Young House Love

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How To Make A Nursery Mobile

Wanna see a pregnant lady in a crib? Boom, there it is.

Mobile1

Yes, this is a story all about how my life got twist turned upside down I made our little man a mobile. It’s kinda rustic (it’s made from a manzanita branch) and kinda modern (there are fun circles in a bunch of colors and sizes that hang down at different lengths) and most of all it makes me smile. Is it weird that hanging this actually made me feel more ready to have the little guy in my arms? Like “OK, the mobile’s up – now the baby party can start.”

Mobile11

Much like the mobile I made for Clara’s room (that one was comprised of little floral orbs made from wire, faux flowers, and glue)…

Nursery Mobile Detail

… this one was pretty simple to put together. Clara even helped!

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First I dragged my decorative manzanita branch out of the storage room (what? everyone doesn’t have a decorative manzanita branch standing by? well, that needs to be remedied). It was sold by West Elm a few years ago, so it has been bleached and debarked and it’s nice and solid – so there’s no worry of anything flaking off like old bark and falling into the crib. I thought leaving it this raw color would be a nice counterpart to the colorful round disks I wanted to add. As for the dangly strands, I had two paper banners from Target that I picked up for $2.18 on clearance a few months ago without any earthly idea of what I’d eventually use them for.

Mobile3

Once the mobile idea popped into my head, well, they seemed perfect. Except of course they were colors/patterns that didn’t really fit into the nursery scheme thus far. But it wasn’t anything a little craft paint couldn’t solve. So I laid them out on a few old cereal boxes from our recycling bin and Clara had fun helping me paint them. They needed two coats to cover those patterns underneath, but it was pretty easy to get done – even with a wiggly three year old assistant. Mostly it was one of those we-both-hold-the-brush-so-we-don’t-get-paint-all-over-the-strings projects, but she has a lot of pride over the mobile she made for “her baby” and it was a fun thing to do with her.

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While those freshly painted circles were drying, I realized they probably wouldn’t be enough to fill out the entire branch (even if I snipped them into smaller 25″ strands). So I broke out some white embroidery floss and decorative paper. Using a few round items around the house I traced multiple versions of three similarly sized circles to the ones in the pre-made banners onto craft paper in similar colors to the paint I used. For the smallest circles I used the base of the craft paint that was still out on the table, the middle ones were from tracing the bottom of another slightly larger bottle I had, and the biggest circles were from the base of a small cup. Then I just cut them out, making sure I had an even number of each.

Mobile5

The even number was important since I used them to sandwich my white embroidery string with some Aleen’s Tacky Glue. Just pressing them together over the string after dabbing them with some glue dots seemed to do the trick, and I spaced them by eye, using the spacing of the Target banners as my guide (those were around two inches apart).

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I made each strand around 25″ long, just like the pre-made banners that I had snipped apart to make sections of that length. When everything was dry, it was time to tie them firmly onto the branch at different increments for a nice dangly effect. I hung the branch over the back of two chairs so there was room for my strands to dangle while I tied them on, and I just randomly spaced them so they were all slightly different widths from each other.

Mobile7

At this point Clara was over the project and happily putting stickers on the window nearby (that’s a really nice look from the curb, by the way), but Burger did mosey on over for a peek as I went.

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On the topic of hanging things over a crib, we’re definitely paranoid with a side of neurotic. For example, in Clara’s nursery we hung a mirror over her crib, but we actually drilled directly through the frame in multiple places to secure that thing to the wall so tightly that even John couldn’t yank it off the wall – even though it was out of Clara’s actual reach.

So although this mobile weighs a fraction of a pound, we relied on three heavy duty brass plated plant hooks (they each support 10+ lbs and have extra long screws so we could be sure they were either hitting a ceiling beam – two of them did – or a heavy duty anchor that we added) along with extra strong fishing wire that’s almost invisible, so it looks like it’s floating. We just knotted the fishing wire to the branch in three spots that needed some support (both ends and the triangular middle branch area) and connected them to the plant hooks that we secured to the ceiling, directly above those points. And that’s how this pregnant lady found herself chilling in a crib.

Mobile1

I really loved this way of hanging it since it’ll always be out of baby’s reach (this method makes it really easy raise if we ever think it’s within grabbing distance – although once the baby is more mobile we’ll drop the mattress so it’ll be even further away).

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It’s amazing how much sweeter the crib feels now. Like it’s saying “bring on the baby!”

Mobile2

Once we got it hanging there was a split second where I wished it was a little bigger, just to fill up that wall more, but it’s almost three feet wide and around 16″ deep and 25″ long, so if it was any bigger the function of it might hinder us since it’s a real-life 3-D object that’s hanging there (we feared we’d hit our heads on it every time we leaned into the crib if it were much bigger). So after staring at it for a while I’ve come to peace with its size.

