Make your own mobile

Hang colourful shapes to capture your baby’s attention

By Julie Stoyka

David Kay doesn’t like changing diapers. Now that his children are walking and talking, they’re also always squirming on the change table. As a father of two under the age of four, Kay is learning the art of distraction. “Diaper changing can be a major meltdown, so now when it’s change time, I need something to draw their attention away from the diaper.”

A homemade mobile is the perfect diversion for fussy babies and toddlers alike. Kids will love the motion and bright colours, while parents will love the peace and quiet.

Tips from the pros

Microsoft Home Magazine asked the professionals at Learning Curve International, creators of Lamaze developmental products for infants, for tips on making an eye-catching and educational mobile design.

“We recommend high-contrast patterns and colours used on simple geometric shapes (circle, square, triangle) or simple characters (such as a bird or cat or dog) to hold a baby’s interest and stimulate developing senses,” says Zel Peterson, senior brand manager for Lamaze.

Taking our cue from Peterson, we created a simple mobile that can be put together in less than an hour. Using your computer and a few basic supplies, you can create a work of art that will amuse and entertain.

Supplies

• inkjet transparency film (available at local office supply stores)
• fishing line or ribbon
• florist wire or coat hanger
• printer
• scissors or sharp utility knife

Create geometric shapes.

Attach copies with fishing line.

Hang your mobile.

Putting together your mobile

Keep the mobile design simple by using bright, geometric shapes that will grab your youngster's attention. We used inkjet transparencies for our shapes and printed the image twice, to make sure the colours really stood out.

Transparencies are great for this project because they display a clear image, and reflect light throughout the room.

• Create geometric shapes using Shapes under Word’s Insert tab.
• Print two copies of each shape onto inkjet transparencies.
• Using scissors or a sharp utility knife, cut a slit halfway up the centre of Copy A from the bottom. On Copy B, cut a slit halfway down the centre of the shape, from the top.
• Using a hole punch or a large needle, make one hole in the top centre of Copy A. Make two holes in the top centre of Copy B, one on each side of the slit.
• Insert one image into the other using the slit to make a three-dimensional shape.
• Cut a piece of fishing line or ribbon to desired length. Tie one end of the line and, starting with Copy B, feed the line through the first hole. Then feed the line through the hole in Copy A and back through the second hole in Copy B. Finally, feed a line back through Copy A and tie a knot. Then the two pieces won’t collapse together.
• Attach the other end of the fishing line to a piece of dowel or wire (florist wire works best, as the wire is covered). Or, bend a coat hanger into a square and cover it with fabric or tape so sharp edges are dulled.
• If you wish to use paper instead of transparencies, make sure to print your shape on both sides.

All styling and photography by Julie Stoyka of Zariel Creative.