I have a fun kids craft for you today with my DIY string art. Bring string art back in a fun and imaginative way that the kids will love. They can pick any design they desire and you can have some quiet time as they wind the string around the nails. My children are older so they did almost the entire project themselves with just a little supervision. Younger kids might require a bit more hands-on to finish this project.
This one was first published on February 7, 2014, however, I am republishing with more information.
Supplies needed:
- 12 x 12 unfinished wood panel
- Assorted nails
- Baker’s twine, string, or yarn (For the tractor we used black and white baker’s twine plus black yarn. For the “R” initial we used blue and white baker’s twine.)
- Acrylic craft paint in your choice of colors
- Paintbrush
- Computer and printer
How to Make String Art
The first step is to pick an image that you want to turn into string art. You can literally print any image or even a letter from your computer. Be sure to print it as large as possible to fill your board. Then follow the instructions below to turn that piece of paper into art that the kids will love!
Supplies
- 12 x 12 unfinished wood panel
- Assorted nails
- Baker’s twine, string, or yarn For the tractor we used black and white baker’s twine plus black yarn. For the “R” initial we used blue and white baker’s twine.
- Acrylic craft paint in your choice of colors
- Paintbrush
- Computer and printer
Instructions
- Print the image that you have decided to use. Have your kids paint the board in the color of their choice. Allow the paint to dry then add the paper to the board, making sure it is centered and straight. Add two nails around the edge of your image and through the paper to hold into place. Be sure to use nails with a large head. Do NOT put the nail all the way into the board. The nails should stick up so you can wrap the string around them. Use a pencil to mark approximately every 1/2 inch all the way around your image. Older kids can now take over and nail on every pencil mark. Again, make sure they are using nails with heads and that they make sure all of the nails are poking out of the board at around the same height.
- When you are finished inserting the nails, it will look like the picture below. If you have younger children, please do the nailing for them and allow them to work on the string in the next step. NOTE: We decided not to add nails to the inside of the tires on this image. My son did all of this nailing himself and was so proud. Yes, there are some that look crooked. In the final product, it really does not matter so just go with it. Kids' crafts are full of imperfections so resist your urge to correct.
- You can now rip away the paper from the board. You are left with a sea of nails and the kids are ready to wrap some string.
- Young and old alike will love adding string around the nails. In and out, around, zig-zag, any combination they can come up with! Start on any nail and knot your string. Then work it around until you are happy and knot it off on your last nail as well. Make sure to keep the string taught in order to get the proper results.
Be sure to add string around the edge as well as in the center. See the tire above and below and what a difference this makes. Your budding artist can use as much or as little string as they would like. The tractor got a healthy dose of baker’s twine.
The initial my daughter completely got a little less string but the results are amazing just the same.
Each finished product is a reflection of the child and their personality. This is one kids’ craft that you don’t have to hide in the closet. These look great displayed in their rooms.
Grab some nails and string and get started on your own version with your kids. What a great project to complete during the summer months.
What design will your child decide to tackle? Let them choose the design and colors to make a creation that is all their own. This DIY string art is the perfect craft for children to be proud of.
awesome!!
Hi Angie, thanks for the wonderful instructions! I am going to feature this projects on the Lesson Plans blog on Craft Gossip. 🙂