Photo Mobiles

Here's another creative idea for those of you who like making your own photo décor items: photo mobiles! These are really fun and easy to create, and there are numerous ways to customize them for one-of-a-kind gifts.

There are quite a few ways you can create a photo mobile. You can alter a pre-made mobile or wind chime, you can use a kit or blank mobile and add your own photos and/or mini layouts, or you can start from scratch and really let your creativity have free reign.

I would like to share with you a couple of the photo mobiles I've created.

Altered Wind Chime Mobile:

Supplies:

• wind chime from a thrift store
• ribbons
• die-cut slide mounts (from chipboard)
• Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
• glitter chalks
• photos
• embellishments

This mobile started its life as a wind chime I found at my local thrift store. It matches my daughter's butterfly-themed play room, but I wanted to make it more personal. Using my Sizzix machine I was able to diecut slide mounts from chipboard and emboss them with a Provo Craft Cuttlebug embossing folder. I used shimmery chalks from Pebbles in my Pocket to add some soft and glittery color to the raised design. The last step was to add some fun photos of the girls at the local butterfly farm.

NOTE: Once you've added photos the wind-chime isn't going to hold up to outdoor weather and temperature variations. Be sure to place your mobile inside where it can be enjoyed for years to come!

Mini Layout Mobile:

Supplies:

• Picture Frame Mobile from IKEA
• coordinating scrapbook papers
• cardstock
• photos
• embellishments

For this mobile I purchased a hanging frame-style mobile from my local IKEA store. This mobile is 6" x 6", so it's perfect for small layouts. If you don't have an IKEA near you this look could easily be replicated using clear acrylic frames, fishing line, and a rotary craft drill.

I created several mini scrapbook layouts for my daughter. Since this mobile is viewable from all sides I cut up a cute puppy-themed calendar to insert into the back side of a few sections. You can find great patterned papers, fabrics, wrapping papers, or even memorabilia to make this type of mobile really personal.

Starting a mobile from scratch isn't as hard as it might sound. All you need to start off with is something to hang photos from. This could be something that matches in theme or style to your photos; for example a piece of unique drift wood for a photo mobile of beach photos, or a cute plastic shovel for photos of your son dressed like Bob the Builder last Halloween.

If you want some thing very neutral you can start with a circular piece of heavy gauge wire. Use ribbons, fishing line, decorative fibers or any other suitable material to hang your photos from this basic shape. You can then embellish any way you want to, so really let your creativity go wild!

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