PUT A BIRD ON IT

DIFFICULTY:

When I first started making string art, this little bird was one of the first handful of ideas I had to try out. It’s so simple and cute and the perfect accent for any room. I chose to use a natural basswood round wood cut (or tree slice, as I call them) for this project, an item available in most craft stores.

Materials

Basswood round, large size

5⁄8" (1.6cm) silver nails

Embroidery floss in 1 color (Shown: DMC 964/Light Seagreen)

Photocopy of pattern (page 20)

Picture-hanging hardware

2 felt furniture pads

Tools: Hammer, needle-nose pliers

Basic supplies: Superglue, scissors, transparent tape

Techniques Used

Applying a nail pattern (page 9)

Stringing basics (pages 10–11)

Double-wrap technique (page 13)

Finished Size (h × w)

10" × 7" (25.5cm × 18cm)

  1. Photocopy and cut out the bird pattern, leaving a margin of about an inch (2.5cm) or so on all sides. This makes it much easier to position on the wood. Position your bird as you like and tape the pattern to your wood cut.
  2. Hammer the nails into the pattern, then remove the paper and debris.
  3. Tie on and string the outline of the bird, making sure to secure your starter knot with superglue. I like to take care of the feet of the bird at this point, too, using the double-wrap technique for emphasis. Refer carefully to the pattern shown, as the feet can get a little tricky.
  4. Zigzag to fill in to completion. I usually need one skein of floss for this project, but I always buy two. You never know when you’ll experience a tangle beyond recovery or feel like you need a little more fill. Don’t forget to glue to secure your knots.
  5. Attach the picture-hanging hardware to the upper back side, as well as the two felt pads to the lower back side. Sign, date, and enjoy!

PUT A BIRD ON IT PATTERN