When I was putting together Nadia’s work/craft corner I really wanted to hang a light there instead of the lamp that I eventually got for her. The problem was that to install a light I would have to drill a pretty big hole in the Ceiling of Perdition (supported by the Walls of Doom).
In lieu of a heavy chandelier, or any hanging light, I decided to make a mobile for the space. Something so light that I could get away with minimal installation. If I didn’t have to get my drill out all the better.
Since Nadia is obsessed with hearts these days, I decided to hang strings of hearts from the ceiling. Similar strings (in more subdued colors) are a traditional Danish Xmas decoration. I once brought some strings from Denmark but they are long gone.
The cool thing is that in the end this didn’t cost me one cent. One of the best things I could say about something.
I made a heart with a piece of sturdy cardboard and used it to outline 34 hearts on the white side of the box that came with my new modem. . It took me a while to cut them out, but I did it over a couple of days, anytime I watched the news or just chatting with Nadia.
Using liquid silicone, I covered the hearts with scraps of fabric, some of them I had already used in her bedroom.
This is why I keep the smallest scrap of fabric. I have to make a 3 hour trip to the nearest shop that sells fabric, which is why I only buy online (cheaper, and better selection). Since I pay more for anything that I buy online than people stateside, fabric is a precious commodity to me. Plus I am a cheapskate frugal.
Using my handy-dandy cutting mat I turned the hearts exposing the uncovered side and arranged them at equal distance. I glued a nylon thread to the center and covered that side with fabric. The nylon is sandwiched between the cardboard and a layer of fabric. I left enough thread at the top to use it to hang the string.
I spray-painted white the lower ring of one of the lampshades I redid and hung the strings from it. Using three more pieces of thread I hung the ring from a a hook I rigged to swivel around the head of a steel nail I hammered into the Ceiling of Perdition.
If you do not have a concrete ceiling, a simple hook would do. I do, so it didn’t.
I am glad to announce that Nadia approved. A good thing, she’s a pretty tough critic. And the post tittle? Her idea: she said it looked like it was “raining hearts”. Amen!
Aunt Clara's Kitchen is a collection of traditional Dominican and Dominican-inspired recipes, home ideas, crafts, and the chronicles of Aunt Clara and Aunt Ilana's adventures.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it! I really like the fabric you chose.
Thanks Amy. It's fabric I had already used in her bedroom, so it all ties together.Check Ivy_Style's string using leather and wallpaper (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivy_style33/4580440573/). Another great choice.
This mobile is so cool and pretty, I love all your decorating projects!
adorable! i'm inspired to make some as decorations for my garden tea party
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