Picture Cube Mobile

Show off your special photos in a creative way.  This picture mobile is fun to create - and change or expand - and is sure to please.

Materials:

• STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam:
  • Cubes, 5", three
• Color copies of photographs
• Decorative papers, 12" x 12", five coordinating sheets and scraps
• Embroidery hoop, 10"
• Scrapbooking embellishments of choice (stickers, charms, rub-ons, etc.)
• Paper trimmer
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Wooden skewers
• Craft knife with sharp blade
• Thick, white craft glue
• Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
• Coordinating ribbons: 1/2" x 9 yds.; 3/8" x 1-2/3 yds.; double-sided satin, 1/8" x 2-1/3 yds.
• Shape templates (optional)

Steps:

1. Use trimmer to cut six 5-1/8" squares from a variety of papers for each cube.
    
2. Spread thin, even coat of glue onto one side of first foam cube. Place paper square over glued foam, flush with one side and top edge; smooth paper with fingers.
    
3. Use craft knife to trim excess paper at side and bottom edges. Repeat to cover all sides of each cube.
    
4. Refer to photo and decide which of cube's edges will be top edge when hung. Use skewer tip to poke small hole into center of foam edge where two paper pieces meet. Cut 28" length from satin ribbon and knot one end. Apply glue to knot and use skewer to push knot deep into foam. Let dry completely before hanging. Repeat for remaining cubes.
    
5. Add paper scraps and scrapbook embellishments to paper-covered cubes; refer to photo for ideas. If desired, add computer-generated sentiments like quotes, names, and more. Cut photos to desired size or trace template shapes onto photos and cut out.
    
6. Spiral wrap embroidery hoop with 1/2"-wide ribbon, securing each end with glue at inside of hoop.
    
7. For hanger, cut two 24" lengths from 3/8"-wide ribbon. Glue ribbon ends around hoop on four opposite sides; ribbons will cross at top. Hold hoop up by crossed hanging ribbons and glue ribbons together where they meet. Pass remaining 12" length of 3/8"-wide ribbon under crossed ribbons; glue ends together to form hanging loop.
    
8. Loosely tie photo cubes to hoop at each one-third mark. Adjust ribbons so cubes hang at different heights; be sure hanging loop is straight. Note: Working with a partner makes this easier. When satisfied with placement, tie ribbons tightly and trim excess.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow. For more project ideas, please see styrofoamstyle.com.