As with the vast majority of my projects lately, this one was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest. I thought this thumbtack wall design was just about the coolest thing ever, and wanted to make a housewarming gift for my little sister based on the idea. Since I figured she wouldn’t like it much if I went over and put 1000 tiny holes in the walls of her new apartment, I decided to make a smaller framed version.
I bought a large, cheap frame at Michaels and took out the glass. I then measured a piece of foam board to fit the frame.
Next I sketched out the design lightly in pencil.
Finally, I started pinning. This will do a number on your fingers! They were sore for days. Plus, I ended up not liking the original design and started over, and the process of taking OUT the pins was even worse!!
But I think the end result is pretty cool! It took about 500-600 thumbtacks, which I bought at the dollar store is packages of 300. Buy about twice what you think you’ll need. I had to go back a few times because I ran out!
I was pretty happy with the finished product, and my sister loved it! We’re going to use it as the focal point of a gallery wall in her new place.
54 Comments so far
Leave a comment
metalandmud.wordpress.com 
So cool!
Comment by fuzzybrewmike March 30, 2012 @ 10:01 amI heart it and I heart my sister!! Thank you Sara!!!
Comment by 52booksayear March 30, 2012 @ 10:58 amLove it, Sara. Can’t wait to see it and Suzy’s new place.
Comment by Faye Schmidle March 30, 2012 @ 7:45 pmI absolutely adore this!! Thanks for the tutorial ❤
Comment by underestimatedmom March 31, 2012 @ 1:54 pm[…] saw this post for push pin art on Metal and Mud. It also links to this wall art by Jessica Hische. And then I […]
Pingback by Pretty little pins « what maddy did next April 3, 2012 @ 8:08 pmHi… What size frame is this ?
Comment by Cassie April 4, 2012 @ 1:42 pmIt’s about 12 x 36.” It was originally a collage frame, but I took the mat and glass out. You can use any size frame you’d like!
Comment by metalandmud April 5, 2012 @ 4:14 pmCame out fantastic!!
Comment by They Call Me Crafty April 6, 2012 @ 10:35 amThis is so cute! I might have to try doing this!
Comment by Shay. R. May 15, 2012 @ 9:57 pm[…] saw this post for push pin art on Metal and Mud. It also links to this wall art by Jessica Hische. And then I […]
Pingback by Pretty little pins – what maddy did next October 31, 2012 @ 5:53 pm[…] (Via Metal and Mud) […]
Pingback by Friday Finds « Love & Renovations May 31, 2013 @ 5:00 amDo you put the glass back on the frame? Or leave it off
Comment by holly beard June 13, 2013 @ 5:31 pmNope, no glass!
Comment by metalandmud June 17, 2013 @ 10:48 amWould a thimble on a finger make it easier to push in the pins & spare your fingertips? Or maybe one of those rubber fingertips I used when I worked in an office sorting papers and counting money? I soooo have to give this craft a try! It takes me back to playing with the light brite toy over at grandma’s house. Thank you!
Comment by Melissa June 29, 2013 @ 9:01 amThe rubber thing would probably work! I think a thimble might be too slippery.
Comment by metalandmud July 1, 2013 @ 10:45 am[…] Push Pin Art DIY / Lumen Fidei (and this article) / Foldover Clutch / Oil Paintings / Couch […]
Pingback by Weekend Clicks | Set All Afire July 6, 2013 @ 11:00 amso cool!
Comment by kelly thompson (@kellythom747) July 24, 2013 @ 10:40 amI wonder how colorful push pins would look for a childs room ??
Comment by Anita July 29, 2013 @ 9:19 amSuper cute! Be sure to post a pic if you do it!!
Comment by metalandmud August 2, 2013 @ 12:23 pm[…] source […]
Pingback by A Pinterest Promise from me to you. | fisdailyponderings August 7, 2013 @ 1:55 pm[…] 19. Push Pin Art @ Metal and Mud […]
Pingback by 25 Teenage Girl Room Decor Ideas - A Little Craft In Your Day August 19, 2013 @ 12:36 amWhere did you get the foam board?
Comment by Leeann August 20, 2013 @ 9:59 pmAny craft store will have it. I think I got it at michaels. It would be with the poster board. Might even be able to get it at Target.
Comment by metalandmud August 23, 2013 @ 1:08 pm[…] If you want to see to create something similar, visit Metal and Mud. […]
Pingback by Create Interesting Artworks with Thumb Tacks September 4, 2013 @ 4:40 am[…] Push Pin Art by Metal and Mud […]
Pingback by Push Pin Lettering | Decor Hacks September 4, 2013 @ 5:19 amIt’s beautiful! This is one of those things that makes me want to jump up and start crafting it right away!
Comment by Terri September 4, 2013 @ 7:54 amBeautiful!! I think I will try it with a “Rubber Mallet: 🙂
Comment by Luan September 7, 2013 @ 8:03 pmOoh I love this SO much! The gold on black is fantastic! I would also love to link to your how-to in the Daily DIY if you didn’t mind.
