Q1: How should I store leftover drills?

Any clean container works — jars, zip bags, bead boxes. The only rule: close it tight. Drills love to escape.

Veteran routine: I keep the most common DMC numbers in small screw-top jars, sorted by family (reds, blues, browns).

Q2: Why screw-top jars?

• They don’t pop open like snap lids.
• Static stays lower in smooth plastic or glass.
• Easy to shake drills loose if they clump.

Little glass spice jars work surprisingly well.

Q3: Do I really need labels?

If you plan to reuse colors later, yes. A tiny sticker with the DMC code saves hours of guessing in the future.

Old habit: I also mark the shape (SQ/RD) — square and round drills don’t mix.

Q4: What is a “quarantine jar”?

A small container for drills you’re not sure about — no DMC label, not enough to sort, or maybe the color looks slightly off.

One day you’ll be missing a tiny patch of color, and that jar becomes a lifesaver.

Q5: How do I stop drills from sticking or clumping?

• Add a tiny piece of dryer sheet inside the container.
• Avoid fabric surfaces; glass and rigid plastic are calmer.
• If they clump, just shake them in a tray — they separate fast.

Q6: How do I store an unfinished canvas?

• Lay it flat if you can — on a shelf, under a bed, or in a drawer.
• If rolling, roll with drills on the outside — the glue stays smoother.
• Never fold — creases are stubborn.
• Keep the protective film on; dust is the true enemy.

Veteran comfort: unfinished doesn’t mean forgotten — life gets busy, the canvas waits patiently.

Q7: Best way to travel or move with a canvas?

• Roll around a mailing tube — not too tight.
• Secure ends with soft tape or elastic bands.
• Keep it dry and cool — heat affects glue.

And always pack drills in a separate bag — spills happen at the worst times.

Q8: How do I ship a finished piece as a gift?

• If framed: wrap in bubble wrap, use corner protectors, put cardboard front and back.
• If unframed: roll loosely around a tube, drills outward, seal in a plastic sleeve.
• Add a little card — people love knowing how much time went into it.

Soft truth: gifting a diamond painting feels like sending hours of your heart.

Tiny veteran secrets

• I keep a tiny scoop in each jar — it stops me from chasing drills with my fingers.
• Clear jars make it easy to spot color families fast.
• If static is bad, touch the jar to microfiber cloth — it calms instantly.
• If you have pets, store drills high — cats love to “help.”
• Keep a zip bag in your craft bag labeled “emergencies only.” One day you’ll need it.

There’s no perfect storage system — only the one that makes you smile when you open it.

Quick summary

• Screw-top jars + labels = peace of mind.
• Quarantine jar saves future projects.
• Flat storage is best for unfinished canvases.
• For shipping: loose roll, drills outward, keep dry.

The art doesn’t end when the canvas is done — sometimes the happiest part is keeping everything ready for the next one.