Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- DIY String Art: 24 Designs to Create and Hang

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Giveaway- DIY String Art: 24 Designs to Create and Hang

Leave a comment in today’s post by June 30th, 2016 and you are in the running for this fun modern spin on a classic craft.

Open to U.S. residents only please.

More about the book from the publisher:

This isn’t your summer camp string art!

String art has made a stylish return, and Jesse Dresbach’s DIY String Art gives this nostalgic craft a fresh, modern twist. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned string artist, this book is packed with designs ranging from simple geometric shapes to intricate nature scenes, zodiac signs, and even negative space patterns. Jesse’s approach is flexible and inviting, allowing crafters to jump right into the fun part—wrapping and weaving string into stunning designs.

The book opens with a tour of Jesse’s tool setup, offering practical tips for prepping boards and placing nails using paper templates. He covers several stringing methods, including his standout double-wrap technique for creating bold outlines and framed effects.

What sets this book apart is its contemporary, urban vibe. Designs are versatile—some neat and structured, others beautifully chaotic—and the end results are strikingly display-worthy. With helpful tips and a wide variety of patterns, Jesse gives you everything you need to turn string and nails into eye-catching modern art.

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Comments

  5. Seeing more of these
    popping up and
    they would be fun
    to create.
    Carla from Utah

  10. I would love to learn how to do string art! What a different way to bring attention to that blank wall?

  11. Have a string art picture from the seventies done by children’s grandmother…it is awesome.
    Would imagine this book has some great patterns as well.

  13. Thanks for the chance to win. I have seen a lot of these projects around but haven’t tried it myself. I have been looking for patter,s for this to make one for my son’s room. It would be great to have this book as a guide to get me started.

  19. My daughters were talking about string art just the other day so we would have fun using the book

  20. My parents had a beautiful string art piece that I managed to ruin by falling into it while coming down the stairs. Maybe I could make a piece to replace it,

Have you read?

How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.