Spouting Whale String Art Kit by Wizardi F07-M12-3-DHBC28009

A blue whale with a little water spout swims across a maple-look board with a white rounded rim. It is a DIY string art kit: you set the nails, wind the thread and end up with a piece of wall or shelf decor you made yourself.

Whales turn up in sea shanties and children's stories as gentle giants of the ocean, and a spouting whale is one of the most loved nursery motifs. Nail-and-thread pictures like this grew out of curve stitching, the 1800s math lesson in thread, and became a favorite home craft in the 1970s.

Why this kit: a framed board that stands on the desk or hangs on the wall, both fittings included; pre-drilled holes, so every nail goes in exactly where the design needs it; and enough detail to keep you busy for an evening or two without being fiddly.

Kit includes: a pre-drilled board with a rounded rim, a bag of nails, spools of thread in the colors of the design, a fold-out stand, a wall hanger with two screws, an adhesive pad, a small hammer and illustrated instructions. Not included: scissors for trimming the thread ends.

Tap the nails into the pre-drilled holes with the small hammer, tie the thread to a starting nail, outline the shape first and then fill it in with criss-cross passes, one color at a time, finishing with a small knot. The nails are small and sharp, so it is a project for adults, teens and older children working with an adult.

The finished piece measures about 20 x 15 cm (7.9 x 5.9 in). It is a natural fit for a nursery, a bathroom or a beach-house shelf, and makes a thoughtful gift for an ocean lover or new parents.