Sun Catcher Mobiles
Light, balance, and a really good reason to go thrifting!
The Set Up
The best materials for these mobiles come straight from op shops and thrift stores, especially old jewellery. Necklaces, broken chains, odd beads. You’re looking for pieces that catch the light and feel interesting in the hand. An important tip is to take a quick look at hole sizes while you’re sourcing. Very tiny holes can be frustrating for little hands (and for you)!
Embroidery hoops make a beautiful base. Wooden ones are easy to work with and can be wrapped with washi tape or painted if you feel like adding colour. Brass hoops are stunning too if you happen to find them. Fishing line works well for threading because it’s strong and disappears visually, but jewellery wire or string are great options too. Wool can work if the beads are chunky enough (add a bit of clear sticky-tape at the end of the wool will help feed it through).
Set everything out like a small jewellery studio. Bowls of beads. A few strands already cut. Hoops ready to go. If you can hang the mobiles in a sunny spot while working, even better. Seeing light bounce through the beads adds so much to the experience.
The Making
Start by choosing how many strands to hang from each hoop. Odd numbers tend to feel more balanced, and we've found that five is the sweet spot!
Thread beads slowly, paying attention to weight and spacing as you go. Heavier beads sit beautifully lower down, lighter ones float above. Tie a knot to secure each strand (a small dab of hot glue with adult help keeps everything in place).
Once the strands are attached, add a hanging loop to the top of the hoop using ribbon, wool, or elastic. Find the balance point and adjust until it hangs evenly. This part always sparks great conversations about balance and weight; “does this feel right?”
Hang them up and let the light do its thing. The reflections, the movement, the little flashes of colour across the wall. It’s quietly magical, isn't it?
Variations
Wrap the hoop with washi tape or yarn before adding beads.
Create a group installation by hanging multiple mobiles together in one sunny space.
Use the shadows and reflections cast from the mobile as part of a still life drawing.
Materials
Embroidery hoops (wooden or metal)
Beads (thrifted jewellery is perfect)
Fishing line, jewellery wire, or string
Small bowls for sorting beads
Scissors
Ribbon, wool, or elastic for hanging loops
Hot glue (adult use)
Back to Top
Sun Catcher Mobiles
Light, balance, and a really good reason to go thrifting!
Bookmark
Sculpture
The Set Up
The best materials for these mobiles come straight from op shops and thrift stores, especially old jewellery. Necklaces, broken chains, odd beads. You’re looking for pieces that catch the light and feel interesting in the hand. An important tip is to take a quick look at hole sizes while you’re sourcing. Very tiny holes can be frustrating for little hands (and for you)!
Embroidery hoops make a beautiful base. Wooden ones are easy to work with and can be wrapped with washi tape or painted if you feel like adding colour. Brass hoops are stunning too if you happen to find them. Fishing line works well for threading because it’s strong and disappears visually, but jewellery wire or string are great options too. Wool can work if the beads are chunky enough (add a bit of clear sticky-tape at the end of the wool will help feed it through).
Set everything out like a small jewellery studio. Bowls of beads. A few strands already cut. Hoops ready to go. If you can hang the mobiles in a sunny spot while working, even better. Seeing light bounce through the beads adds so much to the experience.
The Making
Start by choosing how many strands to hang from each hoop. Odd numbers tend to feel more balanced, and we've found that five is the sweet spot!
Thread beads slowly, paying attention to weight and spacing as you go. Heavier beads sit beautifully lower down, lighter ones float above. Tie a knot to secure each strand (a small dab of hot glue with adult help keeps everything in place).
Once the strands are attached, add a hanging loop to the top of the hoop using ribbon, wool, or elastic. Find the balance point and adjust until it hangs evenly. This part always sparks great conversations about balance and weight; “does this feel right?”
Hang them up and let the light do its thing. The reflections, the movement, the little flashes of colour across the wall. It’s quietly magical, isn't it?
Variations
Wrap the hoop with washi tape or yarn before adding beads.
Create a group installation by hanging multiple mobiles together in one sunny space.
Use the shadows and reflections cast from the mobile as part of a still life drawing.
Materials
Embroidery hoops (wooden or metal)
Beads (thrifted jewellery is perfect)
Fishing line, jewellery wire, or string
Small bowls for sorting beads
Scissors
Ribbon, wool, or elastic for hanging loops
Hot glue (adult use)
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
