Post by Tonya of Toluka Paper

Hi there! I’m Tonya from Toluka Paper and I had SO much fun sharing this craft at the Lincoln Park store last month. Did you miss it? No biggie…you can either join us in Oakbrook, IL on May 20th for another super session…or…because sharing is caring, I’m sharing the deets here with you to give it a go at home.

This is a great way to practice color and shape recognition, and hone those fine motor skills….not to mention HAVE FUN and BE CREATIVE! The thing that makes this craft perfect for all ages is it doesn’t have to be perfect to be awesome!

Supplies

• Styrofoam
• Patterned paper, construction paper, etc (optional)
• Crayons/markers (optional)
• Tracing paper (options)
• Flat toothpicks String (I used embroidery thread, but any thin string or yarn would work)
• Scissors

Step 1 Start with a piece of Styrofoam. Here is an opportunity to upcycle! Mine is 5×7”, but yours can be any size or shape.

Step 2 Cover Styrofoam with patterned paper to create a background. You may also draw or color a background using crayons or markers (pssst…make sure the markers dry and don’t leave a wet, inky mess on the styrofoam 😉

Step 3 Decide what shape you want your string art to be. If you would like to do a house shape like the sample pic place dots in a simple house shape on tracing paper . Have a different shape in mind? No problem! Either plan out your shape on tracing paper, or skip the tracing paper all together and create a free-form shape of your choice by inserting toothpicks* in your choice of shape or random placement. Anything goes!

Step 4 Knot the end of your string around a toothpick. Hint: It works best to start the loop before slipping it over the toothpick – then pull to secure (as shown). The littles will need help with this part.

Step 5 Now WRAP away! When you have reached the end of your string or want to switch colors, just cut the string and knot it on the last toothpick.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 until desired number of colors is reached.

Step 6 If you used tracing paper, you can remove it now by tearing it out from in between the toothpicks. Voila!

Toluka Paper began when owner/designer Tonya Kauffman designed her own Save the Dates and wedding accessories. From there family and friends began asking her to perform her ‘paper magic’ and soon the word of her talents spread and Tonya learned her true passion for design. As her orders increased, she decided to start her own stationery business and founded Toluka Paper in 2007 . She continues to grow her business while balancing the demands of being a mother and a wife.