Mobiles
In this project you will make a mobile out of the decorative objects made in one (or more) of my other projects. Read through this project first and then select one of the projects.
This project is rated: EASY
Materials needed:
- Computer paper or card stock
- Scissors or craft knife
- Crayons, colored pencils, or paint
- Wire, sticks, or dowel rod
- Thread or string
- Glue
- Print the objects you have chosen on regular computer paper or optionally on card stock.
- Prepare the objects according to the directions for the given project
- You are now ready to suspend your objects and make the mobile.
Mobile Instructions
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.
- 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.
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.