This rustic arrow string art is easy to make, and looks super cute hanging in aΒ gallery wall!
Haaaaappy Friday, friends! I’ve seen string art for awhile now all over Pinterest, and I’ve been loving it all. I thought about doing a state one for our gallery wall, but decided to do something a little different. Arrows seem to be all the rage lately, so I took a whack (Ha! Get it?!) at some arrow string art of my own! It’s really so easy, just a little time consuming. I was able to hammer (Come on, I’m on a roll!) this project out in a few hours, over a span of 2 of my daughter’s naps!
I started with a simple plain piece of wood I got for FREE at Home Depot. PS, did you guys know they have a 70% off wood section there?! I didn’t until now, and it’s AMAZING. So, like I said, I got this piece for free. I actually got it a few months back while in Home Depot. Jade was hysterically crying because she was tired of being in her carseat, so when I asked the guy if he could cut me a little piece of wood, he said, “here, you can just have it.” It might have been his way of either saying, “lady, get your screaming baby out of here,” or, “wow lady, you look like you really need some help right now, so you can just HAVE the wood.” Either way, I’ll take free. π
Anyway, I sanded it down a little on the edges so they were smooth, and put a few coats on of some homemade wood stain I had leftover from another project (I made it by Β just soaking steel wool in vinegar for a few days). If you’re going for a specific color, I’d buy some stain. For this project, I thought it’d be fun to just play around and see how the color came out. I gave it two or 3 stain coats, then painted on aΒ clear polyurethane sealer. I was super pleased with how the color came out!
While the clear sealer dried, I made and printed out some arrow shapes. Because my piece of wood was a random size, I had to print out 3 individual arrows and piece them together. I also wanted them to be big, and I couldn’t fit 3 large arrows on one 8.5×11 piece of paper. If you want to try making this arrow string art for yourself, I’ve provided the free arrow printout for you below. I’ve included both a 3 arrow pdf in case your wood is smaller, and also a large single arrow pdf if your wood is bigger like mine, in which case you’d print out 3 and piece them together. Click below to print!
I printed out my arrows, cut, and taped them down according to how I’d like them (My printer was out of black ink, so mine printed out pink!). Then, I just started hammering away! I used wire nails #16 x 1 1/2in. I nailed them about half in inch together, maybe a little less.
It took me a little over an Β hour to get all the nails in, AND, I didn’t even hit my thumb once! A win for me! After all the nails wereΒ in, I just ripped off the paper. That was a little hard, and unfortunately a few little pieces of paper got stuck under the nails. But, you can’t see them once the string is wrapped around the nails.
For the string, I knew I wanted an ombre effect. So, I found three bunches of thin crochet string in coordinating colors. Joann’s made it easy, as the three colors were in consecutive order, so I didn’t have to go fishing for three similar colors to make the ombre work. Yay! I chose to do grays and keep it neutral. I started with a corner nail, and tied the string around it a couple times so it was secure. Then, I just sort of randomly weaved the string back and forth around the nails, making sure every nail had string around it at least once. Then I went around the perimeter of each arrow with the string, going around each nail. I tied it off at the same nail I started with and trimmed the string. This took another hour to finish all the stringing.
To finish my arrow art off, I sanded around the edges of the wood to make it look more worn and rustic. I am in LOVE with how it all came together!!
Once I actually finish up my gallery wall, this will adorn it with some other family pictures. I’m still working on repainting that wall, and getting some different furniture. That will be for future posts. π
I really like the ombre effect as well, it gives it some more “character.”
This string art thing is kind of addicting, and now I want to string art everything in my house. I might have to hit up Home Depot again for more wood,Β but this time without a screaming baby. π
Have a GREAT weekend, friends!
Have you ever done string art? If so, what did you make?
I link up at these fun parties!Β
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!! SO pretty! String art is definitely moving up the list of projects I MUST try!
Kristi recently posted…All Things Fall Y’all Giveaway!!!
