What to Do with Leftover Diamond Painting Beads: 5 Unique Ideas

You’ve probably noticed that once you’ve completed a few diamond painting projects, you’ve gathered a stockpile of extra beads that you didn’t need for the project. 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 hang on to your extra beads in case you’re looking for more of a specific-colored bead in the future, but, instead of tucking them away and waiting for the day to come that 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 and learn how you can put those diamond painting accessories to good use in other ways.

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.

Grab your box of extra diamond painting beads and organize them by color (if they’re not already). You only have to do this with the colors that you’re planning to use, but it will make things easier in the future if you’re planning to use your beads for even more projects. 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.

2. Create Ornaments

There’s nothing quite as special as a handmade ornament. You can give them as gifts or make them with your children as a fun Christmas tradition. Leftover diamond painting beads are the perfect material to unleash your creativity when crafting ornaments. For an easy craft, you can purchase the ornaments that are hollow and which have pop-off tops. 

Pour your selection of diamond beads into the ornament, and you’ve got a brand new, sparkly decoration for your tree. If you’re looking for a way to get a bit more creative with your ornaments, you can use your diamond painting accessories, like the applicator tool, to glue the beads to flat wooden ornaments or plain round ones. Use the beads to create a pattern, spell a name or just add some extra flair.

3. Use Needlepoint Patterns as New, Smaller Canvases

For anyone with old needlepoint patterns lying around the house, you can turn your old stitching grids into a new diamond painting pattern. The grids are set up very similarly to the sectioned and number canvases used to create diamond art. Make sure that you have enough of each color before beginning. Then use your diamond painting accessories to glue and 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! 

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 to it in a unique pattern. Jazz up your home or apartment with wall decorations made from your leftover diamond beads.

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 has gotten out of hand and you’re just looking for a way to get rid of some. 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 it’s during art class, recess or a planned lesson. This is a great way to give your extra beads to someone who will make use of them.

Let Your Creative Side Loose with a Project from Diamond Art Club

If you’re looking for more diamond art painting projects, you’ve come to the right place. The Diamond Art Club offers a wide variety of painting options in different subjects like nature, fantasy and holidays. We also offer diamond painting accessories in case you need to invest in new tools to take your crafting to the next level.

SHOP ALL PAINT WITH DIAMONDS ACCESSORIES