1 light pad it covers the whole of your drafting desk

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

I have thought about that. The only thing stopping me is I don’t like it when the light pad isn’t covered by the whole canvas (when I’m just starting one, I usually don’t have it up too high) and the extra light that comes off the light pad can bother my eyes. But… it would be nice to not have to move the light pad around so much and have a bigger working space. Especially with my tray minder: I sometimes don’t have enough room for it where I’m working to stay on the light pad. I’m going to look into this again now though. Thanks

[@elizabethwarman9028]

If I had a basement, I would have Diamond paintings, wine ( California wine), music andAudiobook.

[@Rubies_And_Moonstones]

Haha. Love it! Mine has my diamond painting and then is covered in toys 🤷‍♀️