Under $10 State Nail & String Art

Is there anything better than decorating your walls with original pieces of art that show off your personality? I don't think so. Today's DIY on a dime is all about creating a piece of wall art that will do just that, but without breaking your bank.

While checking out Etsy's new holiday gifts, I came across this beautiful piece of art. Eleanor Mathis, the shop's owner, hand makes each of these nail and string tributes on reclaimed Mississippi wood. The quality of her work is worth the $110 price tag, but I see a DIY opportunity that would cost much less.

California State Nail & String Art

Supplies Needed:

Wood Plaque= $2.99 (Michael's has a great selection of wood plaques in a variety of sizes)

Nails 1 in. long= $1.30

Thread Spool= $1.49

Acrylic Paint= $1.49

Foam Brush= $0.98

Total Cost= $8.25

Gather supplies and get started!

1. Print out the template I created from here.

2. Grab the sponge brush and paint the wood plaque with color of your choice.

 3. Once the paint has dried, tape the state template down onto the plaque.

4. Hammer the nails into the wood following the lines on the template.

*Tip: Start by placing nails in the corners of the state. This will allow you to decide how far apart you'd like the nails to be on the template.

 *Tip: Don't forget to outline the heart first! It will become difficult to hold the nails where you'd like them to be hammered in if the state outline is already done.

 5. Hammer nails all around the template until the state is completely outlined.

 6. Tear off the paper.

 7. Tie a knot with the thread around the nail you'd like to start with. I began at the upper left corner of the state.

 8. Weave the thread around the nails outlining the state connecting it with the opposite nail outlining the heart.

Ta-Dah! Now show off your state pride in style!