Thank you SO much, Kristi!! It’s totally a fun project to do. I was intimidated by all the string art projects I’ve seen before, but it’s not as hard as it looks! π
Such a fun piece! Yay for string art!
~ Ashley
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods recently posted…Fall Branch Basket Wreath
I would love for you to share this at my party Show Me Saturday Party! My readers would love this project!
~ Ashley
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods recently posted…Fall Branch Basket Wreath
Awesome, I totally will!! Thank you! π
Thanks Ashley! π Have a great weekend!
How neat is that! Love it!
P.S. Thank you too for your lovely comments on my blog yesterday. =) I am now following you on Facebook!
You’re so welcome, and thank you so much as well Valerie, so happy to have you following!! π
Ok now it’s my turn. I LOVE THIS! You took string art to another amazing level. I want to find a place for this in my house!
Karisa | Petite Modern Life recently posted…Life with an Australian Shepherd Puppy
Thank you, Karisa!! I kind of want to make a few more…of this exact one. Haha! No idea where I’d put them, but I love them too much! PS, so glad to have found another PNWer! π
This art is genius, Amanda! And I love the ombre effect! Makes it so much more interesting! Love love love!
Selene Galindo recently posted…Easy Fall Decor: Hanging Gold Leaves Art
Thank you, Selene!! I agree, it definitely needed ombre or something to liven it up!! π Hope you’re having a great weekend!
G’day and totally cool! love your rustic arrow string art and agree screaming babies are bad on shoppers lol. I hope you do make more, can’t wait to see π
Kristina and Millie recently posted…The Ultimate Pinterest Party #21
Thank you!! Ha, so true, no shopper likes hearing screaming babies! π Hope you’re having an awesome weekend, thank for visiting!
Ok, this is going on the craft list, stat. My little office gallery wall is just-a-growing with crafts π I have a ton of extra yarn that needs to be used up to!
Emily @ Table + Hearth recently posted…Austin City Limits 2014
Yay! Yes, that will totally use up some yarn! It’d look awesome in an office. I want to make more, too! π Happy Saturday!
I pinned this because I LOVE it! Such a cool statement piece that is fairly easy and cheap!
Kelly recently posted…Sugar and Spice Snack Mix
Thank you, Kelly! I totally agree, it was super cheap to make, just the few bucks for the nails and yarn! Thanks so much for the pin! π
I absolutely love this! I really think this is my favorite version of string art yet! I am pinning this to my DIY board that I am really determined to make everything on. Ha!
Megan recently posted…DIY Iced Latte
Thank you, Megan!! I think it’s one of my favorites, too! Haha, I hear you, I have a few boards like that too… someday I’ll get to them all. π Hope you’re having an awesome weekend!
This is so lovely! You did a fabulous job, thank you so much for linking to the Creative Collection Link Party! Pinning this right now.
Thanks, Marie!! So appreciate the pin, and for your visit! Have a great Saturday! π
This fun crafty is awesome! I absolutely LOVE how creative this project is! Thank you for sharing!
Michelle (The Ribbon Retreat) recently posted…Cat Ribbon Sculpture
Thank you, Michelle!! String art is so fun, if you’ve never tried it, you totally should! π Hope you have a great week!
oh my goodness, love this. This is on my list of things to make soon!
Havalah recently posted…Sunshine Sunday: Gratitude
Thank you, Havalah!! It was really pretty easy to make, too! π Have a great week!
So cool!! I love this. Pinning!!
colette recently posted…My Etsy Shop is Open for Business!
Thank you Colette!! Have a great rest of the week! π
This string art is gorgeous! Beautiful job!
Thank you, Bethany! Hope you’re having a great week so far! π
Love this!
Katie @ Made to be a Momma recently posted…Monster Marshmallows
Thank you, Katie!! π
I recently did some string art too of a deer head (of course) lol and it was a little tedious, but so worth it. I really, really love the idea of the arrows that you did! And, the monochromatic look really goes great with it!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom recently posted…DIY Candy Corn Felt Wreath
Thanks Carrie! String art is so fun! I want to do them for every wall now. π I bet the deer head was so cool!
