String pull art is about as process oriented as art gets. You get to make a few choices then it’s all action and a bit of chance. These fun little creatures start by pulling a string but take it a bit further by adding some details to create some funky looking creatures.
Supplies for string pull art…
This is easy, you can do this. All you need are string, paper, and paint. We used washable tempera paint . Acrylic paint would work too, it’s just less washable.
Any medium weight yarn will work well. I love these mini assortments- so fun for lots of projects!
Plain lightweight drawing paper will serve you well with this project. Save the heavier stuff for another day!
Here’s the process…
Process art means the point of doing it is more about enjoying the process than crafting a perfect product. I love this is a starting point for kids. Art should be fun. Creating art should be an enjoyable avenue to express yourself not an angst ridden period filled with rules and hoping you can get it “right.”
Starting with art that can’t be “wrong” is a good way to relax the kid that might be a bit anxious. And, because, fun. Art is supposed to be fun!
Get ready to pull…
Squirt a bit of paint on a paper plate or a reusable pallet. (These pallets are super cheap and will def make your kid feel like an artist.)
Toss a short piece of string (8-10 inches) into the paint leaving a couple of inches clean and out of the paint. Use a paint brush to make sure the yarn is coated but not dripping. Reuse the same pieces of yarn and this step gets easier each time.
Lay the string on a piece of paper in a random design and lay another paper on top. Let the clean end of the string hang off the edge of the paper.
Apply a little pressure to the top paper while pulling the clean end of the string from side to side while pulling it out from between the two white papers. Pressure might be the palm of your hand or a book that’s not too precious.
From funky shape to crazy creature….
Open papers up and allow your shapes to dry. This is a great time to talk about how these shapes are symmetrical. Check out this alternate way to make symmetrical creatures and this old school symmetry project plus a free printable to enforce the concept.
These symmetrical shapes are easy to imagine as creatures. Because faces are symmetrical it’s easy to see eyes, nostrils, antennae, etc. Arrange cut out string pull shapes on a background paper and glue down.
I suggest supplying only back and white paper and maybe some Sharpies for the next step. Too many colors run the risk of distracting from the string pull shapes. I also gave the kids these fun paper punches to make perfect circles and these eyeball stickers that are fun for cartooning, drawing prompts, and random rainy days.
If you enjoyed this string pull art project then please share it on your favorite social media channel. Every share helps me to bring you more fun projects and free printables!
