DIY: String Art World Map

For months I've been trying to find just the right piece of art to go over my living room couch.  I wanted to do something a little more creative than just pictures in frames. Finally after doing extensive searching on etsy.com, I came across string art, and the RambleandRoost etsy shop.  The owner has a ton of string art pieces, and one that struck me was a world map. I decided to try my hand at making my own version.

 

Materials Needed:

2' by 4' (purchased pre-cut at home depot)

world map (purchased on amazon.com)

1 can minwax polyshades in mission oak satin (purchased from home depot)

paint brush

2'' nails

household twine

power drill

screws

braces (for hanging)

 

1.Set out 2' by 4' piece of wood

2. Stain the piece of wood, front and back and let dry overnight

3. Place map directly in the center of the wood

4. Hammer in nails around the edges of land

 

 

 

5. Tie string around one nail and start winding string around nails.  See string art tutorial here

6. As you finish each land mass, cut away the map underneath

 7. Using a power drill, drill screws through braces into the back of the wood; next drill screws into the wall... then hang!

 

 

 



DIY: Bridal Shower Custom Cross Stitch Gift

 

Recently for a friend's bridal shower I purchased a custom cutting board (from Etsy) with her future last name on it. The cutting board was a hit and everyone thought the customization was a nice touch.  When I started to take up cross stitch, I thought a great companion gift would be a custom frame with the bride and groom's initials as well as their wedding date. 

 

In order to craft the pattern I needed to find patterns for letters and numbers-- Searching on pinterest I came across a bunch, see my pin board here.  I used excel and a pattern as a guide and came up with the below.

For reference I used 14 count aida fabric, and colors: dark fuschia (heart) and 844 (letters and numbers).

For more details on how to cross stitch see tutorial here.