Daddy-Mobile
A unique holiday project for kids
by Emily McKinley
When my husband was preparing to deploy, his mother surprised our son with a gift—a “Daddy-Mobile.” This easily crafted decoration is a perfect reminder of Daddy that brings smiles and laughter. Make your own Daddy- or Mommy- mobile by following the directions below.
Supplies:
Several recent, small pictures of Daddy or Mommy
Brightly colored craft foam
Craft glue
Ribbon, buttons and/or other trinkets to decorate mobile
Dowel rods (2)
Fishing line
Craft rings (optional)
Key ring
Instructions:
First, select the pictures that you would like to display on the mobile. Then, cut the pictures into small shapes, focusing on Daddy or Mommy’s face. Cut shapes out of the craft foam, large enough for mounting the pictures. Punch a hole using a small hole punch or by tapping a nail through the craft foam at the top of each shape. Mount the pictures onto the craft foam using glue; be careful not to cover the hole. If desired, border the pictures using ribbon, buttons, smaller pieces of craft foam or other trinkets. (My mother-in-law used costume bracelets). Place mounted pictures aside.
Create mobile crossbar using the dowel rods. Secure the center of the crossbar with glue, then wrap the joint with fishing line and/or ribbon. Cut varying lengths of fishing line; these will be used to hang the pictures to the mobile. Tie one end of the fishing line to the dowel rods and thread the other end of the line through the hole in the craft foam. If desired, you may thread the line through a small craft ring, which is looped through the hole in the craft foam. The pictures will twirl easier with a craft ring. Be careful to balance the pictures so that the mobile hangs straight. Finally, use one last length of fishing line (or ribbon) to hang the mobile. Attach the hanging end to a key ring, hang and enjoy!
*Note: If making the mobile for a small child, avoid using objects that may be swallowed in case the decorations fall, or are pulled, off.