Use found sticks to make a mobile base- add whatever your child is interested in (e.g., birds, planets, fairies etc.)  We used to preserve some of the work that our children had already created and wanted to display in a different manner.

This project was featured on The Crafty Crow– an amazing website for both parents and educators!  Be sure to check it out!

CraftyCrow

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2014/08/childrens-art-mobile-craft.html

This activity was also featured on Fun Crafts Kids.  And indeed it is fun!  Take a peek!

http://funcraftskids.com/kids-art-mobiles/

 

 

Materials

Kid Artwork Mobile: Materials from make-it-your-own.com

  • Sticks
  • Craft wire
  • Wire cutter

Materials for your  hanging elements

  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Cardstock for the base of your creations
  • Your child’s art work
  • Laminating supplies or clear contact paper (optional for longevity)
  • Pin (we used a tack)
  • Beads, sequins
  • Transparent beading cord (you could use twine, lace etc.)

Directions

  • Go out for a nature walk with an adult and collect 4 sticks that are approximately the same length.  You could also do 3.   We wanted a challenge so we looked for sticks with a fork in them and then one more to add to make a 3-sided mobile base.
  • If you go with the option of 4 sticks, place 2 of the sticks down in a parallel fashion.  Place the other 2 on top on the opposite side.  Wrap the corners with craft wire and secure them with a few knots.  We found that to make it sturdy you want to wrap the wire in several different ways around the sticks (forming an “x” of sorts).

Kid Artwork Mobile: Making Base from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile: Making Base from Sticks from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile: Wrapping Wire around stick base from make-it-your-own.com

  • Wrap your sticks with wire and beads, should you like.
  • Cut out and glue your child’s artwork to a more sturdy piece of paper such as cardstock.  As it may be twirling around, you may want to consider putting a piece on each side.  It doesn’t need to be artwork that is something specific, you could also make punches out of more abstract pieces too. (See example below.)

Kid Artwork Mobile: Abstract example from make-it-your-own.com

  • Cut out two pieces of contact paper a bit bigger than your child’s artwork piece.  Peel off the backing and lay the first piece sticky side up.  Place the artwork piece in the centre.  Peel off the backing of the second piece and lay it over the artwork with the sticky side facing down.  (So the two sticky sides face each other, creating a sandwich and covering the work to preserve it.)   Depending on the age of your child, they may need adult assistance with this step, as it is difficult to reposition once the pieces are stuck together.  Smooth out any bubbles (pushing them to the edges) that might occur.  Cut around the edges of the finished artwork covered in contact paper, leaving a border of approximately 1/2- 1 centimetre or 1/8- 1/4 of an inch.  You could laminate the work instead if you prefer that finish.
  • OR if you don’t want your cord to show in the final product cut a long piece and insert it in between the artwork and the cardstock before gluing, including it in the process of covering the piece with contact paper.  However, you would not want to put the cord through the laminator (if you are using this option) as it will likely melt and/or cause a jam, damaging your machine.

Kid Artwork Mobile: Contact Paper from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile: Covering with Contact Paper from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile: Applying Contact Paper from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile: Applying Contact Paper from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile: Cutting contact paper from make-it-your-own.com

  • Using a pin, poke two small holes in your child’s artwork near the top and the bottom.  For large pieces you may need to do a few more.  If you are using a thicker material such as twine for your mobile, you may want to use a small single hole punch and make two holes.

Kid Artwork Mobile: Poking Holes from make-it-your-own.com

  • Once you have your beads laced onto your cord (for under the piece, knotting one at the bottom for an anchor), put it through the front of you artwork at the bottom where you punched the first tiny hole and then lace it up the top hole. Add some more beads should you like for above the piece.
  • Create other cords of beads and/or beads and artwork.

Kid Artwork Mobile:Lacing Beads from make-it-your-own.com

  • Secure your cords to the branches with several knots and cut off the excess cord at the top and bottoms.
  • Take additional cord (we used 3 pieces as we made 3 sided mobiles) and tie one end of each piece onto the middle of each of the sticks.  Bring all the pieces together at the top so that they are equal and tie them together to form a hanging knot.
  • Have an adult hang your mobile on the ceiling for you.

Kid Artwork Mobile from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile from make-it-your-own.com

Kid Artwork Mobile from make-it-your-own.com

Purpose

  • Hand/eye coordination (beading, wrapping wire), exploring the outdoors, re-purposing, displaying artwork

Safety Notes

  • Beads are a choking hazards and are not meant for children 0-3 or those that tend to put things in their mouths.
  • Exercise caution for sharp ends when using wire.  Have an adult cut it for you.
  • Cord, lace, twine etc. can pose a strangulation hazard- exercise proper use of these materials.
  • Laminators are meant for adult use.
  • Be careful when using a pin not to poke yourself or damage the surface underneath.
  • When working with sticks, be cautious as not to scratch yourself or others.
Please like & share:

8 Responses

  1. Cassi

    You have the best ideas! This is such a great way to display children’s art, I love it! I’ve shared it on The Crafty Crow today :)

    Reply
    • Bonnie Scorer

      Thank you! We are honoured that you share our projects with your readers. Your site is a delightful collection of engaging and playful activities (for all ages!).

      Bonnie-

      Reply
  2. Jeanine

    Oh my goodness! I looove this project for the kids! They’re learning SOO much with this activity and I adore how you put photos up of their lil fingers doing all the work too :D I look forward to trying this shortly with my own children! PS found you thru the Crafty Crow :D

    Reply
    • Bonnie Scorer

      Thank you! Your kind words mean a lot to us. Hope to see you back soon. Sincerely, The Scorers-

      Reply
    • Bonnie Scorer

      P.S. We always love sharing reader’s projects if you do get a chance to do the activity with your kids!

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Jeanine Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.