Photo Mobile

Break free of the frame and display your favorite pictures on a unique hanging photo mobile from The Bead Studio.

Materials:

• Six plus feet of 20 gauge wire - try to find a stiff, firm wire and avoid soft wire (I like the music wire available at hobby shops, however, it is very difficult to bend, so those weak of hand beware!)
• 5 eyeglass clips w/rubber pads - you can also use alligator clips or badge clips, but they have teeth that could damage your photos.
• Assorted beads (not seed beads)

Steps:

1. Cut 18" of wire and form the main frame - find the center of the wire and bend to form a loop. Gently shape the wire on each side to arch down and form a loop at each end.
   
   
    
2. Cut two 12" pieces of wire. Find center and form a loop, then form a loop at each end.
   
   
    
3. Cut seven 3" pieces of wire and make a loop on one end of each wire. You should have one 9" piece left - form a loop at the end of this wire as well.
   
   
    
4. Add beads to the open end of the wire. Be sure to use beads of similar size and weight for balance. Leave at least one inch of wire exposed on the end (although you may want more wire and fewer beads).
   
   
    
5. Add the clips to one end of 4 of the short wires and the one long wire.
   
   
    
6. Building the mobile - add one short wire with a loop on each end of the main frame and one on each end loop. Connect the two decorative wire pieces on each of the connecting wires. Add the long wire with clips to the center loop of the main frame and the four short wires with clips to the end of each remaining loop. Add pictures! This mobile will accomodate 10 photos, using 2 back to back per clip. If desired, add a swivel to the top hanger to allow for additional movement.