Build a Star-Spangled String Art at Niehaus Lumber’s Little Builders Workshop

Looking for a hands-on craft that’s fun, patriotic, and easy to make with your kids? Join us for a creative project that celebrates the red, white, and blue! This Star-Spangled String Art is a simple DIY that lets little builders use real tools while making something they’ll be proud to hang at home.

What You’ll Need

All materials will be provided at the workshop, but here’s what we’ll be using—most of which you can also find in-store if you want to recreate this project at home!

• A sanded 1"x6"x18" wooden board 

• Red, white, and blue embroidery floss (or whichever colors you prefer)

• Printed star template

• 1 in. or 1-1/2 in. nails (20 per star, 60 in total)

• Hammer 

• Wood stain or paint to decorate (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a little patriotic flair to your space with this simple and creative Star-Spangled String Art project. It's easy to make and fun for kids and adults alike!

Step 1: Prepare Your Wood Board and Place the Star Template

Use a 1x6x18 in. wooden board. This size gives you three equal 6x6 in. sections to work with—perfect for placing three stars across the board. Lightly sand the edges if needed. Print the template with three evenly spaced stars and tape it securely to the wood board. This will act as your guide for placing the nails—no need to trace! Each star fits in their own 6x6 square in the board.

Step 2: Hammer in the Nails

Add 20 small nails around the outline of each star, spaced about ½ inch apart on the red dots on the template. Hammer the nails about halfway into the wood so they’re secure but still tall enough to wrap string around.

Step 3: Remove the Template

Once all the nails are in place, carefully peel the paper template up and then away to avoid having little pieces of paper stuck by the nails. You’ll be left with three star outlines formed by nails.

Step 4: Star Wrapping Your Star

Choose red, white, and blue string or embroidery floss. Tie the end of your string to one nail, then start wrapping it around the others in a zigzag pattern, hitting every other nail. This creates a great base. Next, begin outlining the star. You can start with either the inside or outside outline—it doesn’t matter which.

Step 5: Wrap the String

Wrap your string completely around each nail head as you move from one nail to the next along the outline. There is no right or wrong way to do this, so just follow your intuition and create your amazing star. Once both outlines are complete, tie the two string ends together in a double knot to secure your work.

Step 6: Finish and Display

Feel free to add more crisscross patterns inside the star or keep it simple—the choice is yours! Repeat this process for each star, using different colors. When your stars are filled in, tie off the string and trim the ends. Your Star-Spangled String Art is ready to hang and enjoy!

Pro Tips for a Smooth Build

• Nail the top edge of the first star to hold the star templates in place while hammering the rest of the nails.

• Pre-start the nails for younger kids so it’s easier and safer to hammer.

• Let kids pick the string colors—they don’t have to stick to red, white, and blue!

• Wrap string loosely at first, then tighten as they go to avoid tangles.

• Add a name or year with paint or marker to personalize their masterpiece.

• Try different shapes—this technique works for hearts, trees, letters, and more!

Join the Fun at Niehaus Lumber

Our Little Builders Workshops are designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and make lasting memories. Stop by Niehaus Lumber to pick up extra supplies or ask about future workshops—we’re always here to support your next DIY adventure.