The Mobile

When I was registering for baby items, I decided that I wanted to have a crib mobile. But since I put so much thought and energy into designing the nursery to have a certain look, I didn't want the look ruined by a big old gaudy plastic noisy mobile. I wanted something more "vintage" or "organic" looking. I was registering on Amazon and I was able to find some mobiles that fit the description but I thought they were pretty pricey for what they were. Consequently, the thought eventually occurred to me that I could just make my own. How did it go? Well, let's not say that it was a decision I came to regret, but it was certainly one that made me realize why they were priced that way on Amazon. I took on the project and dragged future Grammy with me for the ride. First we picked out trim and felt at the fabric store.

I found an owl template and inspiration on this sewing blog and then we had to just get to work snipping and cutting and measuring and tracing

Check out that stylish Grammy! And notice how Sam always has to be a part of the action. 

Anyways, after we cut and assembled the owl pieces of felt, they had to be sewn and glued together, and then stuffed with batting. My wonderful sisters (at the time, future aunties who were so excited about the prospect of a nephew they didn't mind being roped into a crafting project for his new room) helped me with that step, but I sadly didn't get any pictures. 

Next, we had to string up each owl from the top of it's head and then put little stars on each string. Turns out the new and splendidly long dining room table comes in handy for crafting!

Here they are all assembled...and Sam is already devising and scheming to get his paws on them

The next step proved to be much harder than anticipated, hence the paucity of photographs - i.e. none. You may notice that the mobile in the blog above was fashioned from dowel rods...well my hubby had the idea of using sticks instead. I found some sticks outside and then we had to drill holes through them without cracking the sticks and then string each owl from a corner and try to get it to balance level. Not an easy feat! But thanks to some ingenuity from Grammy, the feat was accomplished and the project was complete. 

Now it hangs in a place of honor above the crib in little Will's room.

I think the little owls are just the cutest, especially those beady little button eyes

Here is the view that my little guy sees...or as close as I could get to reproducing it without actually climbing into the crib myself

And here he is, at the tender age of only 4 weeks, already enjoying it.