If you're looking for a new way to display your faith, lds diamond art might just be the most relaxing hobby you haven't tried yet. I first stumbled onto these kits a couple of years ago when I was looking for something to do with my hands that didn't involve staring at a phone screen. There is something incredibly peaceful about sitting down after a long day and placing tiny, sparkling resins onto a canvas to reveal a beautiful image of a temple or a favorite scripture scene.
It's basically like paint-by-numbers, but instead of messy brushes and water cups, you're using "diamonds"—which are really just little plastic drills—to create a mosaic that catches the light. If you've been through a craft store lately, you've probably seen the generic flower or animal kits, but finding specific designs that resonate with your testimony makes the whole process feel much more personal.
Why This Hobby is Perfect for Quiet Moments
Let's be honest: life gets loud. Between work, family responsibilities, and the general chaos of the world, finding a way to decompress is essential. I've found that working on lds diamond art serves as a sort of moving meditation. You don't have to overthink it. You just match the symbol on the canvas to the color of the drill, pick it up with your applicator tool, and press it down.
The "click" or "pop" sound when the diamond settles into place is weirdly satisfying. It's a great way to keep your hands busy while listening to a talk, a podcast, or even just sitting in silence. Because it doesn't require a ton of intense mental energy, it's the perfect Sunday afternoon activity. It's creative without being stressful, and at the end of it, you actually have something beautiful to show for your time.
Choosing the Right Design for Your Home
When you start looking into the different types of kits available, you'll see a lot of variety. The most popular ones are usually depictions of temples. Whether it's the classic Salt Lake Temple, the modern lines of the Rome Italy Temple, or even the smaller local ones, seeing those spires come to life in 5D sparkle is pretty cool.
Temples and Landscapes
Most people gravitate toward the temple designs because they make such great wall decor. You can find kits that show the temples in the spring with all the flowers blooming, or even ones set against a dramatic sunset. Because the diamonds reflect light, the finished piece often looks like it's glowing, which fits the "House of the Lord" theme perfectly.
Christ-Centered Art
Another big category is artwork depicting the Savior. These can be a bit more challenging because the color gradients in skin tones and robes are more subtle, but the payoff is worth it. Having a shimmering portrait of Christ in your home that you actually put together yourself adds a layer of meaning that a store-bought print just doesn't quite have.
Full Drill vs. Partial Drill: What's the Difference?
If you're new to the world of lds diamond art, you might see terms like "full drill" or "partial drill" and wonder what on earth they mean. It's actually pretty simple.
A full drill kit means the entire canvas is covered in diamonds. These take longer to finish, but the result is a solid, heavy piece of art where every single inch sparkles. These are usually my favorite because I like the uniform look.
A partial drill kit only has diamonds on certain parts of the image—maybe just the temple itself, while the sky and background are printed on the canvas. These are great if you're short on time or if you're helping a child with their first project. They're a bit faster to finish and still look great once they're framed.
Making it a Family Affair
One of the best things about this hobby is that it's not just for adults. I've seen families set up a large kit on the dining room table and everyone works on a corner of it together. It's a fantastic way to get kids away from iPads and actually talking to each other.
Since the process is so repetitive and simple, it opens the door for some really good conversations. You'd be surprised at what your kids will tell you when you're both focused on finding all the "Number 4" blue drills. It's also a great way to talk about the symbolism in the art, like why temples are important or what a specific scripture story means to them.
Some Practical Tips for Beginners
If you're about to start your first piece of lds diamond art, there are a few things that will make your life a lot easier.
- Organize your drills: Don't just leave them in the little plastic baggies they come in. Invest in a cheap plastic bead organizer. It'll save you from spilling thousands of tiny beads on your carpet—trust me, you don't want to be vacuuming those up for the next three months.
- Use a light pad: If you have trouble seeing the tiny symbols on the canvas, a thin LED light pad that sits under your project is a total game-changer. It makes everything pop so you don't strain your eyes.
- Start from the top: Always start at the top of the canvas and work your way down. The canvas is sticky, and if you start at the bottom, your arm will constantly be sticking to the glue while you try to reach the top.
- Seal your finished work: Once you're done, use a dedicated diamond art sealer. It's basically a clear glue that goes over the top to make sure the diamonds don't pop off over time. It also adds an extra layer of shine.
Gifting Your Creations
I'm a big fan of handmade gifts, and these kits are perfect for that. A finished and framed temple piece is a thoughtful gift for a wedding, a baptism, or even for a missionary about to head out. It shows you put hours of effort into something specifically for them.
Even the unstarted kits make great gifts. If you know someone who is going through a hard time or is stuck at home recovering from surgery, a diamond art kit is a wonderful way to help them pass the time. It's therapeutic and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they see the image starting to form.
Where to Display Your Finished Art
Once you've spent twenty or thirty hours on a piece, you definitely don't want to just roll it up and put it in a drawer. These pieces look amazing when they're properly framed. Because the diamonds have some depth, you might want to look for a shadow box or a frame where the glass doesn't press too hard against the drills.
I've seen people create "temple walls" in their hallways where they hang several different pieces they've finished. When the afternoon sun hits the wall, the whole hallway lights up with tiny reflections. It's a subtle but beautiful way to keep your faith at the center of your home decor.
It's More Than Just a Craft
At the end of the day, lds diamond art is more than just sticking plastic to a canvas. It's about the time you spend reflecting. It's about the peace you feel while you work. And it's about creating a visual reminder of the things that matter most to you.
Whether you're working on a sprawling image of the Nauvoo Temple or a small scripture verse, the process of building that image bit by bit is a great reminder of how we build our own faith—one small, consistent step at a time. So, if you've been on the fence about trying it, I'd say go for it. Grab a kit, put on some good music, and enjoy the sparkle. You might find it's exactly the creative outlet you've been looking for.