We love this idea from Kirsten at Kirsten*Can. Using vintage illustrations, baker's twine, and an embroidery hoop, she came up with this free-form mobile that looks just as fantastic in a playroom as it would in a nursery.
Says Kirsten:
I painted an embroidery hoop red, and cut out lots and lots of circles (3 different sizes) from vintage children's books. Everything is hung with red/white baker's twine. It moves and sways a little with the slightest breeze, and I like how each circle is really different and fun. Fun to make, more fun to look at!
For more fun crafty ideas, be sure to check out Kirsten's blog, Kirsten*Can.
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As cute as this is, I always hate to see books destroyed, even for art's sake. It would be equally charming to trace the picture and have your child color it, or even make a color copy of the illustration.
I think it's a lovely idea, and quite resourceful for those on a budget!
I love seeing books repurposed, especially nappy old children's books.
I've been looking for a really simple, yet very colorful and interesting to look at mobile to make for my son, this just might be it. I think I'll mix in pictures of his family, too.
Cakowalik, I would agree, except that the illustrations are just too cute and amazing in many books. I actually scour thrift stores for duplicates of ones we already own, then I use the duplicates for the art projects.
This is the BEST idea. I've been wanting to make a mobile, but I don't want to buy one...and I don't have hundreds of hours or dollars, either. This is sooo perfect. I have an extra Curious George anthology sitting around just waiting for this.
I love this!
I buy old kid's science books for the illustrations/covers, and recently went nuts with a 2" circle punch and made a ton of circles thinking I would make them into a garland, but maybe a mobile would be even more fun!
I don't feel bad about destroying 50-year-old science books, since the information is so outdated.
Hey, cakowalik, me too on the destroying of books! Lately I found three 1940s books at garage sales with half the pages missing, and I think this project might be just the thing for those. I also have a zillion paper dust jackets from hard-bound children's books, they get torn so fast I take them off right away but never have the heart to toss them. So thanks for the idea!! I like Laughing Sara's garland idea, too...
Saw the too cute picture and whipped one up this afternoon while DD took a nap. I used a duplicate Peter Spear book, his illustrations are just wonderful. Hung it in the playroom window and I know she'll have fun with it. She just loves mobiles!
if you are worried about cutting up good books then ask around your friends for books that the kids have "destroyed" and repurpose them rather than them going in the bin