Print out the free "DAD" template (find the link in the list above!) and roughly cut out the letters.
Tape the template pieces onto your wood to keep the letters in place.You can measure so that the letters are placed completely evenly, or just eyeball what will look best.
Step 3: Hammer in the nails
Hammer in the nails on the inside of the first letter so that they're sticking out about 1/2 inch above the wood. Starting on the inside of the letters makes it easier to maneuver.If you're using the template, add the nails on the marked spots. Otherwise, add nails every 1/2 to 3/4 inch, keeping them a fairly even distance apart.
Now hammer in the nails around the outside of the "D" to complete the first letter.
Repeat the previous steps, filling in all three letters with nails.Make any final adjustments, checking that the nails are fairly straight and evenly hammered into the wood.
Step 4: Remove the template and start adding string
Rip off the template letters from the board. Try to remove as much of the paper as possible.If you can't reach some of the tiny pieces on the inside of the letters, use tweezers to help pull it out.
Choose your first colour of embroidery floss and tie it in a double knot around one of the outside nails, leaving 1 to 2 inches of string on the end.
Begin weaving the string across the letter, going from nail to nail in a zig zag pattern.
Continue, making your way across the whole letter. Be careful not to go into the gap in the letter (the center hole of the "D").
Repeat the same movements, but this time move the thread across the nails at different angles to create a layered pattern.
Continue until you're happy with how full the letter is. Return to where you started with the thread and cut it off, again leaving 1 to 2 inches extra.
Tie the end of the string to the beginning thread, securing the two ends in a double knot.
Repeat the same process for the next two letters, choosing a different colour string for each.
Step 5: Add a border and finish off the string art
To make room for the black border you may need to push the coloured string down on the nails.Tie black embroidery thread around the same outside starting point of the first letter.
Working along the outside of the letter, wrap the string around each nail so that it makes a straight line across the inside of the nails.To do this, bring the thread from nail to nail and make a clockwise loop around each nail to keep the string in place.
Once you've made your way around the whole letter, repeat the same process, this time going in the opposite direction.Wrap the string around the nails in a clockwise motion so that the border is straight across the outside edge.
Loop the black thread one more time around, filling the center of the border by going on an angle between the nails. This time, loop the thread in an opposite direction each time.Cut the thread and tie it off.
Repeat this process on the inside of the letter.
Now add a black border on the next two letters.
Cut off the excess string lengths, close to all the knots you've tied.