Found Object Mobile

I tend to walk a lot and spend a lot of time outside and end up finding a lot of interesting things on the ground. I decided to make this mobile out of some of the feathers and things I have found on my walks.

Anyone can make this project and I think it would be a great way to commemorate a trip somewhere, or just use things you find around where you live! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Step 1: What I Used

I found these cool sticks with some dried moss or lichen on them and a ton of feathers. I also got some porcelain feather and key charms from a local craft store, as well as some twine and leather cord. You can use anything you like, make it personal by using things from your neighborhood, or even keepsakes from a recent trip!

Step 2: Construct the Frame

I played around with the sticks for a while to come up with a shape I liked. I knew I wanted to make a vaguely triangle shape with the twigs I found, so I fiddled around with them until I found a configuration I liked, then glued them together with hot glue at the points of contact. To hide the hot glue, I used the leather cord to wrap around the joined areas and secured it with double knots.

Step 3: Rub 'n' Buff

I got some Rub 'n' Buff for another project and I absolutely love it! It's almost like magic! I decided to make the porcelain keys a gold color so they would really pop against the natural texture and colors of the feathers and the other porcelain charms. I put on some gloves and followed the instructions on the tube. It was kind of hard to get in all the little nooks and crannies, but with a little finagling I was able to get pretty even coverage.

Step 4: Attach More Stuff

To attach the feathers and charms, I used thin hemp string. I wrapped it around the feathers tightly and secured the knot with a dab of hot glue. I then wrapped the other end several times around part of the twig frame I constructed, tied a knot, and secured it with a small dab of hot glue.

During this step I found it helpful to have the twig frame hanging from something so you can see how far down things are going to hang. I also found it helpful to alternate sides of the frame to keep it from getting off balance and flipping up.

Step 5: You're Done!

Once you have finished attaching your items, you're done! This was a gift for a friend, so I packed it up (very carefully-dry twigs and fragile) and sent it to her. I like the idea of continuing to add to your mobile overtime as you find more feathers, or sticks, or charms. Have fun with it and make it your own!