I spend so much time outdoors that sometimes I want to bring it inside with me! I have a few areas around my house that act as "nature shrines" so that I can find comfort in the natural world even when I can't be outside. This nature mobile craft is a wonderful way to bring some natural wonder into your home.
Materials:
- A stick or an embroidery hoop
- String
- Scissors
- Natural objects (rocks, leaves, flowers, pinecones or anything else that speaks to you!)
- Optional: thread, fishing line or any other thin threading material
Directions:
- Gather materials. If you are like me, you may already have some trinkets from the outdoors that you want to pull together for this craft. Otherwise, I would suggest going on a short walk around your yard, local park or neighborhood to gather if you are able.
- Can't go outside and don't have natural objects? Use paper to draw leaves, birds, bugs, butterflies and flowers, then punch a hole into your drawings and hang those instead! You could also use pipecleaners, pompoms and other craft materials.
I had some of these items around the house from previous nature walks I've taken. Photo: Sarah Hooghuis
- Can't go outside and don't have natural objects? Use paper to draw leaves, birds, bugs, butterflies and flowers, then punch a hole into your drawings and hang those instead! You could also use pipecleaners, pompoms and other craft materials.
- Cut & tie the string for hanging the mobile.
- Stick: Cut one piece of string that is long enough to be tied to either end of your stick. Tie the string to the stick.
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I used a stick I found as driftwood by the lake and tied my yarn to either end. I made sure it could hang on the wall before adding items. Photo: Sarah Hooghuis - Embroidery hoop: Remove the inner circle from your embroidery hoop. Cut 4 equal lengths of string and tie them equally spaced around the hoop. Make a loop with your four strings by gathering them all towards the center and tying a knot.
- Tie string/thread around your natural objects. Heavier or oddly shaped objects may need more than one piece of string to keep them secured to your mobile.
4. Attach objects and find a spot to hang your new mobile! Attach your natural object by tying its thread to your hoop or stick. Place a tack or hook in the wall to hang your art.
5. Balance it out. You may need to move items around so that your mobile is properly balanced. Play around until you like the way it looks!
Share your nature mobiles with us! Tag @AudubonVermont on Facebook or Instagram.
