How to Make a Rainbow Mobile

Whether you want to create a peaceful display of beauty in your backyard or your child needs an idea for a science project, designing a mobile that catches light will create a rainbow--no rain needed.

Steps

1. Clean the chosen tree branch. When you select the branch, look for something that will hold all your dangling prisms, while at the same time acting as an anchor or base for your mobile. If necessary, use light sanding paper to smooth and refine the branch. Otherwise, simply brush off debris and any remaining dirt.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Measure the tree branch to determine the number of hanging prisms. You can use any number of hanging prisms but should space them evenly across the branch.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Mark off places along the branch where you plan to hang a prism.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


2. Select prisms and beads. Gather the number of prisms you will need to create your rainbow. Each hanging prism should be anchored with the prism, with decorative beads lining the cord or ribbon.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Map out each hanging prism design. Lay prism on a flat surface and move beads into place to mock up the final design.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


3. Cut cords or strings. While each cord or string piece does not have to be exactly the same length, you’ll want to cut strands with lengths that closely match each other (in order to create that rainbow effect).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Lay cord/string next to each mock up prism design.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


4. String hanging prisms. Tie a knot at the bottom of the first piece of pre-cut cord/string.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Drop the prism to the bottom of the knotted cord. Make sure the knot is large enough to prevent the prism from passing through and falling off the cord.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Add beads according to your pre-determined design. You can add a small knot in between beads or allow the beads to stack upon each other on the cord.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


5. Tie completed hanging prisms to pre-marked spots on your tree branch. Wrap the end around the branch and knot. Consider adding a double knot in order to ensure the hanging prism stays in place (especially if you plan to hang this mobile outside).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


6. Hang mobile. Using your fishing wire, find a sunny area to house your mobile. When the sun shines through the prisms, a rainbow design will appear.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Tips

• If you are having trouble pushing the cord through the beads, consider using an embroidery needle to be your guide. Simply thread the cord through the hole and string away!


• Make sure your cord or string is not too thick that it makes stringing beads or the prisms difficult.

Things You’ll Need

• Small glass or plastic prism shapes (such as balls or teardrops) with pre-drilled holes (for stringing).


• Thin cord (or ribbon)


• Crafting beads


• Strong (and interesting) branch from a tree


• Fishing wire (or another type of invisible thread)


• Sand paper


• Sharp scissors

Sources and Citations

• http://ift.tt/1pUH7w5

from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1z707Zs

via Peter