Why Quality String Art Materials Matter

If you’ve ever spent days carefully wrapping thread around hundreds of tiny nails, only for one to snap right at the end — you know that feeling in your stomach. That quiet frustration that makes you want to just walk away from the board for a while.

String art isn’t fast. It takes time, focus, and a lot of patience. And when something goes wrong right at the finish line — a thread that breaks, a nail that bends, a layer that unravels — it’s not just disappointing. It’s heartbreaking. Because by then, you’ve already poured hours into it. Working with quality string art materials changes everything — from how smoothly the thread glides to how strong your finished piece feels.

That’s when I started paying closer attention to the materials I use and how much they actually matter in the creative process.

The Hours You Put In Deserve Better Materials

String art can take days to finish, especially when you’re layering colors and adjusting tension along the way. If you’re going to dedicate that kind of time, the materials need to respect your effort.

Poor-quality thread can fray, snap, or lose its color halfway through. And low-grade nails? They might bend, chip, or loosen before you even finish wrapping. I’ve had it all happen — and it’s the kind of moment that makes you want to question the entire project.

That’s why I started looking for materials that could keep up — ones that felt dependable and worthy of the time I was spending.

The Nail Situation That Started It All

Why Choosing Quality String Art Materials Makes a Difference

When I first began, I used locally sourced brass-plated nails. They looked fine at first, but consistency was a constant problem. The boxes were labeled with the same sizes, yet the nails inside weren’t the same — one batch had thicker shanks, another had smaller heads, and the color could shift from bright gold to dull bronze.

And sometimes… there were wood splinters in the boxes. Actual splinters.

I tried to make peace with it for a while, hoping things would improve over time, but they didn’t. The inconsistency made it impossible to guarantee that every kit or finished sign I sent out met the same standard.

Eventually, it just became clear — I needed to look beyond local stores.

Over time, I realized that using good materials isn’t about being fancy — it’s about reliability. When you spend days on a piece, the last thing you want is a thread snapping or a nail bending. Investing in quality string art materials simply lets you focus on creating, not fixing.

Finding the Right Partner – Blackbird Nails

That’s when I reached out to another Etsy maker — Tacks & Nails (Blackbird Nails) — a third-generation family business specializing in small, high-quality nails. They’re the kind of people who care about precision the same way I do — where every nail feels identical, clean, and thoughtfully made.

And honestly? It just felt right.

With Blackbird Nails, GoodStrings signs and kits became more special. I could finally sleep better at night knowing that what I make and sell is consistent, reliable, and made with care — from start to finish.

If you’re curious, these are the string art nails I now use and recommend: String Art Nails – GoodStrings Shop

Good Materials, Good Moments

The Calm in Crafting Slowly

String art isn’t about rushing to the finish line — it’s about enjoying the process. When you choose quality supplies, you’re not just crafting something that looks beautiful; you’re giving yourself a smoother, calmer, and more satisfying experience. And, honestly, it saves your nerves too.

That said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using what you already have. If you’re enjoying the process — that’s what matters most.

But if you’ve ever been frustrated by bent nails, weak thread, or materials that don’t quite hold up, it might be time to try something better. Quality materials don’t just change how your project looks — they change how it feels to make it.

If you’d like to try the same nails and threads I use for all my kits and signs, you can now find them in my shop:

👉 String Art Nails
👉 String Art Threads

A Small Note to Makers

Whatever tools or materials you use, I hope you find a bit of calm in the process. That moment when the world goes quiet, and it’s just you, a wooden board, and a handful of thread — that’s what it’s really about.

Craft slowly. Choose with care. Enjoy the making.

Happy crafting!

Renate from GoodStrings