Choose his favourite colours for the string and then use our free printable template for the letters (see below). This string art sign is colourful, fun, and super easy to make!
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Download our free Dad string art template:
Click on the link or image below to download our free, printable Dad string art template! The PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply print the template onto regular 8.5 x 11 (letter size) paper.
»> Dad String Art Template «<
What kind of string do you use for string art?
We used embroidery floss because we liked the look of it and because it offered a great selection of colours. However, you can really use any type of string that’s thin enough to be wound around the nails, like crochet cotton, baker’s twine, 2mm macrame cord, or thin jute twine. You could even use regular yarn, but you might want to space your nails a bit further apart and use longer nails if you do – the thicker the string, the more height it will take up as it’s wound around the nails.
What thickness and size of wood do you recommend for this Dad string art?
You should use wood that’s at least 1/2 inch thick or, ideally, the same thickness as your nails are long. This will ensure that the nails don’t come through the other side of the board. We used 3/4 inch thick maple plywood that was leftover from a shelving project. You can find plain wood boards at craft stores like Michaels, sometimes at the dollar store, or you can find smaller sheets at Home Depot and ask them to cut it down to size for you. Try to use a piece of wood that gives you a 1 to 1-1/2 inch border around your string art design. One of our pieces of wood was 13-1/2 inches long and 6-1/2 inches tall, while the other was 16 inches long and 6-3/4 inches tall.
What type and length of nails is used to make this Dad string art pattern?
We used common nails that are 7/8 inch long (22 mm) and are 16 gauge thickness with a 3 mm wide flat head. Ideally we would have used 3/4 inch nails (to match the thickness of our board), but our hardware store was sold out of that length.
How many nails do you need for this Dad string art?
If you use our Dad string art template you’ll need 89 nails, exactly. But make sure you have at least 100 nails on hand, just in case any nails get bent or broken.
How can I make this DIY string art kid-friendly?
As long as an adult hammers in the nails, it’s easy for kids to attach the string. You can make it even more kid-friendly by poking straight pins into a thick foam board and using coloured thread – no hammer and nails required! Or, weave the string in and out of cardstock or cardboard, like we did with our Halloween string art cards.
How else can I personalize this Dad string art?
Add a picture hanger on the back of the wood so that Dad can proudly display his string art sign on the wall. Or turn the string art gift into a key holder by attaching hook(s) to the wood below — or to the sides of — the letters. Finally, use wood glue or tacky glue to attach clothespins to the bottom part of the wood. Then clip on your favourite pictures of you and Dad! If you want to try one of these options, make sure your wood board is large enough and that your letters are high enough on the board to leave enough room for these extras!
This Dad string art makes a great gift for Father’s Day, birthdays, or just because! Making string art can be a long process, but it’s definitely a very fun one! Practice your hammering skills and then relax as you weave the string around the nails. Your Dad will definitely appreciate your efforts!
Here’s even more Father’s Day craft ideas:
I Love You to Pieces Picture Frame
Father’s Day Pop-Up Card
Superhero Father’s Day Gift
DIY Sharpie Mustache Mugs
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
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