DIY in a Day brings you step-by-step instructions for easy projects that will spruce up your space — within 24 hours (or less!).
Modern brass mobiles are everywhere. And these days, mobiles aren't just for nurseries — they look gorgeous hanging in a kitchen window, over a sofa, or in a corner that needs a little extra oompf. While brass is an accent trend that isn't going anywhere, sometimes it can be expensive. Luckily, you can easily make your own mobile with some supplies that won't break the bank and no fancy custom tools are needed. Trust us, once you make one, you'll want to make a couple more.
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Things You'll Need
Metal snips and or tough scissors (Fiskars Amplify Scissors)
Small wooden block
Large nail
Hammer
Clear fishing line
Step 1
Start by cutting out shapes. You can trace the shapes on the brass sheet with a pencil or cut them free-hand. Then, using a heavy scissor, cut out the shapes. You will need six shapes to replicate this mobile.
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Step 2
Punch holes in the tops of the shapes (and bottoms as well, for any pieces that might have another shape hanging from it). To create the holes, place the metal shapes on the wooden block and hammer the nail into the brass.
Step 3
Using the snip on the needle nose pliers, cut the wire to length. The top arch is 16 inches long, the lower two arches are each 10 inches, and three straight lengths are about five inches long. A couple of straight pieces have to be cut a little shorter to lessen the weight and keep the mobile balanced. But, start with them longer and cut back a little at a time.
Step 4
Starting at the center, twist the wire around the pliers to create a loop. Then bend both sides of the wire into an arch, with the loop at the top of the arch.
Step 5
Using the pliers, bend the ends up into a loop.
Step 6
Straighten the two 5-inch lengths and then bend the two ends to create loops.
Step 7
Attach the shapes to the loops. The mobile does need some balancing, so you'll need play with placing bigger shapes opposite to smaller shapes.
The final step is to hang the mobile from the ceiling using a length of fishing line. This mobile is so incredibly light, a single nail or even just a tack can hold it in place.
Because this mobile is so light, it moves and spins with the lightest movement in the air. As it spins, the brass catches light, it's really so relaxing to watch. (It's no wonder babies like them!)
