My son has been studying spiders in science and one of his projects was to create his own spider web (an orb web to be exact). I thought this was a fun project, so let's try it this month for our craft along project. Except instead of HAVING to make a spider web, just have fun with creating your own design!
Approximate Cost: Up to $7 (but you probably have most of what you need on hand)
Supplies:
thicks crap of wood -OR- a thick cork board (re-usable)
small flat head nails (3/4 to 1 inch long)
string or yarn
hammer
Directions:
Hammer the nails into the wood (or cork board) in your pattern (or at random) leaving the head of the nail at least 1/4 inch above the surface.
Tie the string onto the starting nail and start stringing your pattern making sure to keep the string tight as you go around each nail. For more stability, wrap the string completely around each nail before moving on to the next nail.
When you come to the end of your nails/design, tie the string to the last nail and trim.
Suggestions:
- When you hammer the nails into the wood/cork make sure you protect the surface underneath, or do this part outside. You don't want any nails poking into your dining room table or kitchen counter. Mom wouldn't be happy.
- Different colors of string can be used. Just tie off each color!
- If your design is wanting to slip off your nails or sag, it means you need more tension. Pull the string tighter.
- Cork boards can be re-used. When you are ready for another string art design, just pull out your nails and start all over with your new idea! Or if string art is not your thing, reuse the cork board for another purpose.
This is meant to be a very creative, fluid process. Even if the design you had in mind isn't turning out exactly how you envisioned, be flexible and just go for what is evolving! Add pictures of your project to the Kid's Craft Along Flickr pool!
