welcome baby brother mobile

My little Smootch is very much a craft fiend. In four short years, she's gone through enough glue sticks, ribbon, construction paper, and felt pens to fill a dump truck. She could write her name in glitter glue before she could ride a tricycle. She could use scissors before she could brush her own teeth.

Smootch's other great love is her baby brother. As much as she mauls him, boinks his head, and accidently bends his wrist into impossible positions when she trys to hug him (love hurts), the little guy is always smiling up at her. They've already formed a power bloc against me.

Flipping through a book the other day, I spotted a very simple handmade mobile for a baby that I thought would be a great way for Smootch to combine her two loves, and get in some tying practice while she's at it (shoe laces are her arch enemy right now). Since I hardly ever get time to do any big people crafts lately, I thought I would share this one with you to do with a wee person for a baby. I think it is a lovely way for a big brother or sister to welcome a new baby to the family. This mobile is very simple, but eye catching and interesting for baby. The wee one can do as much or as little as pleases her. For this craft, my daughter practiced tying, measuring lengths, using the scissors to cut bias tape, unwinding/winding the bias tape on cardboard holders and then pinning the bias tape in place (prevents unravelling). While we worked, we also talked about what her baby brother likes to look at and do, and how it feels to create something for someone else (good - in case you are wondering :D)

To begin, gather up your young person and some supplies: colourful ribbon (or bias tape as I've used here), household string, scissors, and a paper plate.
Punch about 6 holes at equal intervals around the edge of the paper plate. Cut a length of string about 30" long. Tie one end of the string to a hole in the paper plate's edge. Make a loop in the other end of the string. Cut a length of ribbon about 8" long. Tie the ribbon to the end loop, in a bow or just a simple knot.
Repeat for all the holes in the paper plate.

To hang, push a hole through the middle of the plate and push the end of the string through. Tie a knot to stop the string from pulling out. Hang from ceiling with tack or tape. Enjoy watching baby dance along when you give the mobile a gentle spin.
I do a lot of these little crafts with Smootch. Would you like more crafting with kids ideas?