I’m obsessed with String Art! And it’s something that you might even have everything on-hand to make one for yourself on a whim. Today’s project is Heart String Art, but it will apply to How to Make String Art in any shape!
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We’re starting to pull things together for my daughter’s room decor, and she has a bright and fun vibe. Of course we needed to incorporate some string art – and so Heart String Art it is!
So fun and bright, and a simple shape so it’s not a complicated string art… I even have the secret to making string art easy.
String Craft Supplies
You’ll need:
–yarn (I used Lion Brand Bon Bons, like these Bon Bons) or string (bakers twine is a great option)
–board in desired size (I used scrap plywood, but anything will work!)
–nails with a flat top (I used wire nails), hammer, drill, ruler, pencil, hot glue
–shape template, TIP: use a simple shape for a simple string art
String Art Instructions
So let’s dive right in on How to make String Art – I marked the edge of my board so the nails would be evenly spaced. Mine are 1/2 in apart, but you can experiment and see what you like best.
When I’ve made string art in the past, I always struggle with hammering in the nails, which may seem silly, but it’s tricky to get them in straight, etc.
TIP: the secret to making string art simple is this: PRE-DRILL your nail holes. It makes all the difference! That way it’ll hold your nail steady while you hammer it in the rest of the way, and you know it’s straight.
After I drilled the holes, I nailed in the nails into each one.
Next up you’ll prep for the shape.
TIP: Choose a SIMPLE SHAPE. I printed my shape off, then drilled the holes right through the paper along the outline. Then when I was done drilling, I removed the paper and voila.
Nail those nails in as well.
Next up is the wrapping – I had about double the amount of nails on my outer edge than I did on my heart, so I figure I needed to wrap every outer nail twice for each heart nail, if that makes sense.
Wrapping Nails Tutorial VIDEO
I put together a quick wrapping video for ya:
You might have seen in the video, but I trimmed off the knots where I changed color yarn and wove them in a little so they’re not noticeable.
TIP: after tying off your string, use a drop of hot glue to secure the end where you tucked it in, so that it doesn’t pop out.
You could plan ahead on where your color changes will be – I just eyeballed mine as I went along.
String Art Tips and Tricks
- pre-drill nail holes
- use a simple shape
- add a dab of hot glue when tucking the ends under
That’s all there is to it!! I think it turned out super super cute – –
Perfect pairing with crocheted hearts on a garland, made from the same yarn. Here’s the post all about the Crochet Heart Garland.
String Art Craft Ideas
If you like String Art, you will probably want to check out:
Deathly Hallows Harry Potter String Art
Faux Pallet String Art |State String Art | Yarn Wall Monogram
so so adorable!! I love that you used so many different colors!! LOVE!
Emily recently posted…Toddler Obstacle Course and Summer Fun Series
Aww, this is so cute! What a brilliant idea! I’m going to have to give this a go in boy colors for my kids. Nice post!
I’d love to see how yours comes out! good luck with it!
This is a great craft to make with the kids and a perfect use for that leftover yarn I have. Looking forward to the heart garland post:)
Sonja @ SustainMyCraftHabit recently posted…A Beachcomber’s Towel Rack
Mandy this is just the cutest!! I love the rainbow coloring and I want to make it all! 🙂
Beverly {Flamingo Toes} recently posted…Show and Tell Link Party
Oh my gosh I have been wanting to do one of these forever!!!!
Mandy, what size nails did you use for your heart sting art project?
I think that they are 1 1/4 inch nails – good luck with your project!!
So cute, thanks for the directions and youtube video. Though in all the step by steps I’ve read so far no one mentions how far to hammer in the nails? Maybe it’s obvious, but for a nonskilled hammer-er like myself, I don’t know what the obvious is! 🙂 Do you hammer in the nails about half way in? Thanks!
great question!! so you hammer them in enough so that the nails aren’t wiggly, but I know that’s not very helpful 😉 It’s about 1/4 inch – you don’t want to go all the way through the board, but you do want them in far enough that they’re secure and will be able to hold up when string is wrapped around them. Hope that helps!
I it’s a tarted doing string art a few months ago and have been searching for anything to make hammering the nails simpler, I bought a drill just over a month ago but cannot figure out what size bit I need! Do you know the gauge of the nails you used and the drill bit size?
I’m not sure, I’ll try to see if I can dig up the bit – but it was the smallest one I could find at the store, if that helps!
really very nice work. my daughter like this…………..
The heart string art is so pretty. I love all the colors. You could make it the colors that someone loves the best.. Very pretty.
What kind of board did you use? Looking to buy the materials for this project and want to make sure I get the right stuff. I was going to do this on canvas, but I don’t think I’l be able to
I think this board is a 1×6? I like to use 1 bys for my string art, so 1×6 or 1×8 or 1×10 or 1×12, it’s also called common board – – and then just cut it down to the square size you need. Good luck with your project!
I just found this project and LOVE it! I am going to be having an art camp in 2 weeks and want to get my supplies now so I can have the boards prepped with nails and a heart before camp starts. Did you find your 1×6 common boards at Michaels? I am having trouble finding the right kind of board. Thank you!
They have them at Lowes or Home Depot or any home improvement type store that carries lumber. Fun!
How can I get on your mailing list? Loved the Mason Jar string art.
Beautiful and something different for kids rooms. Love the vibrant colors!
Wow! Love it!
Can’t wait to try this!
@mandy I love your project and I have successfully tried this heart-string art. I also tried oval-shaped string art and yes I did it. Thanks for sharing this beautiful project. I have also mentioned this post in one of my stories. Thanks! Kiyara
Kiyara Sharma recently posted…Stock Trading on Cash App: Steps for Trading Stocks on Cash App