Welcome to my Southern Hometown Tour of Aiken, South Carolina! Experience a vibrant downtown, thrilling horse races, and beautiful gardens. Plus I’m sharing a Horse String Art Project to help you remember the trip!

I was beyond excited when Heather from the fabulous Southern State of Mind asked me to be a part of her Southern Road Trip. You are going to love cruising through our part of the country! Make sure to visit each of our much loved cities at the bottom of this post.

Aiken is located across the Savannah River from Augusta, Georgia. It’s a vibrant community filled with beautiful gardens, cobbled downtown streets, and horses.

Lots and lots of horses.

In fact, our fine city is known as Thoroughbred Country. 

Spring here is azaleas, Easter dresses, and the Triple Crown Horses. I even met my husband at the Steeplechase races in 2000.

Bless his heart. Three children, four houses, and 16 years later he had no idea what he was getting into!

A string art project that reminds me of the day I met my husband and how wonderful our hometown is exactly what our mantel needed. It’s paired with a handpainted ocean scene and my favorite Southern Sayings Printable.

This posts contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. {Click here} to read my complete disclosure policy. 

Horse String Art: Supplies

horse template

wooden plank plaque

grey hemp cord

small nails and hammer

Horse String Art Project: Instructions

Step One: Create a Horse Template

There were no fancy machines used to create this wall art. I simply found a horse silhouette that I like, enlarged in on my computer to the size I wanted, and traced it from the computer screen.

The same technique was used to create these pet silhouette gifts and this deer string art.

Step Two: Outline the Shape with Nails

Secure the horse silhouette onto the wooden plank plaque with tape then use small nails to outline the shape.

Step Three: Fill In the Shape with String

Create a starting point by tying the hemp cord tightly to one nail. Begin the string art by outline the entire shape with string. This will define the shape and give you clues to where the string should and should not go.

After the outline is complete, start weaving the string in and out to cover the shape. As you pull the string around the nails, there is a good chance that you will pull up nails along the way. Simple pound any loose nails back into place with the hammer.

Finish by outlining the horse art project one more time with string.

Tie the string off one more time and your string art project is finished!

Tips for Making String Art

• Begin and end the string art by outlining the shape with string. Weaving the string in and out between the nails will help to define the shape.
• The art project can be completed with one continuous string or you can use several pieces of hemp cord.
• Look back at the image you are making. This string art tip is especially important if the shape you are making is intricate.
• Keep the hammer handy! As you pull the string around the nails, there is a good chance that you will pull up nails along the way. Simple pound any loose nails back into place with the hammer.
• Step back and look at the string art project as you are working. Doing this will help you see if the string is evenly placed or if you missed a few spots.

Join me on a virtual road trip throughout the South with an amazing group of bloggers! I will update the links daily so you can enjoy the trip!

 

THE GREAT SOUTHERN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Southern State of Mind {Atlanta, GA} | Restless Arrow {Belton, SC}

Southern Hospitality {Marietta, GA} | Our Southern Home {Caswell Beach, NC}

TUESDAY ROUTE:

Unskinny Boppy {Birmingham, AL} | Maison de Pax {Austin, TX}

Atta Girl Says {Greensboro, NC} | 3 Little Greenwoods {Aiken, SC}

WEDNESDAY ROUTE:

Dixie Delights {Savannah, GA} | Slightly Coastal {Fernandina Beach, FL}

Uptown Acorn {Grand Isle, LA} | The House of Wood {Nashville, TN}

THURSDAY ROUTE:

11 Magnolia Lane {Southern Pines/Pinehurst, NC} | The Turquoise Home {Huntsville, AL}

Duke Manor Farm {Pendergrass, GA} | Domestic Charm {Charlotte, NC}

FRIDAY ROUTE:

Our Fifth House {Charleston, SC} | At Home with the Barkers {Greenville, SC}

Simple Stylings {Mount Pleasant, SC} | Refresh Restyle {Bishop, GA}

 

Visit Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods’s profile on Pinterest.

I link up with these fun parties!

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and/or is a sponsored post. I may receive compensation in the form of monetary compensation or product compensation in exchange for my review. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored or contains affiliate links, all the opinions are my own. Why do I do this? It will help me keep this DIY’ing Mama crafting for another day! For more on my disclosure policy click here.