I recently did some string art too of a deer head (of course) lol and it was a little tedious, but so worth it. I really, really love the idea of the arrows that you did! And, the monochromatic look really goes great with it!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom recently posted…DIY Candy Corn Felt Wreath
Love this! It is so cute! I just might have to make one! Pinning!
Tara @ Anything & Everything recently posted…DIY Photo Collage Letters
Thank you Tara! You definitely should make one, they’re so easy! Thanks for pinning. π Have a great rest of the week!
I haven’t tried doing string art yet, but I totally need to try this! What a fabulous idea! I’d love you to share at my link party http://www.carissamiss.com/2014/10/outside-box-no-6.html
Carissa recently posted…Playroom Ideas
Thank you Carissa! I hadn’t done any before this either, but it’s totally fun! I’ll check out your link party, too! Thanks for visiting π
Ohhh I love! This is so fun π Pinned!
Breanna recently posted…Headboard Turned Quilt Rack
Thank you, Bre! Hope you’re having a fab week! π
I really LOVE this project! It’s gorgeous. Thanks for sharing at Link It or Lump It this week π
Leigh Anne recently posted…Link It or Lump It #59 (with Features!!)
Thank you Leigh Anne! Hope you’re week is going so great! π
LOVE THIS! I’m tempted to make this exact thing for my living room. Pinning to our Show Me Saturday board.
Ginger recently posted…Fall Cash Giveaway {2 $300 Prizes}
Yay! Thanks Ginger! You totally should, it looks so awesome hung up! Thanks for stopping by! π
Love the arrows! Wanted to let you know that I am featuring it in my weekly roundup – That’s Freaking Cool Friday (tomorrow of course lol).
Stacy
Stacy recently posted…Simple Embroidered Handkerchiefs
Thank you for featuring my string art, Stacy!! That’s so sweet of you! Can’t wait to see it tomorrow! Hope you have a great weekend. π
love your rustic arrow string… very very cool that would go great in my new home I am building for the decor, great idea
Maria
Simple Nature Decor recently posted…NATURE MINI WREATHS:LOVE INSPIRED
Thank you, Maria! I bet it would look so great in your new home! Thank you so much for stopping by! π
Super Cute!!!! I’m featuring you on the Bewtichin’ Project Party on Sunday. Keep up the great work! Barb
Thank you, Barb!! I so appreciate the feature!! Can’t wait to link up this weekend. π
Great DIY! LOVE! Found you on the Liz Marie Blog link up =)
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters recently posted…Interior Styling β Front Room
Thanks Kyla! So glad you came over to visit!! π
I was browsing through all the other projects linked up at the Creative Spark party and I just HAD to come see your string art!! Wow!! Love it!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches recently posted…How To: Trim Out a Window for a Custom Look
You’re so sweet, thank you Emily!! I’m so glad you love it! String art is so much fun. Hope you have a great weekend! π
Love this, Amanda! I want to try it too!! Love the arrow design!
Thank you Kendra!! I’m loving arrows lately and thought they’d be fun to try for string art! You totally should try it! π Thanks for stopping by today!
Woohoo!! So glad you linked this up the best from your blog this week at our Bewitchin Projects block party! Be sure to come back again on Sunday starting at 6am EST over at OurMiniFamily.com to link up your projects again–the linky party runs from Sunday to Thursday each week :Dβ¨β¨
~Cathy Mini~
Thank you, Cathy! So glad you stopped by, I’ll be sure to link up again this weekend! π
I love your blog and I LOVE this project! Pinned and going to the top of my to-do list! Forget Christmas projects, I want a string-art arrow, LOL!
Cindy@DIYbeautify recently posted…Bold Table Makeover (with Painted Antlers)
Thank you, Cindy!! You’re so sweet! Ha, that’s right, forget Christmas! Or maybe everyone is getting arrow string art, instead! π Have a fabulous weekend!