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John actually ordered two samples of Spoonflower wallpaper that he thinks could be fun to further fill out that wall between the built-ins (a complete surprise to me!) so maybe we’ll end up layering in some sort of interesting color or backdrop behind the mobile. It takes 12 business days to arrive, so I can’t wait to get it. Might be a total “nope that would look crazy” moment, or something that we’re both enamored with, so we’ll keep you posted. We’ve also talked about some sort of accent color with paint, just between those two built-ins, so we’re definitely open to seeing where this thing goes.

Either way, it’s pretty cool to see a room that used to look like this…

Nursery Before

… looking more like this these days.

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As for what’s left on the list in here, there are just a few outstanding items.

  • possibly tweak the wall behind the crib with wallpaper or some sort of accent color
  • add an overhead light on a dimmer (nothing’s there at all right now)
  • redo the closet for little clothes (paint it, add a second hanging bar or some cubby storage, etc)
  • finishing touches (some other small art/accessories, etc)
  • just add baby

It’s nice to be in the home stretch! Both for this pregnancy (I’m still having morning sickness at 33 weeks) and for the room. Most of all we’re just excited to meet the little guy who’s doing the macarena in my tummy right now. I think he’s a very good dancer.

Oh and since a few readers have passed along an awesome tip about making sure to look at a mobile from below to check that it’s interesting from that point of view, here’s what the bun will see when he glances up. Little spinning slices of color and a nice branchy background. Although I don’t think his eyes will focus that high up for a little while…

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I contemplated adding something facing him to the bottom of each strand (ex: a small animal-shaped piece of paper that would look flat from the side, but read easily from his in-the-crib perspective) but since his bedding has elephants marching all over it, I wondered if it might be more soothing to just see some dancing disks. We’re definitely open to evolving this little creation as he grows though. So if he’s really into some sort of creature (remember how much Clara got into worms and dragons?) I can work those in later. Just don’t want to stimulate him too much since it’s a spot for sleep.

And just because it might be more fun to see a grown man lying in a crib than a pregnant lady standing in one, there’s this:

Mobile1

Is anyone else making mobiles? Or putting the last few touches on a different room that you’ve been working on? What about hanging out in cribs? I’m telling you, it’s kind of a good time.

Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button: 

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Comments

  1. Carrie says

    I LOVE this nursery! As always, well done, guys! This may have already been mentioned, but what about using chalkboard paint between the built-ins? Then you could doodle some drawings that could maybe even incorporate that amazing mobile? I have a chalkboard wall in my 3 year old son’s room and love changing out the drawings as he grows.

    Reply

  2. Jamie says

    I love how the nursery is turning out! It’s such an amazing change. You guys have skillz. Question about lighting, in some of your early pictures you photoshopped lights onto the sides of the built-ins, facing the crib. Are those still on the table? Or did you decide that overhead lighting and a lamp would be better?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yeah, I think now we’re leaning towards just getting an overhead light on a dimmer and adding something fun like accordion sconces on that wall between the built-ins once the crib gets upgraded to a bed down the line. That way he’ll have reading lamps.

      xo
      s

  3. Alyssa says

    I love the mobile!!! And didn’t you guys mention putting some sconces on the sides of the built ins? Is that still an option? That will fill up that space a little but too, right?

    PS: thanks so much for answering my questions via email the other day about the dresser! I’ve got it and I can’t wait until it warms up a bit here in WI so I can get outside to start working on it!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yeah, I think now we’re leaning towards just getting an overhead light on a dimmer and adding something fun like accordion sconces on that wall between the built-ins once the crib gets upgraded to a bed down the line. That way he’ll have reading lamps.

      xo
      s

  4. Colleen C. says

    Love it!…your little bun will absolutely love this room!….i like the before and after pictures tother, such a transformation from what the room use to look like!…can’t wait to see if any more changes come along the way!

    Reply

  5. Erica M says

    I love you for posting this right now. Just last night I was thinking of making similar circle garland/streamer for my Lucy’s 1st birthday… the part about the tacky glue to adhere to the string is very helpful! Thank you!

    The nursery is looking amazing. I’m still drooling over how beautiful the built-ins came out in every post.

    Reply

  6. LJayne says

    I love reading your blog and what you have done to this room and Clara’s is amazing. You are inspiring me to be more creative in my home.

    Reply

  8. Lydia K says

    I love Spoonflower! I used it to make fabric to recover the hideous Golden Girls-esque fabric (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/2042807) on the window boxes in our kitchen that the previous owners of our house left us. I only found out after I ordered a bunch of custom fabric that they’re based right here in Durham, NC! That makes me so proud :) The nursery looks amazing, you guys. Can’t wait to see what color that closet door gets painted ;)

    Reply

  9. Lisa says

    Looks fantastic! I would love to see a photoshopped version of the wall behind the crib as either a dark navy or the same color as the curtains. I think both would look really great!

