String art

It’s easy to get an instant retro look with this fabulous 1970s inspired artwork made from string and nails.

Resene art with Mark Rayner - Project 71

Difficulty level: Moderate

You will need: 25mm panel pins, coloured string or wool, hammer, hanging device, paintbrush, piece of 25mm plywood, piece of paper, pencil, plate or plant pot for tracing circle, Resene Quick Dry, Resene testpot of Resene Prussian Blue, sandpaper, saw, scissors, tape measure.

To get the look: Mark painted the background wall with Resene SpaceCote Flat tinted to Resene Feijoa.

Other ideas: For maximum contrast paint the board with Resene Black and use white string or wool.

Step one
Mark a square measuring 300mm x 300mm on the plywood.

Step two
Use the back of the saw to rule cutting lines.

Step three
Cut out the plywood square using pencil lines as a guide. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step four
Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry to the plywood square and allow to dry for two hours.

Step five
Apply two coats of Resene Prussian Blue to the plywood square allowing two hours for each coat to dry.

Step six
Trace a circle on a piece of paper and mark 10mm intervals around the circumference, as shown.

Step seven
Place the paper on the plywood and use these points to make a circle of panel pins, as shown, allowing each to protrude approx 10mm from the plywood. Remove the paper.

Step eight
Tie string to one of the panel pins and wind across and around the circle, as shown, to create a circular ‘starburst’ design. Tie off the string and cut any loose ends. Attach the hanging device to the back.