Make this cute Christmas string art featuring a simple tree! Get a free template too – that makes this project REALLY easy. Love this unique holiday decor.
Skills Required: Intermediate Beginner. You’ll possibly need to cut a piece of wood if you can’t find one that fits the back of your frame. You’ll also be using Duck Tape and a hammer and nails, so it helps to have some prior crafting experience.
I’m going to be honest – I’ve fallen in love with string art again! I’m completely aware that string art isn’t anything new and it’s been around for a while, but no so long ago my love was renewed thanks to a class at a local place called DIY Bar Portland.
It was cool because I got to go with friends and we each got to choose the kit we wanted to complete. I chose to do octopus string art (because, duh), while another friend did a mountain and yet another made a dinosaur.
We were hooked.
I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to make string art of my own, and Christmas ended up being that time. I decided to use Duck Tape for the “peppermint” themed background, and then a little bit of their Gold Glitter type for the tree’s star.
The rest is history! Actually “the rest” is this Christmas string art project.
Wood to Use
It’s important that you use at least a 1/4″ piece of wood for the background of your project, so that the nails have something to nail into.
It doesn’t really matter what kind of wood you use – pine is inexpensive, so I’d recommend that. We had a scrap piece from a previous project.
String to Use
I use DMC floss. This floss is made up of six individual strands wrapped together. You will not separate the threads like you do for embroidery. You’re going to use the floss as-is.
Are you ready to jump into the project instructions? Keep reading!
Gather These Supplies
- White frame – 11″ x 14″
- Wood back piece to fit your frame – at least 1/4″ thick
- Duck Tape – Red, White, Gold Glitter
- 100 – 120 1″ nails (make sure they have heads that can hold floss)
- Tree pattern
- Embroidery floss – 2 skeins of your tree color
- Craft knife and mat
- Scissors
- Hammer
Did I mention that older kids love to join in the project action as well? My niece was excited to help tape and wrap string. Get the printable how to card below:
Christmas Tree String Art
Equipment
- 1 Hammer
- 1 Computer and printer
- 1 Table Saw optional
Materials
- 1 White frame 11" x 14"
- 1 Wood back piece at least 1/4" thick
- 3 rolls Duck Tape Red, White, Gold Glitter
- 120 1" nails with heads you'll use 100 – 120 total
- Tree pattern
- 2 skeins Embroidery floss green
Instructions
- Remove the back from your frame. Use the table saw to cut a board to fit the frame, with a little bit of room around all sides for wrapping the tape.
- Stripe the red and white Duck Tape on the wood background, using a diagonal pattern. Butt the tape next to each other as you change colors, and fold it over the back. Repeat until the entire board is covered.
- Open the free template and print.
- Place the template down on the Duck Tape board wherever you want the tree shape to go. Remember that the template can't go all the way to the bottom – a portion of the board will be covered by the frame, all the way around the edge. Stick your template down (just use double stick tape or Duck tape).
- Nail around the edge of the template. There are no "rules" for the distance between nails. I'd do about 1/2" – 3/4" between each nail (they're a little tight in the photo).
- Pick a nail to start the thread. Unwrap the embroidery floss and go about 1 1/2" up the strand with your finger. Tie a knot around that nail to secure the floss to start.
- Begin weaving your floss around all the nails, criss-crossing to fill the area until you are satisfied with the coverage.
- To complete the tree, use the template to cut a star out of some gold glitter Duck Tape. Use the craft knife and mat; stick to the top.
- Insert the string art into the frame and duck tape around the edges to secure.
Notes
I hope you enjoyed this Christmas decor idea – and if so, let me know in the comments! You should also check out these other posts:
Apothecary Jars • Candy Cane Centerpiece • Candy Cane Wreath • Christmas Magnets • Christmas Shadow Box • Decorative Candles • DIY Nativity • Felt Mistletoe • Felt Wreath on Wood • Gift Card Holders • Gnome Decor • Magazine Christmas Tree • Pom Pom Garland • Recycle Cookie Tins • Santa Hat Topiary • Santa Mason Jar • Santa Napkin Rings