Bird mobiles are a fun and creative way to decorate a baby’s room or brighten up any space. Mobiles featuring delicate paper birds in flight create a whimsical feel and keep eyes gazing upwards. The repetitive shapes and patterns can also stimulate a baby’s developing visual perception. Best of all, bird mobiles are easy to make at home with just paper and a few basic craft supplies. In about an hour, you can create a beautiful mobile using origami birds in any color scheme you choose. Follow the steps below to learn how to make a bird mobile out of paper.
Here are some quick answers to common questions about making paper bird mobiles:
What do I need to make a paper bird mobile?
To make a paper bird mobile, you will need the following supplies:
- Paper in various colors and weights for the birds
- Fishing line or clear string for hanging the mobile
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Glue
- Hole punch
- Dowel or stick for hanging
How many birds should I make for the mobile?
This depends on personal preference, but 5-7 birds often looks nice. Make birds in different sizes for visual interest.
What type of paper works best?
Use lightweight paper like origami paper, scrapbooking paper, or decorative paper in different colors. Heavier paper like cardstock can work for larger birds.
Where should I hang the mobile?
Bird mobiles look great suspended above a baby’s crib or hung in doorways and windows. Choose a location without obstructions where it can hang freely.
Step 1: Make Paper Bird Templates
The first step in making a paper bird mobile is designing templates for your birds. While you can fold any origami bird, simple shapes like cranes, swans, and geese work well for mobiles. Start by searching online for origami bird diagrams or step-by-step instructions. Print out the instructions or draw your own templates as a guide. Trace the shapes onto colored paper of your choice. For variety, repeat each template with different colors and sizes of paper. Cut out 10-20 birds total to give you options when assembling your mobile.
Here are some helpful tips for making the bird templates:
- Print templates onto thicker paper like cardstock so they are sturdier when hanging
- Cut templates from lightweight origami paper for ease of folding
- Reuse paper from magazines, wrapping paper, or old artwork for a crafty look
- Make birds in small, medium and large sizes for visual interest
- Use bright, complementary colors that stand out against each other
With a stack of colorfully cut bird shapes, you’re ready to start folding your flock!
Step 2: Fold the Origami Birds
Now it’s time to transform your templates into three-dimensional origami birds. Follow the specific folding instructions for the type of bird you are creating. Basic folds like valley and mountain folds, along with specialty folds like squash folds, are common techniques. Work on folding one bird at a time. Don’t worry about making them perfect – the casual handmade look is part of the charm!
Here are some tips for easily folding your origami birds:
- Review the diagrams and instructions before you start folding
- Fold along the lines firmly and precisely
- Add a drop of glue inside once folded to secure the shape
- Let the glue dry fully before hanging to prevent unraveling
- Use bone folders or popsicle sticks to help make crisp folds
- YouTube tutorials can supplement any confusing diagrams
Before long, your flock will be fully folded and ready to hang!
Step 3: Add Hanging Strings
With your birds folded, it’s time to add the hanging components so they can fly. For each bird, you’ll need to attach string and a paper clip.
Cut string
- Measure and cut lengths of string or fishing line, 12-18 inches long
- Cut different lengths to create a loose, hanging effect
Add paperclips
- Attach a small paperclip to the end of each string
- Use metal clips that can support the weight of the bird
Attach strings to birds
- Thread the string through the top of each folded bird
- Knot or glue it in place securely inside the bird
- The paperclip end should dangle below the bird
The clip ends will allow you to easily attach each bird to the mobile base.
Step 4: Construct the Mobile Base
With your birds ready to hang, it’s time to build the base that will display them in flight. This can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer.
Make a dowel hanger
- Take a long wooden dowel or stick
- Balance across two chairs or furniture to suspend in midair
Attach strings to dowel
- Space out and tie each bird’s dangling string to the dowel
- Vary heights and distances between birds for interest
Embellish if desired
- Add additional dowels crossing in different directions
- Interweave ribbons through the dowel ends
- Accent with feathers, beads, tassels or other craft items
With your origami birds lined up across the dowel base, you now have a complete mobile ready for hanging!
Step 5: Hang Up Your Mobile
The final step is finding a location to proudly display your handmade bird mobile. Here are some hanging tips:
- Hang above a crib using wall hooks, safely out of baby’s reach
- Suspend from the ceiling with clear fishing line
- Let it fly freely by a sunny window so the light shines through
- Add extra lengths of string to adjust the hang height as needed
- Re-space birds on the dowel as needed for balance
- Enjoy as a visually stimulating and peaceful decorative accent
Your colorful paper birds will now take flight in any room. Switch out the birds periodically if making seasonal mobiles. When not in use, carefully store flat in a folder or box. With some basic supplies and folding skills, you can easily make a new mobile anytime.
Troubleshooting Tips
While making your bird mobile, here are some common issues and how to solve them:
Birds won’t stay folded
- Use bone folders when folding for crisp creases
- Apply a tiny amount of glue inside each fold
- Let the glue fully dry before hanging
Birds keep twisting or turning
- Be sure the string is securely glued or knotted inside the bird
- Tie threads around the knots for added strength
- Shorten the string to keep birds from over-twisting
Mobile won’t hang evenly
- Vary bird sizes and string lengths for visual balance
- Space birds evenly across dowel, rearranging as needed
- Let mobile hang freely to allow birds to find equilibrium
Paper is tearing
- Use lightweight paper or reinforce thin areas with washi tape
- Handle folded birds gently to avoid tears
- For longevity, laminate or coat birds with decoupage medium
With some minor adjustments, you’ll have your paper birds staying aloft in no time. Let creativity take flight with this simple DIY kids craft!
Conclusion
Making a bird mobile from paper is an enjoyable way to create a handmade decoration perfect for stimulating little eyes or brightening any living space. With just folded paper birds, string, and a dowel, you can easily construct a charming mobile in an afternoon. Vary the bird templates, sizes, and color schemes for endless possibilities to match any room’s style. Hang near a window so the light shines through for added beauty. Gift a homemade bird mobile to expecting parents or bird enthusiasts. The next time you want an uplifting craft project, give this easy origami mobile a try and let your creativity soar!