Directions for String Art
String art is a fun, inexpensive craft that requires little skill and produces beautiful results. This 3-D wall art makes nice gifts and wall décor and is a fun activity for older children and adults. Paper patterns are available online, some for free, and are sold in craft and hobby stores. Try making your own patterns using your own geometric designs.
Things You'll Need
- Backing board -- cork tile/board or wood
- Black felt
- Paper pattern
- String, thread or yarn in various colors
- Double-sided adhesive tape
- Clear-drying glue
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Box of 5/8 inch veneer nails
- Needle nose pliers
- Hammer
- Scissors
- Stapler
Instructions
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1
Cut the backing board to the size of your paper pattern. Measure and cut the felt so there's enough to wrap around the backing board.
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2
Wrap the felt tightly around the board and staple to the back. Apply double-sided tape to the pattern back and place on fabric.
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3
Hammer a nail into every hole indicated on the pattern, allowing about ¼ inch to extend above the surface. Use the pliers to hold the nails while hammering, if necessary.
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4
Tie the string to the first nail indicated on the pattern and secure with a drop of glue. Wrap the string once around the next nail (for example, 4-28 means the string will connect nails 4 and 28). Continue wrapping the string around subsequent nails indicated on the pattern until the layer is complete. Knot the string to the final nail and trim extra string with scissors. Secure with a drop of glue. Repeat with remaining layers, if any.
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Carefully remove the paper pattern. The piece is now ready to be displayed on a table top easel, inserted into a frame or hung by framing wire mounted to eyelet screws on the back.
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Tips & Warnings
Select vivid colors for the string to add interest to your artwork, and make sure string is strong enough so it won't break when pulled tight. Try using silver or copper wire instead of string for an interesting effect, or use colored felt or different fabrics for the background. Be sure to keep the string taut between nails.
String art pieces are dust magnets. Be careful when dusting so you don't dislodge nails or break the string.
References
- Photo Credit Lew Robertson/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
