I’m excited to be participating in a fun blog hop today, where several other bloggers and I have partnered to bring you 18 Easy to Build Christmas Projects, all using RYOBI power tools! (My fave.)
I can’t believe how quickly the holidays are approaching! The project I chose to make is this DIY Snowflake String Art. (You can find links to all the other bloggers’ projects at the end of this post.)
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
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- 1×4 cut into (4) – 16″ segments
- Saw
- RYOBI Brad Nailer and 1/2″ brad nails
- RYOBI Sander
- Wood Glue
- Thin scrap wood (I used a wooden yard stick) to connect your boards
- Wood stain of your choice (I used two coats of Minwax Special Walnut)
- Small Nails or Brass Escutcheon Pins
- White Yarn
- Printed snowflake template/stencil of your choice OR Overhead Projector and Transparency Paper
- Scotch tape (if you use a paper template)
- Hammer
- D-Rings
Ok, I know the supply list seems a little long, but this is really an easy project, particularly if you have experience with tools.
Step 1:
First, cut your 1×4 into (4) 16″ segments. I used my RYOBI Sliding Compound Miter Saw for this. (A circular saw would work too — I just love my miter saw for making perfectly straight cuts!)
These segments make up the actual artwork. Cut two additional segments (you can use scrap wood or whatever you have on hand for this part), to 13″ each.
I used a wooden yard stick — thin wood is best if you want to hang your art on the wall, otherwise it will protrude an inch or two from the wall.
Step 2:
Sand your wood.
Step 3:
Line up your four 16″ boards so that they are pressed together, parallel to each other.
Attach the two additional 13″ segments to the back (perpendicular to the boards) with wood glue and brad nails to connect all of the boards together. Nail twice into each board.
Step 4:
Stain the boards in the color of your choice. I like to use a good pre-stain wood conditioner first, and then I used Minwax Special Walnut Stain. (Here’s a helpful post about how to stain wood.)
Step 5:
If you’re using a stencil or paper template, gently tape it to the center of your boards.
If you are using a projector (which I did), print out a snowflake photo or clip art and trace it onto a transparency sheet with a Sharpie. (This is way cheaper than having it printed.)
Trace it with chalk or a pencil. (Thank you to my friend Dena from Hearts & Sharts for letting me borrow her projector!) For my snowflake image, I just Googled “free snowflake clip art” and chose one that I liked the best.
Step 6:
Hammer tacks or nails around the snowflake, spacing them about an inch apart, to create the snowflake shape on your boards. You can wipe away the chalk with a damp rag or a wet wipe.
Step 7:
Connect your brad nails with yarn. Randomly string it across and back and forth until you achieve the amount of coverage you want. Tie a small knot when you begin and another one when you end to secure the yarn in place.
Step 8:
Attach d-rings to the back of your string art to hang it on the wall. (Or you can prop it on a table or shelf like I did.)
Of course you could do this with any shape you choose, but I love the look of the snowflake!
(If you like this project, you might also like this DIY Tree String Art.)
Be sure to check out all of the other RYOBI Christmas projects from participating bloggers! Here is the entire lineup:
Rustic scrap wood Christmas tree– Dukes and DuchessesSnowflake String Art– DIY on the Cheap
Silhouette Stand Nativity– My Day Lights
Instagram stocking holders– Frenchie Wraps
DIY Twine Christmas Tree – Poofy Cheeks
Repurposed Gift Carry All- Let’s Go Junking
Rustic Christmas Tree Decoration-Her Tool Belt
PB Inspired Wall Art– Create and Babble
Woodland Reindeer Ornaments-Whats Ur Home Story
Advent calendar– Carissa Miss
DIY Stackable Slatted Fruit Crates– Pink When
Joy wood slice sign– Dandelion Patina
Gold Reindeer Décor– Simply Designing
Wooden Christmas Tree Display– Lauras Crafty Life
Pallet Wood Christmas Tree– Roubinek Reality
Christmas countdown chalkboard- Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza
Caddy with Herb Infused Oils- 356 Days of Crafts
Wood gift tag– Being Spiffy DIY Vintage Sled – Fynes Designs
Have you started decorating for the holidays yet? Or do you wait until December?
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE POSTS:
- DIY Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
- Monogrammed Glass Ornament
- Hand Stamped Clay Ornaments
- DIY Paper Feather Ornaments
- Christmas Home Tour
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
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Virginia Fynes says
I LOVE THIS!!! The contrast of the bright white string is perfect against the stained background. A must try project!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks so much, Virginia!
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
Beautiful project! I love the dark wood with the snowflake! Maybe we’ll get some snow here this winter. Hope you are well!!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you Karen!
Lacey says
I love this! Great idea. I don’t have a projector but have found that I can run a copy of a design then nail through it. The paper then tears easily off (as long as you do it before you finish)! Just wanted to throw that out there for anybody that didn’t have a projector. Thank you for the tutorial.
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Lacey! Yes a paper template would work fine. I used the projector since I wanted my image to be larger than a standard printer would allow, and I was too cheap to get an enlarged print. 🙂 But that’s definitely another option!
Lacey says
Erin, you are right about the projector! Good point!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
LOVE this project, Erin! It will transition right into winter after the holidays!
xo Heidi
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you Heidi!
Jill @ BeingSpiffy says
That’s gorgeous! And I love the stain color.
Lindsay @Frenchie says
So adorable! I love the simplicity. I tried this last year and total fail but I didn’t use your tricks.
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you Lindsay! I have found the projector makes it a lot easier if you can get access to one.
Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says
This is fabulous. I have been wanting to do a string art for so long!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you Vidya!
Tracey @Let's Go Junking says
What a great and fun project. I remember making string art in school using a hammer and nails. I love the more finished look your tutorial provides and the ease to make it with your strong tutorial and of course, my Ryobi Power Tools!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Tracey! It was a lot of fun to make.
Melinda @Home.Made.Interest says
Stopping by from Moonlight & Mason Jars link party. I love string art! Perfect for winter. Pinning!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Melinda!
Kirsten says
This is a really cute idea! I love string art – there are endless possibilities for creativity. Your snowflake turned out great!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you Kirsten!
Laura @ Over The Apple Tree says
This is so beautiful, what a great idea for a winter decoration! Pinning!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you Laura!
Carissa says
I have yet to try string art for myself and you make it seem so easy! Love this
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Carissa!
Stephanie @ Homes Cute says
A beautiful DIY snowflake string art project. I like the idea. String art is one of my favorites because you can do endless creative things with this. I can memorize making some string art during college time. I wish back that time I can see your tutorials to make every art perfect. Keep up the good work.
Erin Spain says
Thank you!