In our newest art for kids activity, we’ll be using styrofoam, toothpicks, and string to make some colorful 3-D string art! This is a fun activity for creating patterns and designs in a unique way. (And a great way to reuse packaging materials- great for Earth Day!)
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I’m teaming up again with some super creative bloggers in the Easy Art Projects for Kids Series! This week we’re focusing on string art for kids. Be sure to check out all the creative string art projects for kids shared by the other participating blogs. I’ve included their links at the end of this post! (This post contains affiliate links.)
Previous Posts in the Easy Art Projects for Kids Series
String Art Using Styrofoam and Toothpicks
Materials for String Art for Kids
Making String Art
Start by pushing the toothpicks into the styrofoam block. We tried to space our toothpicks out evenly across the block.
Chose your first color of string and tie it to a toothpick. Begin weaving and wrapping your string through the toothpicks. When you’re finished with the color, cut it, and tie it to a nearby toothpick.
Continue this with other colors of string.
I couldn’t resist creating patterns with my string art.
Lucy, my 6 year old, enjoyed creating an abstract string design.
Tips
- I pushed the toothpicks into the styrofoam for Lucy. Older kids could do this step on their own.
- This would be a great way to upcycle all that styrofoam that comes in packaging!
- We tried both regular styrofoam and smooth styrofoam. Both work equally well, but the smooth styrofoam doesn’t leave a mess like the regular styrofoam.
- We used flat toothpicks rather than round to avoid any poking issues.
Be sure to check out these other easy art project for kids using the string:
Rainbow Yarn Prints from Blog Me Mom
String Art Easter Cross from Housing a Forest
Rubber Band Art from Babble Dabble Do
Related Posts
Process Art for Preschoolers: Painting with Yarn
Art for Kids: Ocean Scenes Using Chalk and Tempera Paint
Math Patterns Using Apple Prints
Sandpaper and Crayon Art for Kids
Art Projects for Kids: Oil Pastels & Watercolors
Geometry for Kids: Nine-Square Paper Quilt Design
Fall Art Projects for Kids: Textured Pumpkins Using Crayon Rubbings
Yarn Art Inspired by Harold and the Purple Crayon
Suja says
April 7, 2014 at 2:59 pmThis is such a stunning project! Love the gorgeous images. Can you imagine the fine motor workout they get when the littles are unleashing their creativity.. Ohhh forgot about the MATH part.! Amazing one Chelsey 🙂
Rachel Kaylynn says
April 10, 2014 at 6:37 pmThese turned out beautifully. Definitely going to have to try this activity with my kids – thanks for sharing!
Anna@The Measured Mom says
April 13, 2014 at 1:07 pmKids are so into string (my five year old in particular) – great project! Thanks for sharing at After School.
Meredith @ Homegrown Friends says
April 25, 2014 at 3:05 amI can’t wait to try this with my kids!
Emma Edwards says
June 13, 2014 at 11:01 pmI love the idea. We used to have these in my classroom for shape work but never thought about making our own – could have saved a fortune!
radhika says
June 24, 2014 at 8:28 amlove it.. the best recycle project… thanks for sharing 🙂
Mayestra says
February 18, 2015 at 8:08 amGreetings from Sunny San Antonio, TX!
I thank you very much for sharing this idea. We used to make something similar when I was growing up, during family night. But my dad would make the designs on wood with nails, and we would use string as we were learning, and later we would allowed to use jewelry wire… i remember giving one to one of my elementary teachers and she loved it! it was such a nice time! I want to do it with my ELLs (I teach ESL, I pull small groups in grades 1st -5th), but the blocks are expensive when I multiply the cost x52 kids! But your post gave me a great idea: use cereal boxes, reinforce with duct tape! i will try it later in April or May and pass along some pictures!
Mayestra (‘teacher” ins Spanish, but pronounced as a pre-k student).
Chelsey says
February 18, 2015 at 4:56 pmWhat a great idea! I would absolutely love to hear how it goes! Please keep me posted!