Comment by Rachel September 16, 2013 @ 12:37 pm[…] sugar paper la simple rustic wedding invites – 100 layer cake D I Y brass tack art – metal and mud animal box tops – hello bee scrabble coasters – […]
Pingback by under the (p)influence | October 3, 2013 @ 10:01 pm[…] any better than you, and then I checked out the other before and afters and my jaw dropped. Pushpin art. Sometimes I think I’m kind of, sort of creative. Then, I come across someone who has […]
Pingback by A few friday FAVORITES. » Between You & Me October 3, 2013 @ 11:13 pmI liked that very much.What a neat idea!
Comment by Victoria Madrid October 16, 2013 @ 3:01 pmLove the idea and I’m certain she was very pleased…A labor of love for sure. Now you have inspired me as well..
Comment by Carolyn October 17, 2013 @ 7:39 amThank you for sharing !
Love this and am trying it! However, my pins stuck straight through my foam board! Any advice?? Find a thicker foam lol?
Comment by Dena October 26, 2013 @ 8:58 pmYup, that happened to me too. I’m pretty sure I just left it like that. You can’t tell once it’s framed and hung! But if it bothers you, I’d just put another layer of foam behind it before framing.
Comment by metalandmud October 26, 2013 @ 10:17 pm[…] something. Push Pin Art: cathartic […]
Pingback by Just a Temporary Fix | jaybird November 19, 2013 @ 7:37 amI’m going to create a holiday version for my entry way – what an awesome idea!
Comment by Rachel Bsuby November 19, 2013 @ 7:45 pm[…] Metal and Mud Push Pin Art […]
Pingback by 50 Homemade Christmas Gifts - Texas Crafty Kitchen November 22, 2013 @ 8:13 am[…] Push Pin Art […]
Pingback by DIY Frugal Home Decor Ideas Found on Pinterest | Frugal Idealist December 4, 2013 @ 9:16 am[…] Source […]
Pingback by Create words with brass push pins in a foam board and frame. – Home Decor December 7, 2013 @ 3:41 pm[…] Push Pin Art […]
Pingback by Push Pin Art - Craft Like This December 14, 2013 @ 2:17 am[…] The photo above is the pin that I added to my craft board on Pinterest. Check out the following link: https://metalandmud.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/push-pin-art/ […]
Pingback by Just Keep Pinning December 22, 2013 @ 12:46 am[…] MetalAndMud – Push Pin Art Tutorial […]
Pingback by Thumb Tack Wall Art Tutorial | DIY Cozy Home December 29, 2013 @ 10:47 am[…] How to Make a Push Pin Work of Art […]
Pingback by How to Make a Push Pin Work of Art | DIY Home Sweet Home January 9, 2014 @ 9:23 amDid u cover foam board w/ black fabric?
Comment by Amy Hajdino January 14, 2014 @ 8:25 amSo cool want to make one!
Comment by Mary January 30, 2014 @ 1:28 amTrue, there are comedians that cuss a lot, but you got to
Comment by eeiplatform.com February 10, 2014 @ 6:23 pmearn that right before you do that. It is an industry
norm that you offer a hotel room for the comedian at
the same time. Brad Garret is a stand-up comedian but also well known for his acting career.
[…] Metalandmud – How To Make Stunning Wall Art Using Thumb Tacks […]
Pingback by How To Make Stunning Wall Art Using Thumb Tacks | DIY Home Things February 11, 2014 @ 6:49 am[…] extraordinary! This is one of those projects. I found this great thumb tack wall art project at Metal and Mud that I think you’re going to […]
Pingback by DIY Saturday: Thumb Tack Wall Art — A Cultivated Nest February 15, 2014 @ 6:00 amThe size the Facebook audience can make it a compelling platform for developers along with the
Comment by ultimatefbhack.com April 7, 2014 @ 2:08 amversatility from the site. zynga french fries
free of charge When you be part of Poker. Facebook will be
holding a ‘Hack Developer Day’ on April 9, 2014 from 10:00 a.
[…] DIY Art […]
Pingback by DIY Push Pin Art - DIY Ideas 4 Home April 16, 2014 @ 11:22 amSO NICE! thanks for sharing it! 🙂
Comment by marr May 18, 2014 @ 6:18 pmOMG! I love this, you did a wonderful job!
Comment by Karen F~ July 29, 2014 @ 9:31 am[…] I was busy meeting one-on-one with people, we also had a project station. I had seen a push pin art project a while back that I thought would be fun, and we were able to gather everything we needed for it […]
Pingback by My Style Saturday Event | Making it Lovely August 12, 2014 @ 4:35 pmA painted canvas would look nice, and be a little easier in the thumbs!!
Comment by Marissa November 2, 2014 @ 1:02 pm