|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Baby's mobile |
| Based on the principle that babies react more to contrasts than colours, Tara makes a black and white mobile. |
|
|
|
|
When buying presents for babies most people opt for teddy bears, rattles and clothes. However, researchers have discovered that newborn babies are attracted to high contrast designs so Tara has designed a mobile to catch their eyes. The reaction from babies can range from calm and watchful to excited squeals.
In the first few months, babies see mostly in shades of grey. And it's the high contrasting colours that hold baby's attention and stimulate the senses; especially black and white. Babies are attracted to patterns similar to faces; as their parents' faces and eyes are one of the first focal points that they watch. Patterns such as checkerboards and bullseyes attract babies, but circles, dots, squares and stripes are also popular.
STEP BY STEP
1 Cut out animals and glue to hobby wood using a paint brush to get the glue right to the edges.
2 Using a scalpel or Stanley knife carefully cut around the animal shapes using the cutting mat. Smooth edges with sandpaper.
3 Paint the reverse side of the animals. We painted black on the other side of half our animals, and white on the others.
4 When the animals are dry, drill a small hole in the top of each animal for hanging.
5 Twist the black and white ribbon around the large and small hoops, making alternate stripes. Glue the loose ends of the ribbon and stick with some tape until dry.
6 With two lengths of black ribbon and two lengths of white ribbon attach the large hoop to the small hoop at even intervals, so the small hoop hangs above the large hoop.
7 Tie the animals with fishing nylon at evenly spaced intervals around the large hoop at varying lengths. Hang a couple from the small hoop in the centre of the mobile (optional).
8 To hang the hoops from the ceiling, tie two pieces of ribbon from each side of the small hoop and hang from a small hook in the ceiling. When hung from the ceiling the animals should sway in a breeze if a nearby window is open.
Diagrams
|
Materials
8 Paper cut outs of animals
Balsa Wood 3mm
1 — 2 m black and white ribbon (depending on size of hoops)
Small cane hoop
Large cane hoop
Fishing wire (nylon)
Fine paint brush
Jo Sonja Acrylic paint — black
Jo Sonja Acrylic paint — white
Craft Glue
Scalpel or Stanley knife
Cutting mat
Scissors
Small hook (for hanging from ceiling)
Sandpaper
Drill with small drill bit
|
Cost
Balsa wood approx $3.60
Ribbon $1.00
Small Cane Hoop $1.45
Large Cane hoop $2.75
Fishing wire $3.95
Acrylic Paint $4.60ea
|
Total Cost
Approx $22
|
More Info
Fishing wire available from fishing/sporting stores.
Balsa wood available from hardware stores.
Ribbons and cane hoops from Lincraft.
Jo Sonja paints available from all good craft stores.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
