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How to Design With a Plastic String

Design makes use of more than just conventional artist materials. The creative scope is endless. An artist can create a stunning design using items that you wouldn’t think of using in art. While most people see a plastic string washing line as just the tool to hang wet washing to dry, the artist looks at that same line as a potential work of art.

Things You'll Need

  • No. 2 pencil
  • Sketchbook
  • Colored pencils or paint
  • Cardstock or canvas
  • Scissors
  • Glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your pencil and open your sketchbook. Make a preliminary design sketch of abstract shapes or a specific object to design. Add color into the design using colored pencils or paint.

    • 2

      Choose from a selection of plastic strings from children's craft packs or the type of plastic string that makes a washing line.

    • 3

      Make a large sketch of your design on a bigger sheet of cardstock or use a stretched canvas.

    • 4

      Consider how you are going to incorporate plastic string into your design. Decide also how much of the design will be detailed in plastic string. For instance, draw and color a whole design with plastic string. Weave plastic string to make a wall tapestry. Sew applique shapes onto a banner with plastic string.

    • 5

      Experiment with a length of plastic string on how to apply the string to the canvas. Do this by forming spirals, crisscrossing, squiggling or cutting the string into short lengths to stick to the canvas like a mosaic. Use a mix of styles together to incorporate into your plastic string design.

    • 6

      Fix your pieces of plastic string in place in the methods you have experimented with using glue. Allow it to dry before hanging.

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