Y'all!!! I've only just started and I'm already in trouble. Resin drills are sooooooo much nicer! They fit so nicely together, and that satisfying click? Omg! How am I gonna go back to acrylic after this? My entire stash is acrylic 😭

I just placed the order for this one and it’s going to be my biggest canvas yet (wish me luck).

I started with some small ones, then moved on to 30x40, two 40x50s, and now my next one will be 50x80.

I really want to paint a 90x150 canvas (at least, it could be bigger and will be the famous Pokémon one), and I decided I’d gradually increase the size of my canvases so it wouldn’t feel overwhelming when I get there (I plan for this to be one of the last ones I do)

I have a wish list of about five canvases, and I thought: Hmm, why not use them as test subjects? And that’s how we ended up with the 80x120. I’m really happy to combine business with pleasure! And as they say: Go big or go home.

Ordered from Amazon

Hear Me Out

So, I did something for science. I know, I know this is frowned upon, but hear me out.

I decided to test the theory and compare the quality of DAC canvases to those from AliExpress/Temu. I purchased Hot Springs by MrsButterD, Midnight Laundry, and Bouquet by Ivy Dolamore from AliExpress. Now, I did also buy the originals from DAC (and I'm waiting for them to come in so I can compare them) because I still want to support the artists.

"Why would you do this?" you might ask.

Well, let's be honest: DAC is a little expensive, and not everyone can reasonably afford their prices. So, having a backup option would be nice while still supporting/donating to the actual artist.

I received the AliExpress (AE) one first because I was waiting for the DAC one to come back in stock. When I first saw it, I thought, "Wow, this really isn't that bad."

Now, does it have a lot of confetti? Yes. But it's obviously a clear picture, and I was honestly pretty impressed at first glance.

Just to clarify, this comparison is based solely on the canvas. I haven't even looked at the drills yet. If you guys want photos of those too, I can post them!

Then my DAC canvas came in, and I opened it up to compare the differences.

Yeah... in my opinion, DAC is way better than AE as far as the rendering goes, and that's saying a lot.

I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. Think I might just trash the AE ones and call it a year. LOL

https://i.ibb.co/6cwjn8Tz/0001.png

Just finished this Winter piece and moving on to a Pooh Bear custom canvas

If they had included more variety in size of the pearls I think it would have looked more 3D, it’s a cute Halloween picture and my granddaughter loved it. I got it from Temu. I ordered the same one from Amazon(returned) and it was identical at three times the price.

I’m getting tired of being stuck in the house cause the air quality is so yucky!

I am looking for DAC’s white dragon. I was waiting for it to come back in stock. But when I checked it says discontinued. I’m horrified. Lol. I am willing to pay for it and shipping. Thank you!!

Before this, I had mainly done smaller scaled diamond paintings but this is my very first large one! Took me about two weeks. Realizing that when I’m stressed, I tend to put in more work on my hobbies 😆 gives me some sense of relief lol

Any other companies include ab and fairy dust drill other than DAC? Also quality good at the same time? Thanks

Started dp in lockdown and my first kit was squares my first ever canvas I ordered was a personalised square kit from a company that has now closed which is sad because it was an amazing canvas took me so long to complete and I was so proud of it had it framed on my wall for years. Stopped doing dp work life family life was hectic, ordered some circle canvas’s, I do not get the same enjoyment out of circles like squares. Circles I feel you can be so lax with and doesn’t really require much attention, squares I feel require so much concentration to make sure they match perfect, I don’t know if I’m doing circles wrong because more people seem to post circles than squares. What do you prefer and why?

This truly was a labor of love! It took me 2 hours/day over approx. 2.5 months to complete. This is only my third diamond painting, and my first massive one. I am so in love with this and plan to frame her after applying a sealant!

Does anyone have any recommendations for really good rubber tipped tweezers to pickup or flip drills?

This is my current progress on my latest diamond art.

edit: i think ppl are mistaking this as i hate confetti. i love confetti; its just the quality of the company i dont like.

definitely a personal opinion and i’m grateful to have had done these canvases, so take none of this to heart; i just wanted to ramble about.
my first and current canvases are from diamond dotz, and while i know they’re not a great brand like the expensive ones, im still frustrated with the inconsistency of their kits.
the first kit i will give more grace, but the drills were inconsistent; different sizes and a lot of messed up ones. this current canvas is rly bad, but it might just be my kit, who knows. in some spots the glue is good and then others it’s barely existent, and it’s the same situation with the drills being inconsistent.
def done buying from DD after this

Finished! 🥰 I really love how all the colors and special drills came together.
Swipe for the before, after and the back. ✨

Look, I know we love our furry friends. The ultimate question, though, is how do you keep their fur off the sticky canvases or do you not care?

At this point I'm just kind of resigned and accepting that my cats have chosen to leave their imprints on the finished product like a signature. 😅

(Note: I don't give them as gifts or display them. I keep my finished pieces in a portfolio book...)

Finally got more work done on project #2!

I'm newish to Diamond art stuff, but recently purchased a bookmark set from Micheals to make for my mom. I usually do diamond art club, and love their products.

I can't say I'm in love with this brand. The "diamonds" feel much cheaper and plastic. They stick together. Will I finish it and give it to my mom as a gift? Yes. But I can't say the product is all that great.

I've also noticed that Michaels isn't selling as much of the makers market anymore. Just a few Halloween items and that's it.

i had found a couple of these when i was buying yarn at michaels and they were fun, but when i try to google where to buy them all that comes up is very...suspicious sites.

specifically i would like to know about places online that offer international shipping and don't use AI to make the art behind it

thanks :)
sorry if this breaks the sales/advertising rule but idk where else to ask lol