Not sure where this project belongs, but let’s go with home decor. I’ve always wanted to try string art. The library had an A&C session for it…but they gave us push-pins and bulk embroidery floss with thin wood canvas frames. The look was not fabulous. I got a second chance to try string art when @LovelyMiss included a wood plank as the Arts & Crafts club item for August in the Summer Nerd Games.
First I stained the board, then drew a pattern and began hammering in tiny nails (because the plank is fairly thin and I didn’t want nails coming out of the back). Because the nails were so small (8mm) I had to hold them with needle-nose pliers to bang them in. Luckily I have a tiny hammer for use with metal embossing and it was perfect for this tiny project. The nails took forever. And because they’re so small, I kept hammering them in wrong. Finally, I removed my paper template and began winding the string. Nails popped off. String slipped. There was much cursing.
I persevered, however, and now my tiny plant art is complete. I don’t love it and my eye is drawn to every single flaw, BUT I made string art for really reals for the first time and that’s cool. Finished piece is 7" x 2.75".
My “string” is actually DMC floss and I used a variegated green floss for the leaves.
@TheMistressT - I admire the look and the patience of string art, but definitely not going to be one of my go-to crafts. But also, imagine being the first one to create that style of art! How inventive and original.
I remember doing(trying to do) string art at school. The idea itself was fun but I tried to do a really intricate piece and of course I failed miserably. There was some blood and bruised fingers involved.
Our next door neighbors had a huge ship made from string art over their formal living room sofa and I was so fascinated. My mom made it clear that she had no interest in every dusting such a piece! Those neighbors moved when I was, like 4 or 5, so it obviously made a big impression on me.
I think your string art piece is fabulous! I like the small size and the simple design. I did try string art once, decades ago, and didn’t finish the piece and didn’t try it again. That was because there were too many nails and too much winding.
But I think a design like yours would be much easier, maybe a little larger with larger nails.
Thank you! I definitely recommend larger nails if you try it. .8mm is difficult to work with. I’d also recommend a harder wood than the Art Club panels are. I made my life so much harder by choosing tiny nails and a relatively soft wood. It’s not balsa soft, but has more give than a birch art panel for example.
I’m glad you persevered on this. It looks great and that walnut stain really elevates the piece. Plus, what a super creative way to use the wood plank!
. I did it, it’s out of my system.