This wall art is awesome. I would never have patientce to do such a thing.
Thanks, Christine! I know, it was pretty time consuming, which is the only downside! But so worth it! π Thanks for visiting, hope you have a great weekend!
I can’t get enough of this. Seriously. Everything about it is just so swoon-worthy! I’ve seen it circulating a lot on social media too and it’s well-deserved! This project is just so stellar π
Erica recently posted…Think and Make Thursday Party 3
Ahh thanks!! I’m so excited about it! I really didn’t know how it was going to look, but I have to say it was actually better than I thought it would be! I mean, it IS a ton of nails. I can’t believe I even got them all straight! π
So cool! We are featuring it Monday at YDTT! π Thanks for linking up!
Amber recently posted…17 White Kitchens on a Budget |Hometalk Curated Board|
Thank you, Amber!! I so appreciate the feature! I’ll be back to link up on Monday. π
Just stopping by to let you know that you’ve been featured today at Show Me Saturday!
Thank you Ginger!! π
This is so me! I love anything rustic, and arrows are my favorite. Thanks for sharing with Hump Day Happenings, I can’t wait to make this myself.
Jenna @ A Savory Feast recently posted…Where to Eat in Sarasota, Florida
Thanks Jenna! I’ve been loving arrows lately, too! This was the perfect arrow art to make. π Have a great week!
Amanda, your string art arrows are so cool! I wanted to let you know I’m featuring this project at Your Turn To Shine on Thursday. Hope you’re having a great week!!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts recently posted…15 Minute Fall Centerpiece
Oh thank you, Amy!! You’re so sweet!! Can’t wait to link up. π
Simple and stunning! I have never tried string art! I bet it would be a hit at my shop. Congrats you have been featured on the Creative Spark Link Party this week! Hope you stop by today to link up again! http://bit.ly/12aACNj
Michelle from Weekend Craft recently posted…SPOOK-tacular Silhouette Giveaway
Thank you so much, Michelle! I hadn’t tried string art before until now, and I’m kind of addicted! π Thanks SO much for the feature as well!! I’ve already been by to link up again. π Have a great week!
I’m so in love with string art right now, and your is too cute!! Thanks for sharing at On Display Thursday! I’ll be pinning this to our party board. π
Leia recently posted…Quick and Easy Beef Stroganoff
Thank you, Leia!! I’m totally in love with it too, they’re addicting! Thanks for the pin!! π
I love this idea! Great addition to the home.
Alexandra recently posted…Yarn Fanatic Party #33 – Snappy Tots Crochet Pattern Giveaway
Thank you, Alexandra! I love how it looks in our gallery wall! π Thanks for stopping by!
Amanda – I love you rustic arrow wall art! I’ve been wanting to try making one of these. What a beautiful job! Thank yo for sharing at our Wall Art Hop Linkup!
Cat
Cat @ Pocketful of Posies recently posted…Finding Style Inspiration In What We Hold Dear
Thank you, Cat! String art is SO fun, and I’ve been wanting to make more since this one, too! π Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for sharing on the DIY Wall Art Blog Hop! I am featuring your Rustic Arrow String Art on a round up of some great, easy wall art from the blog hop. http://www.casawatkins.net/2015/07/8-easy-and-beautiful-diy-wall-art-ideas.html
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins recently posted…8 Easy and Beautiful DIY Wall Art Ideas
Aw thank you SO much, Stephanie! I appreciate the feature!! π
Hi! I love this so much! where did you find the arrow cut outs or are you able to email them? Im so excited to do this on my own π
Hi, Alex! Thank you!! I actually made the cutouts myself on Word. I included them above for you to download, not sure if you saw those or not!! It was such a fun wall art to make! Send me a picture if you make one! π
Love this design!!! What size wood did you use?
Thank you, Hannah!! I believe it was about an 8×11 or 9×12? It was a scrap and I just used what I had! You could make this bigger or smaller, too. π