Jun 5, 2012

Nail & String Letters {Diy}


Here is a quick tutorial of the wooden nail and string letters I made for our recent gold shoot. By the way, when I say "quick tutorial" I mean it... I hardly took any pictures, and the pictures I did take were with my cell phone. So this is a rough explanation just in case you want to make your own.

#1- Cut your wood boards to any size you want your letter to be, these were about 20"x30" pieces made from 1/2" plywood. I was using these letters I got at JoAnns as a template which made it very easy to know sizing and to trace them.

#2- Stain wood boards if desired

#3- Trace letters on to boards

#4- Spray paint every single nail shiny gold... Oh wait, that's only if you're crazy like me... I suggest skipping this part if possible. :)

#5- Hammer a nail about 1/4" into the wood in all the corners of the letter (see image below), this will give you good starting and ending points. It also helps with spacing your nails.





#6- I used a nail for my spacing, it seemed easier than measuring. Now repeat this step about 150 times and you've got it! For smaller areas where the nail space wouldn't have been even, I eyeballed and adjusted accordingly.



This is what it looks like as things start moving along... pretty little nails all in a row.



#7- Tie your embroidery floss to one of the nails and begin weaving it back and forth, around, up and down, catching all the nail heads as you go. This part actually moves pretty quickly. I believe I used 4-5 threads in varying colors on each letter.



Fill in the gaps and spaces as you go until you have a uniform look




#8- Trim all loose strings and you're done!



Here you have it! I absolutely love the way these turned out. They would be fun to use as a headboard (secured well to the wall), wedding decor, or even over the mantel in your living room.



Here is the final image and how I chose to display them in the photo shoot. They made a really sweet backdrop to our mock engagement party.


I hope the directions weren't too hard to follow. Please leave a comment with any questions you have and I'd love to help you out. 

Also, all of my new blog design is in the works so come back soon for info on that!!


4 comments:

  1. Have I mentioned I think you're awesome? And I can't wait to see what you come up with for book club? xox

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    Replies
    1. Have I mentioned I think you're awesome too?? :)

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  2. Amazing! This reminds me of some of my Grandpa's string art. He did some really cool ships back in the day. Love how everything comes back around but in a different way : )

    Brandi

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