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.
About this activity
Create a pull string moving artwork using cardboard, string, and paper characters; design scenes, attach a pull mechanism, and explore simple motion.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials so they are within reach on a clear table.
- 2
Step 2
Cut the cardboard into a rectangle about 8 by 10 inches to make your base.
- 3
Step 3
Use a pencil and ruler to draw a background scene and a path where characters will move.
- 4
Step 4
Color the background with your coloring materials to make a fun scene.
- 5
Step 5
Draw one or more characters on paper or cardstock for your moving figures.
- 6
Step 6
Cut out each character carefully with scissors.
- 7
Step 7
Glue a small rectangle of cardboard behind each cut character to make it stronger.
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Step 8
Punch a small hole near the top of each reinforced character.
- 9
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.
- 10
Step 10
Thread the string across the front of the cardboard through both tape loops.
- 11
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.
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Step 12
Thread the free string end through each character hole and slide your characters into position so they hang and can move.
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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
Fun facts
How do you make a pull-string moving artwork?
To make a pull-string moving artwork, start by cutting a rectangle of sturdy cardboard for the background. Draw and color a scene, then cut a slot or holes where the characters will move. Attach paper characters to a length of string or a small paper tab, thread the string through the slot, and anchor it with tape or a small cardboard spool behind the scene. Add a pull tab on the front for easy movement, secure pieces with glue, and test the motion. Adults should help with scissors and sharp too
What materials do I need to make a pull-string artwork?
You'll need sturdy cardboard or a cereal box, paper or cardstock for characters, string or thin yarn, scissors, tape, glue, markers or paints, and a ruler. Optional extras: a small paper or plastic tube to act as a spool, brads or paper fasteners, decorative stickers, double-sided tape, and a push tab (a folded piece of cardboard) for pulling. Always use child-safe scissors and non-toxic glue.
What ages is this pull-string artwork suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through elementary ages: roughly 4–10 years. Ages 4–6 enjoy decorating and pulling with adult help for cutting and threading; ages 7–10 can design scenes, cut slots, and build simple spools with minimal supervision. Adjust complexity: simpler characters and short travel for younger kids, more moving parts, layered scenes, or multiple strings for older children. Always supervise scissors, small parts, and adhesives.
What are the benefits of making pull-string artwork?
Making pull-string artwork builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and basic engineering thinking as kids design moving mechanisms. It encourages storytelling and creativity when designing characters and scenes, and boosts patience through testing and adjusting motion. Working together teaches planning, sequencing, and following steps. For variations, try multiple characters on parallel strings, layered backgrounds for depth, or motorized spools for older kids. Clean-up and safe tool us
Watch & Learn
Need 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.