The Things You Can Do With Extra Diamonds

Every diamond painting kit comes with spare drills, and most finished projects leave a small pile behind. This guide is for crafters who want to turn those leftover diamonds into keychains, bookmarks, cards, jewelry and home decor instead of throwing them away. You will find simple ideas for every skill level, plus a few tips on keeping spare drills sorted for repairs and future projects.

Keep a few spare drills for repairs first. Your kit includes extras so you can replace a drill that is lost or damaged. Once the painting is complete and sealed, the rest are free to play with.

Before you start

A few habits make leftover-drill crafts cleaner and longer lasting.

• Match glue to the surface. Paper takes craft glue, glass and metal need a stronger adhesive, and fabric needs a fabric-safe one.
• Plan the pattern first. Lay the drills out dry before gluing so you can adjust the colors.
• Work in small areas. Spread glue over a small patch, place the drills, then move on so nothing dries too early.
• Use your tools. The pen and wax from your kit pick up single drills, and tweezers help with tight spots.
• Let it cure. Leave finished pieces untouched until the glue has fully dried.

Drills are small, so keep them away from young children and pets while you work.

Make a custom keychain

A keychain is the quickest way to use up spare drills. Pick a key ring blank with a flat face, then press the drills on in any pattern you like using hot glue or clear craft glue.

It takes minutes and needs no special skills. If you would rather start with a ready-made design, try a kit from our special collection.

Make a bookmark

Glue extra diamonds onto cardstock or construction paper, let the glue dry, then cut the paper into a bookmark shape. Draw a simple outline first if you want a picture, or mix drill colors and shapes for a random sparkle.

Want one without the crafting? Browse our diamond painting bookmarks.

Make greeting cards

A handmade card feels special. Use the extra diamonds to add a design or a name to a card for a birthday, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, then write your message beside it.

The same idea works for notebook covers. You can also explore our album cover diamond paintings if you want a finished piece.

Decorate home pieces

Candle holders and small lamps are easy to dress up. Glue the drills on in rows or a simple pattern, let them dry fully, and you have a gift or a new accent for a shelf.

Make custom jewelry

Choose a metal setting, such as a pendant tray or earring blank, from any craft store. Lay the drills out first, then fix them with a strong adhesive and let it cure completely before wearing.

Decorate a vase

You need a glass vase, drills in your chosen colors and clear glue. Stick the drills to the outside in a geometric pattern for a modern look, or a looser design for a vintage feel. Let it dry before adding flowers.

Design a picture frame

Take a plain frame, remove the backing and glue drills along the front in your own design. Plain frames show the sparkle best. Replace the backing and add your favorite photo.

Need a frame for the painting itself? Our wooden frames fit diamond painting kits.

Decorate your garden

Outdoor pieces catch the light well. Use weatherproof glue for anything that stays outside.

• Flower pots: glue drills around the rim or in a pattern on the side.
• Stepping stones: press drills onto a plain concrete stone.
• Gazing balls: add a border or a small design.
• Wind chimes: decorate metal or glass chimes, then hang them from a hook or branch.
• Birdbath edges: glue drills around the rim of a bowl or plate.

Fill in drawings and pictures

Draw your own design on a blank canvas or paper and fill it with leftover drills. You can also add a few drills to an existing drawing for extra shine. Clear glue holds them in place.

Try nail art

A single drill on each nail looks neat, and a small cluster makes a bolder accent. Stripes in two colors, an accent nail or a light-to-dark ombre all work well. Use nail glue and a clear top coat.

More quick ideas

• Phone cases and laptop covers
• Notebook or journal covers
• Coasters made on cork or felt
• A small decorative dish or jewelry box
• A sun catcher on clear plastic or glass
• Sneakers or canvas shoes
• Hairpins and barrettes
• Fridge magnets
• Canvas tote bags
• Zipper pulls

Prefer ready-made pieces? Our special diamond paintings include coasters, keychains, bookmarks and lamps.

Store leftovers for later

Sort spare drills by color so you can find them fast. A divided box keeps shapes apart and stops them from spilling, and a pen and wax make picking them up easy. Label each bag or compartment with the color or symbol so you can match them quickly when a repair or a new craft idea comes along. A small tray also keeps a work session tidy on the table.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do with leftover diamond painting drills?

Make keychains, bookmarks, cards, jewelry, vase decor, picture frames and garden pieces. Any flat surface that takes glue works, so choose what you enjoy making.

What glue should I use for loose drills?

Clear craft glue or hot glue works for most paper, wood and glass projects. Use a stronger adhesive for jewelry and a weatherproof one for anything outdoors.

Should I keep any drills before using them for crafts?

Yes. Keep a few of every color in case you need to repair a gap on your painting. Our kits include spare drills for exactly that.

Can I mix round and square drills in a craft project?

You can. Square drills sit flat and give a mosaic look, while round drills add sparkle. Mixing them gives a more textured finish.

How do I stop spare drills from getting lost?

Use a divided storage box or small labeled bags, one per color. Keeping them sorted also saves time on your next project.

Ready to start a new piece and collect more sparkle for your next craft? Pick a kit and enjoy the process from the first drill.

Keep reading

• How to seal and frame your diamond painting
• The ultimate guide to diamond painting
• How to frame a diamond painting