For the past couple of years I have adored string art. It has been on my list of things to try forever. After perusing The Honaker Homemaker’s etsy shop I was finally inspired to give it a whirl. Lauren has amazing work and amazing prices. If you are looking for something unique check it out. Before I lept and did this larger piece I tried just doing sone initials. Check those out on Instagram here. That gave me me the practice and confidence needed to make this. It really is easier than I thought it was. But it will take you some time. Now I am not a professional string artist but this is how I did it and I feel like my home sweet home string art turned out awesome.
Supplies:
Wood (mine was 13” x 18”)
stain (I used Classic Gray by Minwax)
4 boxes of 5/8” of linoleum nails (got mine at Lowes for $1.30 each)
Drill
1/16” drill bit
hammer
embroidery floss (I used 2 white, 4 blue/green, and 2 coral)
Optional: Silhouette Cameo and vinyl
1. Cut your board the size you want it. Mine is a 13” x 18”. Sand smooth and then apply pre-wood conditioner if you use a soft wood like pine. Follow that with your stain of choice – I used Classic Gray by Minwax.
2. Next design your saying. I used the Pacifico font for “sweet” and Abadi MT Condensed for “home”.
3. Either cut out your design with a Silhouette machine and vinyl or print copies of your design and use tape or repositionable spray adhesive to hold it in place.
4. Next pre-drill holes about every 1/4” – 1/2” apart around your design. This saves you from getting your fingers smashed by trying to pound every nail in the right place. This also makes your nails go in straighter.
5. Remove the vinyl when all the holes are drilled.
6. Then just push your nails in place (have a cute little helper do this with you) and then hammer them in a little deeper. Try and get them all at the same level.
7. Then tie some embroidery floss on (yes I used all 6 strands) and go around the outer edge of your nails, like you are outlining it.
8. Then fill it in by wrapping your floss around the nails There are no rules to this – just string until you like it.
9. I tried to end where I started so I could tie off the string there and then cut it.
10. I used 2 white, 2 coral and then 5 of the variegated aqua color floss to complete this sign.
I hung it in my mudroom. I plan on showing you a final reveal of all the aspects of my mudroom soon, I promise.
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Beautiful! I’m planning to update my son’s room this Spring, and I want to incorporate some string art. Your tutorial gives a bit of confidence that I’ll be able to pull it off.
Awesome! So glad I can give you a confidence boost! 😉 Let me know how it comes out.
It turned out lovely!! I’ve never known if there was a method-to-the-madness so far as wrapping around the nails in a certain direction or whatnot, to get full coverage! Thanks for setting the record straight on that one!
I love the colors you chose as well – the aqua mix is delighftul, and the coral is, ahhh *sigh*, so bright and cheerful 🙂
Thanks so much! I love the colors too!
I love it, can’t wait to do this! Where did you find your house silhouette?
In Silhouette Studio
How deep did you drill your holes? I tried this a few days ago (before your tut) and I seemed to make more of a mess of the board with predrilling. Plus the drill got really heavy! I think I need to backtrack and try something simple first. Thanks for the tut!
I would say I went about 1/4″. Did you see the initials I did first? I shared them on my Instagram feed, and you can click on the link in this post to see them. They definitely helped me get the idea before tackling a larger project like this one.
I love this so much. It’s going on my bucket list of things to do in 2015.
Please let me know how it turns out! It was on my list for awhile, and I am so glad to finally have it hanging on my wall. 🙂
LOVE this! I think my friend and I are going to have a crating day tomorrow and try to recreate this. Thanks so much! 🙂
Awesome! Please let me know how it goes.
Beckie, this is gorgeous! Best string art I have seen yet! Sharing on Facebook and pinning.
Wow, what a compliment. Thanks so much, Jillian!
I’m wondering if this would work as a large art design done in drywall. I need something big above my sofa. What do you think?
Absolutely, as long as you don’t mind a zillion little holes you will have to patch later. I love this one!
http://jenloveskev.com/2013/06/06/nail-yarn-wall-art-pt-2/
What type wood did you use?
Pine
What a fun project! Thanks for breaking the project down for us; it looks manageable!
It is not too difficult – just time consuming. I love it so much though it was worth every minute.
I just recently was directed to your blog by a friend and am having an absolute ball catching-up! I used to do String Art a zillion years ago and loved it, but haven’t seen any examples in eons! Yours is great — I’m inspired to revisit the craft!! Thanks!
Yay! Welcome to Infarrantly Creative, Jeanne! I am so glad to have you as a new reader and to know that you enjoyed this tutorial. 🙂
Wow, that looks EXACTLY like Lauren’s design.
Yeah, I loved it as soon as I saw it. It was a ton of work to replicate, but I love it!
I love this!!! How big is the house and the letters? 🙂
Thank you, Ali. The house is 6 1/2” the letters are 2 1/4″.
Very cute. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been playing with string art for a couple of weeks now, and I was wondering how you were able to get everything so straight. Hmmmm…vinyl template and pre drill. Thanks! Cannot wait to start making more string art for our local craft fair.
Yep, the template makes it easy to get it perfect and saves a lot of headache. I’d love to see your creations when you’re done!
I’m going to try this craft at our church camp with 4th -6th graders, but with a simpler pattern. (A cross, or house or heart). I’m testing it on my 4th grade daughter. She is frustrated that the string slips off the nails a lot as she is wrapping it. Any suggestions on how to keep the string from slipping? Is there a technique to it?
Not really. I just use my thumb to hold the string on the nail as I move to the next one. It just takes some practice.
It turned out awesome! Can you tell me how you hung it?
I believe I used a picture hanger on the top and then a Command strip at the bottom to anchor it. Does that make sense?
Thank you for de-mystifying string art! This will be my post-Holiday addiction!
It’s really not that tricky once you try it. Please let me know how yours comes out!
Sting Art is on my to do list fo sho! Fabulous! holly 🙂
Yay, Holly! It’s so fun, and I just love the pieces I’ve made for my house. Please let me know how yours comes out!
Where do you buy your wood?