Klutz - String Art product reviews

My family and I have always been massive fans of the Klutz kits, and we have also been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of a small number of klutz kits via KIWIreviews. We had not been accepted for any fod a while though, so I was really over joyed to be picked to trial this one with my daughter. So excited.

I have a very crafty, arty, patient and clued up 8 year old, which is a bonus because when we investigated thd kit, many memories of the frustrations I used to have as a child making string heart came flooding back lol The kit contains everything you need to get you started - string, backing board, tracing paper, templates, pin pushing tool, and instruction book. You only need to supply tape :)

Miss 8 was having a sick day when this arrived, and no word of a lie, she sat in my bed with the kit for some 5 odd hours. She is very independent and as such she refused to let me, read, or assist in any form. She wanted to do it by herself. So I left her to it and am very proud of what she achieved. She possibly could have used my help at some stage tho so that she got a better idea of what to do.

The pin pushing tool is awesome! Such a fantastic invention that is. We loved that theres lots of strings in lots of colours and that there was a great variety of backing paper designs and colours. What have liked a couple more backing boards but no biggy. These are an excellent kit and miss 8 loves it. Was so great sharing with her something I did as a kid but had forgotten about.

Cant wait to see what klutz brings out next :)

As a child I remember making some string art projects and I really enjoyed it. When I saw this kit up for review, I jumped at the chance. I managed to finish dinner and get the kids to bed before opening up the kit and working out what to do. Initially I thought that I would get a project done really quickly, but as I read the instructions, the memory came back to me about what was involved in the process of doing string art. I knew then that each project would take a bit of time in order to get it looking good. The instructions were very good to allow me to follow the necessary process. While following the instructions to cover the cardboard base board, I liked that I learned a tidier way of wrapping a present. This was a lovely additional benefit of using the kit.

The instruction book provides many template options to get you started with string art. The project I chose to start on, was the owl. I noted that there were different sizes of backing boards and for this project I needed the bigger one. It wasn't until I was doing the string part of the activity, that I read one of the initial instructions properly. It suggested that the reader should do the heart activity first in order to learn the necessary skills to correctly string the other projects. I had to leaf back through the book in order to work out how I was supposed to 'outline' the owl. I guess I was too eager to start the projects to read the instructions when I started initially.

The kit contains pretty much everything you need in order to make the crafts in the book. Some good quality tape is the exception to this. I found that I needed wider tape than standard sellotape to secure the paper to the back of the backing board. My paper kept needing to be re-taped to keep it attached to the backing board.

The Pin-Pushing Tool was invaluable when pressing the pins into the backing board. It meant that I could get all the pins in to the same level. The result was that the end look was aesthetically pleasing, as well as the fact that the pins didn't go too far through the board and become a danger with sharp points to stab me while I was creating my piece of art. The tool is also useful for being able to move all of the strings to top of the pins when the project is complete. The funny thing is that I didn't read this part either and used a pair of scissors to help me push the string to the top. Next time I will give the tool a go. There would be less likelihood of me accidentally cutting one of the strings and ruining the projects.

There is a good range of project templates to get a beginner started. While I was starting the process, I kept thinking of all the projects I could create on my own. I think this is the sign of a good kit. It gives the skills necessary to become creative all by yourself.

I am enjoying getting to know the various Klutz craft kits and I look forward to testing some more out. These are just the kick I needed to get me going with crafts again. The fact that they are aimed at kids is irrelevant. I love them and I guess I will find it in myself to share it with some of my nieces and nephews....maybe!!! Excellent - I just reread the front of the book - Klutz creates these kits for kids 3-103 and I fit within that category!