    Reply

  10. Tracy H. says

    The room looks fantastic!

    You didn’t mention in your “to do” list, but are you still planning on painting the closet door green? I love Clara’s pink door and was looking forward to Barnacle’s green door!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Tracy! Now that the room came together a little more we realized that the bold curtains + all the colors on the Expedit make the white door between those two things sort of soothing. In Clara’s room we had a white wall, white bed, and white canopy going on, so the door color was a fun way to break things up – but now we think we prefer a white closet door in here after all! Might add some color to the closet itself though, so when the door’s open there’s some playfulness going on in there :)

      xo
      s

  11. Kelly says

    I think the size is great! The openness of the strings and the bright colors make it fill up the wall pretty well. I actually think it might be overwhelming if it were any bigger. What a great idea!

    Reply

  12. Manda Wolf says

    Looks really good guys. I have a wind chime made out of dyed shells that looks very similar in fact that is what I thought you used at first. I do think I would have liked the branch to be bigger, but I have a feeling this may be the right size.

    Also in the picture of looking up it from the baby’s angle I think it looks like a coral reef. You have blue and green fishes and the branch looks like a coral. Goes with the whole Narwhal thing.

    I love the mobiles you guys make. If it didn’t look so frustrating I wanted to make the same one you made for Clara with some lights in it for my bedroom! Now I think this would look cool over a desk (maybe with actually different colored died seashells).

    Reply

  14. liz says

    Ok, seriously? Sherry, you kill me! I love this… from your renderings of it… I thought it was cute… but the real thing is absolutely fabulous!

    Reply

  15. rachel laree says

    Very cute!! You could wallpaper a plaque and hang it, so it’s not on the wall, or a couple of cool mirrors would add even more sparkle. My kids love looking in the mirror! You look like the baby is starting to drop….get excited…..are yall ready for this? Puts down epiphone.

    Reply

  18. Jennifer says

    Hats off to you guys for doing so much to that space in such a short amount of time and all the while keeping Clara engaged and happy. I very much wish I could figure out how to get as much done and yet keep my two little ones entertained. And side note, where did the full beard come from? :-)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      John has been beardy for the last few months. I dig it, so I’ve begged him to let it stay (it started as an accident because he just didn’t shave for a few days).

      xo
      s

  20. Diane says

    Except for some lighting I wouldn’t add another thing. The room looks joyful and calm at the same time. I can’t wait to see the baby in there. It’s always so adorable with them laying in there all swaddled in the crib. Fun times are coming!!

    Reply

  21. Kathy says

    Love it! I was really worried there for a while, the curtains threw me off, but it came together adorable!! I’m sure the little barnacle will love his room! Now I feel like having a little boy = ) Let’s just not tell my husband just yet..

    Reply

  23. Chelsea says

    I think the Black Pepper paint from your bedroom would look good on that wall between the built-ins! Or a darker charcoal color, to add some contrast and would look great with that chair. Not sure if the mobile would stand out as much though… excited to see what you guys do with it!

    Reply

  24. Ellen says

    So sorry to hear about your continuing morning sickness. I was sick the whole pregnancy with my son, and am at 36 weeks now with my 2nd son and still retching in the morning. It’s no fun at all.

    Besides that, how are you doing with the pregnancy? I’m sure your doctors are taking good care of you, so have you been able to recapture some of the peace you had with Clara’s before her birth?

    PS, I love all the green tones in the nursery!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I’m definitely on high alert, just because of the complications I had with Clara but the docs are taking great care of me and it’s awesome to feel him wiggling around all the time (makes me a lot less paranoid). I definitely have a lot of feelings going on (fear, nervousness, etc) but the biggest ones by far are excitement and gratitude, so I’m glad those aren’t lost this time around. Can’t wait to meet this little guy!

      xo
      s

  25. Allison says

    I am absolutely loving this nursery! I wasn’t a full time reader when you did Clara’s so I’m thoroughly enjoying the process. You guys are doing such a great job and I know Baby Boy is going to feel all of the love that his parents and big sister put into that room just for him.
    Side note: I vote on leaving the crib wall as is. I love that mobile and it’s made that wall the perfect combination of fun and colourful and soothing and calm. Love it!!

