How to Make String Art With Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 11, 2024

Time to read 3 min

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Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Great for: 2nd – 12th Grade Girls

String art with nails is a fantastic craft project that can add a personal touch to any space. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for your troop or a creative addition to a meeting, this project is perfect. Follow this step-by-step guide to make a beautiful string art piece using just a piece of wood, nails, and yarn.

For this craft you will need

Wooden base: A set of smooth, pre-cut wooden bases ideal for string art projects.
Crafting Scissors: Ideal for cutting yarn and other materials with accuracy.
Nails: Small, sturdy nails that are perfect for creating detailed string art shapes.
Hammer: A compact, lightweight hammer ideal for small nails and detailed work.
Yarn: A variety of colors and textures for creating vibrant and dynamic string art.
Paper: Useful for drawing and transferring your designs onto the wooden base.

How to make craft your string art with nails

Step #1
Decide on the shape you want to create. For this guide, we’ll make a star, but you can choose any shape you like. Draw or trace your chosen shape onto a piece of paper and cut it out.

Step #2
Place your paper shape in the center of the wooden base. Using the hammer, carefully nail around the edges of the paper shape to create the outline with nails. This will serve as your guide for the string art. Once all nails are in place, remove the paper.

Step #3
Tie the end of the yarn to one of the nails. Begin wrapping the yarn around the nails, moving in various directions to fill in the shape. Try to connect the yarn to nails across from each other to maintain the shape of your design. Continue wrapping until you’re satisfied with the coverage.

Step #4

Once you’re happy with the look, tie the end of the yarn to one of the nails to secure it. Trim any excess yarn with scissors.

Craft Video

Watch this basic String Art with Nails tutorial video for a visual guide to the process.

This craft not only results in a beautiful piece of art but also helps build fine motor skills and creativity. Enjoy making your string art, and don’t forget to share your finished creations!

Need More String Art Inspiration?

Looking for additional string art ideas to spark your creativity? Check out our Pinterest board, packed with a variety of string nail craft ideas. This collection will provide plenty of inspiration for your girls to create stunning and unique string art projects.

Inspiration from Fellow Leaders

We’d love to see your troop’s string art creations! If you have photos of your girls making their own string art with nails, please share them with us. We’re excited to feature your artwork and showcase the amazing projects your troop has completed. Email your pictures to Leader Connecting Leaders and let’s celebrate your artistic achievements together!

Ready to expand your crafting horizons? Here are three creative projects that go beyond string art with nails, perfect for adding variety to your craft sessions:

How to Create an Outdoor Pasta Scene:
- Transform ordinary pasta into a vibrant outdoor scene with this fun and imaginative craft. Use different types of pasta to create textures and shapes, and paint them in bright colors. Arrange the pasta pieces on a canvas or a wooden board to build landscapes, animals, or abstract designs. This craft is an excellent way to explore artistic expression and can be a charming addition to any garden or outdoor space.
How to Make a Rainbow Wind Chime: Bring a splash of color and cheerful sounds to your outdoor area with a rainbow wind chime. Start by painting wooden dowels or metal rods in the colors of the rainbow. Attach them to a circular frame using string or wire. Add beads, bells, or shells for extra flair and sound. Hang your completed wind chime where it can catch the breeze, creating a colorful and melodic addition to your garden or porch.
How to Build a Milk Carton Birdhouse:
- Recycle old milk cartons into charming birdhouses with this easy and eco-friendly project. Clean and dry the cartons, then cut openings for entry and ventilation. Decorate the exterior with paints, markers, or stickers to make it visually appealing. Attach a perch near the entrance, and optionally, add a small roof or handle for hanging. This birdhouse is a fantastic way to provide a home for local wildlife while engaging in a fun and practical craft.

These projects offer diverse crafting experiences, allowing your girls to explore different techniques and materials. Enjoy these creative activities and let your imagination take flight!