If you’re visiting this page, you probably need some help to tackle **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, the *New York Times*’ intricate word-search game.

**Strands** brings a refreshing spin to the classic word search. In this game, words can be created by linking letters in any orientation — upwards, downwards, sideways, or diagonally. The challenge increases as words may shift directions, leading to unique shapes and patterns. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the words revolve around a shared theme. There’s also the “spangram,” a distinctive word or phrase reflecting the day’s theme that runs across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.

### SEE ALSO:
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)

Contrary to other NYT games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands doesn’t offer a list of words, and the clues can be quite ambiguous, resulting in a more demanding and thought-provoking challenge.

If you’re having trouble or simply don’t have the time to tackle today’s puzzle, we have all the hints you require to help you advance at your leisure.

### SEE ALSO:
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 2](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-november-2-2024)

### SEE ALSO:
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 2](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-November-2)

### NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: “Good on Paper”
Today’s words are ideal for arts and crafts projects.

### Today’s NYT Strands Theme Clarified
The words are associated with instruments utilized in arts and crafts.

### NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?
The spangram for today creates a circular formation.

### NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Today
Today’s spangram is **OfficeSupplies**.

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### NYT Strands Word List for November 2:
– **Ruler**
– **Printer**
– **Pencils**
– **Scissors**
– **Stapler**
– **OfficeSupplies**

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In search of more daily games? Visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for extra hints, and delve into our assortment of puzzles and games.

### SEE ALSO:
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)

Not participating in today’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-november-1).