    Reply

    • Carole says

      When I read your reply, I remembered that you had already told us where the chair was from. Sorry about that… We all know you have enough comments to read and respond to (and thanks for that). (Good luck … Not cood luck… Blame it on the iphone keyboard.. Still not used to it.) Take care

  27. Rebecca says

    WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! I just realized that Barnacle’s room perfectly matches Sue The Napkin, doesn’t it? Sue needs to make an appearance!!! Love how the room is shaping up.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, does it?! I think Sue had some plums in there too, right? But there was definitely navy and grellow going on. Now I feel bad that I can’t picture Sue. Off to peek in our cloth napkin drawer…

      xo
      s

  29. Cathy says

    I’m so sorry to hear you are still having morning sickness at 33 weeks! I am 15 weeks and still throwing up regularly. My biggest fear is it lasting the whole time. I can’t imagine how you have survived plus being a momma and the blogging. Did you find anything that made it better/more manageable for you?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I have tried it all, so that has kept things interesting. Haha! From sea bands and ginger tea/candies to supplements like magnesium and b6 to cutting back on different foods (no dairy for 2 weeks, no gluten for 2 weeks, no fatty foods for 2 weeks). The best thing that the doc and I can come up with is that it’s a physical reflex (I have a heightened gag reflex so no matter if my stomach is full or empty or what I’m eating or not eating, the reflex just takes over sometimes). I only had it until 18 weeks with Clara though, so I think at 15 weeks it’s safe to guess that yours will let up soon! Here’s hoping!

      xo
      s

  30. Ashley C. says

    About half of the pictures aren’t loading for me. :-( But it doesn’t look like anybody else has had this problem, so maybe it’s just my phone….

    Reply

  31. Rachel says

    So cute! I love that Clara helped make it!

    While babysitting my 2 1/2 year old cousin, she told my sister and I to go to bed – in her crib. While it’s not totally comfortable, two 5’10” women can fit side by side in a crib. Getting out of it was a completely different story though!

    Reply

  32. Pam says

    I read somewhere, “all greens go together”, it was a reference to nature. You have proved it too, love the room!
    If the wallpaper doesn’t work, you could try bug and animal silhouettes in vinyl around the room, it was a fun game for us way back, he is now 13!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So funny about all greens going together thanks to nature! Never thought about that, but it does seem to work! I would think all blues would work too (like the ocean + sky).

      xo
      s

  33. Eliza says

    LOVE it!!! This nursery is the perfect balance of calm with fun pops of color. I just love how you guys incorporate so many personal touches into everything you do. It has inspired me to do the same in my own home, and it makes it feel so much more special and like “us.” Keep being inspiring and awesome!!

    Reply

  34. ELLEN says

    This is one of my absolutely favorite little DIY projects you’ve done…it’s so cute and I think it could be used as décor in any room, not just a nursery. I’m on the hunt for a manzanita branch!

    Reply

  35. Jackie says

    Hi,
    I think if you make a few strings where you punch a hole in the circle and string the paper disc through (tying a not underneath) it would improve the mobile from the perspective of the baby. You could also try to do that on the existing strings by cutting a slit to slide it in with and staggering the location of the slits on the top piece vs. the bottom piece.

    Best,
    Jackie

    Reply

  36. Nicole says

    I love that mobile :). I made one for our lil girl who just arrived 10 days ago :). Hers is flowers and butterfly’s. The flowers I hung so that she’d be able to see them when lying in her crib but the butterfly’s are more vertical. I can’t seem to be able to post a pic in my comment but I’ll share it with you via Facebook :)

    Reply

  40. Sara says

    I love this SO much! I have a few manzanita branches lying around (currently hanging out in our hallway nook) that I’ll definitely think of changing up when baby #2 comes along (trying for baby is so exhausting – I want that positive pregnancy test!) – thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  41. margaret says

    Next time just ask me and I’ll send you a branch- we live in the land of manzanita! I can’t believe you can buy their branches at stores. I use them for my holiday decor to hang ornaments from.

    Reply

  42. Beth says

    How sweet! I still have the picture that my oldest (now 13) painted for his “baby” when I was pregnant. I framed it and it hung over his crib for a long time. He was so proud of it. Clara will remember doing that for her brother!

    Reply

  43. Jessica says

    I was scared of getting into the crib, too! Then one morning I just did it to hang something high on the wall and it felt so much more sturdy than I thought it would! Since then, I’ve periodically gotten in the crib with my 18 month old when I go in to get her in the mornings. She thinks it’s hilarious! And she loves when we put our cat in there with her too. He of course promptly jumps out since he doesn’t trust those grabby little hands! ;)

    Reply

  44. Amanda ~NoDak Nest says

    I absolutely LOVE bright green and navy together! Adorable.
    Finishing touches are the best! I finally was able to put the rest of the hardware on our kitchen cabinets yesterday and let go a sigh of relief..”DONE!”…now which of my 387 projects can I move on to?

    Reply

  49. Sherri says

    Beautiful! I’m always so impressed with what you two can accomplish!

    Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but one idea for the wall behind the crib would be to take two large sections of wallpaper and frame and hang them as if they were pictures. It would be a fun reflection of the two bike frames on the opposite wall, and much less of a commitment than gluing paper to a whole wall. Especially when you just spent all that time taking wallpaper OFF your walls! :)

    Reply

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