Mobiles
Karen
has enjoyed making mobiles out of metal over the years. Learn how to make your
own creation out of paper. Or even try it in metal. Either way, you'll be sure
to create some fun and fabulous mobiles!
Materials:
Found objects
Wire (hangers)
Beading wire
Chain links
S hooks
Pencil
Fishing swivels
Jump rings
Papers
Paints
Anything else you desire
Tools:
Pliers (needlenose and
linesman)
Scissors
Files
Directions:
1.
Decide on a theme. You may want to think about the person that you are making
the mobile for. Make a list of items that this person likes.
2.
Draw simple shapes on paper (circle, square, triangle, etc.) Create shapes based
on theme from "simple shapes."
3. Collect "Found
Objects".
4.
Trace patterns on specialty papers or construction paper and cut.
5.
Find balance points of shapes. Use your fingers or wire cutters to hand shape
and find a balance point to hang the shape in a desired direction.
6.
Attach shapes at either end of wire, fishing line, decorative string or wood.
Attach shapes with hooks from link chain, S hooks, beading wire, or jump rings.
To bend a wire, first bend ends into loops and then attach shapes, find balance
point of wire and mark. Please note: the top loop must be formed upside down from
mark. Top loop or balance point must be higher than the weight of hanging shapes.
7.
Create several sections of mobiles and attach sections to each other, repeating
the balancing process described in Step #5.
8.
Viola! You now have a Mobile. Top off with a swivel.
9.
A patina can be added (available commercially through craft and jewelry stores
or use layers of vinegar, salt and/or lemon with humidity) or you can leave the
piece natural, if desired.
10.
If you desire to make your mobile out of metal, you can use shears to cut your
shapes out of thin metal. The edges can be filed down to avoid sharp edges.
11.
Then, the metal can be roughed up use sandpaper or a file. Paint can be added
after that. We usually use Rustoleum. But, just be sure to use a paint that is
applicable to your materials.
This
sketch shows how to find a balance point for the pieces of a mobile.
