Halloween Mobile
In this project we will use Halloween inspired cutouts to suspend from a rigid armature to make a mobile.
This project is rated: MODERATE
Materials needed:
- Computer paper or card stock
- Scissors or craft knife
- Crayons, colored pencils, or paint
- Needle and thread
- Wire, sticks, or dowel rod
Project Instructions
You will treat each cut-out mobile object as follows:
- Print the mobile object on regular computer paper or optionally on card stock.
- The printed image has two views of the same object. They are mirror images of each other. Between the two is a dashed line. Carefully fold the paper along the dashed line. (Tip: You may find it difficult to fold along the dashed line, especially if you use card stock. Before folding, using a straight edge and a craft knife, lightly cut along the center of the dashed line. Do not cut all the way through the paper or card stock. You will find that folding is much easier.)
- Color both sides of your objects to suit yourself. Pre-colored versions of the Pumpkin and Witch are provided should you prefer. Also, the Bat prints in black, but could be further embellished if you choose.
- After folding, and coloring, make certain that the two images are aligned back-to-back. Glue the two sides together and allow time for your glue to dry.
- Cut out each of your double-sided objects.
- You are now ready to suspend your objects and make the mobile. First, cut a length of thread about 8 inches long.
- Double the thread and put the loop end through the eye of a needle. Knot the loose ends together.
- Find the balance point of each object, and push the needle through the body from the under side.
- Pull the thread through the hole until the knot is against the bottom of the body.
- Remove the needle. It may be necessary to place a dot of glue on the knot to secure the thread.
Mobile Instructions
You may choose to use the 4 objects to make one mobile, or you may wish to use multiple copies of one or more objects in a mobile. Once you have made the object that you will use, it is time to make the hanging mechanism. You can suspend your objects from wire, like below, or sticks, or dowel rods.
If you select wire, the most commonly used type is coat hanger wire. It is good, but may be difficult to work with. Another choice is 18 gauge galvanized steel wire which can be purchased at a hardware store. You can make your wire (rod or twig) any length you find suitable. For the first piece, I recommend a length of about 8 inches.
Suspend the Mobile
- Take two of your objects and suspend them with thread (or string) from each end of your wire (rod or twig.)
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Next add a thread at the balance point to support this entire assembly. To keep the thread from sliding, it may be necessary to fasten it with a dot of glue.
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Set aside the part that you have made and cut a longer piece of wire (rod or twig) for the next step.
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Select a third object and suspend it from one end of the long wire. Suspend the other part that you have made in steps 1. and 2. from the other end of the wire. Refer to the project image above.
- Add a thread to the long wire to hold the entire completed mobile. You must position this thread by trial and error to find the correct balance point.
You have now completed a mobile. You can hang it from a light fixture or a hook in the ceiling.
You can make even more complex mobiles by repeating or varying the steps given. You can add another longer wire and object repeatedly. Or, you can make additional two object assemblies and incorporate them into larger mobiles. Or, you can make two or more mobiles as illustrated and use them to make a single larger mobile. The options are only limited by your imagination.