As part of my daughter's butterfly themed birthday, I also made a fun mobile to hang from the chandelier over our dining room table, and it looks fantastic given how very simple it was to make! Yes, it is true those little tie dyed looking small butterflies that I actually bought (gasp!) on account of being pressed for time really bring the whole thing together, but you can create a similar look with some colorful paper or fabric.
And of course while I made this for a birthday, it would be perfect as a mobile over a baby's crib, or in a child's room: simply use a metal hoop or embroidery hoop as a base from which to tie the strings.
You'll Need:
- colored corrugated cardboard
- patterned paper or fabric in bright colors
- string, or thin yarn
- a sharp needle that accommodates your string
How To Make A Butterfly Mobile:
- Make a template to trace around such that all the butterflies will match. My butterflies are roughly 6" wide by 4" high. Try to make your butterflies look more like x's or four petaled flowers for a more modern look. Sort of unintentional on my part, but it works, especially when paired with smaller butterflies that have a more realistic butterfly shape. I made 24 butterflies to hang from 8 vertical strings. Four of the strings only have two large butterflies with one small one in the middle, the rest have three large butterflies with only a small butterfly at the bottom.
- Using a sharp needle and string hang butterflies from string by sewing through them, just make sure to secure them with a back stitch so they don't slide down the string.
- Tie ends to chandelier or mobile ring, and enjoy!
Note: I do think it is possible to make your own little tie-died butterflies by painting colorful blotches on watercolor paper and then using that either as a single thickness, or by making little stuffed butterflies with the paper. Hope to try this myself, so stay tuned, I'll certainly let you know!
