Did you ever do string art in your elementary art class? I don’t remember if we ever did, but I do remember lacing and threading animal toys. Those I absolutely LOVED (and still kind of do, if I’m being honest)! I also love to hand sew, so I thought, why not try and incorporate the two into my handmade cards. It turns out, it’s surprisingly easy, you don’t need any special tool, and it’s relaxing!
Watch the video tutorial below that’s all about using string art to decorate your handmade cards!
Video Tutorial – String Art on Handmade Cards
All of the supplies today were purchased with my own money. Affiliate links are used in this blog post. To learn more about affiliate links and how they work, plus my entire disclaimer, head HERE.
Making the Handmade Card Base
Before we can get to the fun part, we have to make the card base. If you’re a veteran card maker, this might not be a problem. But, if you’re new to this hobby, this can be confusing. There are so many sizes. Sometimes they’re referred to by measurements, sometimes by name. There are different ways to fold so your card stands tall or shorter. It’s a lot!
That’s why I created this PDF that breaks down a lot of typical sizes that you’ll see in the cardmaking world, how to cut and where to fold. It’s super easy to follow along. And it’s FREE to print and keep right on your desk for easy reference!
DOWNLOAD THE FREE CARD BASE PRINTABLE HERE
All of my cards today are A2 (4.25″ x 5.5″) told folding card bases.
What Supplies You NEED
There are some special tools that I will use in the video tutorial, like the Tim Holtz Craft Pick and dies. YOU DO NOT NEED THESE! Are they nice to have? Sure, but you can just as easily use a paper trimmer, a craft knife, an embroidery needle. So what do you NEED?
To shop these supplies, just click the images below!
An Embroidery Needle
You need an embroidery needle. Embroidery needles are a little larger than a regular hand sewing needle. The larger hole will give you more room to pull through embroidery floss. It also is a great tool to use to make your holes!
Like I said above, these needles are also a great multi use tool. You can use them to sew, but you can also use them to create the holes that are needed to sew through. I used my Tim Holtz Retractable Craft pick in my video, but that’s just because I have it. It’s not a necessary tool when you already have a needle.
String/Embroidery Floss
String art needs string. I love using embroidery floss for this. There are so many different colors, it’s super strong, and it’s cheap! To make it simple, I bought a package of embroidery floss and only used that package for this entire video! The image below is different packaging from what I originally bought (over a year ago!), but it’s the same thing!
You can also pick up individual embroidery floss packages in a variety of colors.
If you don’t have embroidery floss and you don’t want to add another item to your stash, some more options are
- Yarn
- Strong Cotton Thread
- Twine
- Crochet Thread
Something To Create an Opening (Optional)
Each of my cards has an open area where I create the string art. I like the look of this and think it adds more interest. I can also add color behind those openings, which is a fun option. For the most part, I used dies to create my openings, but there are so many other ways to create those openings. You can use a craft knife and a pattern, a paper trimmer, punches, etc.
You also don’t even need to create those openings at all! You can just punch holes and add your string art, no opening necessary! It’s all up to you!
Tips For Creating String Art on Handmade Cards
Use Heavy Weight Cardstock
A heavier weight cardstock is going to be your best friend for this technique. The sturdier it is, the better it is going to hold up while you are stitching. It is less likely to bend and less likely to rip as you stitch!
Keep Your Tension Tight and Thread Tangle Free
Make sure as you are stitching to pull your string tight and keep it tangle free. Working with a manageable length of thread really helps with both of these things. If you don’t pull your string tight, you will end up with thread that hangs and doesn’t look nice.
Have Fun and Use What You Have
This is what it’s all about. You don’t need the latest and greatest supplies to use this technique. Use what you have on hand and have fun stitching!
I hope you all enjoy this technique and have fun with it! These were definitely fun cards to make for my first cardmaking session in about a year! If you are interested in any of the supplies I used today, you can find them all listed and linked down below! Until next time, happy crafting!!
Supply List
 DMC Prism Tie Dye Thread Pack Shop at: AMZ |
 Embroidery Needles Shop at: AMZ |
 Embroidery Floss Organizer Shop at: AMZ |
 Plastic Bobbins Shop at: AMZ |
 Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Pick Shop at: SB.com | AMZ | SBP |
 Tim Holtz Ruler Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Scotch Tape with Dispenser Shop at: AMZ |
 Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape Shop at: AMZ |
 Foam Adhesive Shop at: AMZ |
 Scor-Tape 1/4″ x 27 Yards Shop at: AMZ | SBP |
 Tombow Mono Liquid Glue Shop at: SB.com | AMZ | SBP |
 Fiskars Paper Trimmer Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Big Shot Die Cutting Machine Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Waffle Flower Nesting Circle Die Set Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Hero Arts Nesting Hearts Die Set Shop at: SB.com | SBP |
 Lawn Fawn Simple Puffy Clouds Die Set Shop at: SB.com | AMZ | SBP |
 Lawn Fawn Grassy Border Die Shop at: SB.com | AMZ | SBP |
 Lawn Fawn Scripty Hugs Die Shop at: SB.com | SBP |
 White Craft Felt Shop at: AMZ |
 Salty Ocean Mini Distress Ink Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Squeezed Lemonade Mini Distress Ink Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Versafine Clair Ink Pad – Nocturne Shop at: SB.com | AMZ |
 Make – Up Blending Brushes Shop at: AMZ |
 Mini Ink Blending Tool Shop at: SB.com | AMZ | SBP |
 Microfiber Towel Shop at: AMZ |
 Joy Clair “Thankful for You” Stamp Set Shop at: JCS |
 Mini MISTI Shop at: SB.com | AMZ | SBP |
 Tim Holtz Stamping Platform Shop at: AMZ |
 Heavy Weight Cardstock Shop at: AMZ |
 Plastic Embroidery Needles Shop at: AMZ |
