Make A Pull String Artwork!
Create a pull string moving artwork using cardboard, string, and paper characters; design scenes, attach a pull mechanism, and explore simple motion.
Step-by-step guide to make a pull-string moving artwork
Easy Art Project! Pull String Creatures
Step 1
Gather all your materials so they are within reach on a clear table.
Step 2
Cut the cardboard into a rectangle about 8 by 10 inches to make your base.
Step 3
Use a pencil and ruler to draw a background scene and a path where characters will move.
Step 4
Color the background with your coloring materials to make a fun scene.
Step 5
Draw one or more characters on paper or cardstock for your moving figures.
Step 6
Cut out each character carefully with scissors.
Step 7
Glue a small rectangle of cardboard behind each cut character to make it stronger.
Step 8
Punch a small hole near the top of each reinforced character.
Step 9
Make two small tape loops and stick them at the left and right edges of the cardboard where you want the string to run.
Step 10
Thread the string across the front of the cardboard through both tape loops.
Step 11
Tape one end of the string securely to the back of the cardboard to anchor it and leave the other end free as a pull tab.
Step 12
Thread the free string end through each character hole and slide your characters into position so they hang and can move.
Step 13
Pull your tab to test the motion and tweak tape loops or character positions until they slide smoothly then share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have cardstock, a hole punch, or craft string?
Use a cereal-box or folded printer paper for characters instead of cardstock, poke holes with a sharpened pencil or a straightened paper clip if you don't have a hole punch, and substitute yarn, dental floss, or fishing line for the string in the 'thread the string' step.
My characters won't slide smoothly or the string keeps coming loose — how can I fix that?
Loosen or reposition the two small tape loops, try a smoother string like fishing line, slide short drinking-straw pieces onto the string as low-friction guides where the tape loops sit, and make sure the taped anchor on the back is pressed firmly so the pull tab stays secure.
How can I adapt the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger kids, pre-cut the cardboard base and characters, pre-punch holes, and use thick yarn and help gluing the cardboard rectangles behind characters, while older kids can add multiple characters, parallel strings, and complex paths when they draw and color the background.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the finished pull-string artwork?
Personalize by adding layered background panels, gluing on sequins or fabric costumes to characters, creating multiple lanes of string for simultaneous movement, or attaching a second string and shared pull tab for two-way motion before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a pull-string moving artwork
Pull String Art | Kids Craft at Home
3 Videos
Pull String Art | Kids Craft at Home
Pull String Art Tutorial Fun for any age!
How to Do the Classic Pulled String Art Project
Facts about simple machines and motion for kids
🧵 A single string can turn a straight pull into surprising motion with levers, pulleys, or simple cams—no batteries needed.
🤖 Ancient inventors like Hero of Alexandria made early automata—moving machines that wowed crowds over 2,000 years ago!
📦 Cardboard is lightweight, sturdy, and recyclable, which makes it perfect for building frames and stages for moving scenes.
🎨 Kinetic artists use motion as part of the artwork—your pull-string piece is a tiny kinetic sculpture!
🎠Marionette shows sometimes use many strings, but pull-string art gets big, dramatic movement with just one or two pulls.
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