Found-Object Mobile Using Repurposed Toys

This found-object hanging mobile was made using a mix of small toys, miniatures, and forgotten pieces, some vintage and some simply well-loved. It’s a playful way to repurpose items that might otherwise be tossed while adding color and movement to a child’s room.

Supplies

• Three vintage-style wooden paddle ball toys (This link is for a set of two on Amazon)
• 20–30 small, colorful trinkets or found objects
• Plastic lacing cord
• Pony beads
• Small metal picture hanging screw eyes
• Scissors
• A drill

How to Make a Found-Object Mobile – 5 Easy Steps

STEP 1:

Drill holes into miniatures that don’t have a natural hole already. For some items, it may make sense to add a metal screw eye.

STEP 2:

Cut four strands of colorful plastic lacing cord about 6 feet in length.

STEP 3:

Drill a hole into the center of each paddle and handle.

Tie a knot about 12 inches down on three of your cords and string paddles together— paddle to handle with the graphic side down—tying a knot about 1.5 inches above each paddle as you go. This will give space between the paddles so they look like they are hovering over each other.

STEP 4:

With the three paddles strung together, add a cord that will hang through the center—yellow in the photo below.

Now, tie all four cords together at the top—2 knots spaced about 1 inch apart. At this point, you should have four long cords hanging down.

STEP 5:

String miniatures and beads onto the lacing cords. Tie a loose knot after each toy or set of beads to prevent them from running all together on the string.

Hang up your mobile and enjoy.