As promised yesterday, I'm back with another natural material-based mobile for a last-minute Halloween craft! Like the leaves, this requires a bit of prep, in that you need to find some birch bark. Note: do not peel birch bark right from the tree, as that can harm it. Look nearby and you'll likely find a piece or two that has fallen off.
Back home, use regular scissors to cut simple ghost shapes from the bark.
Back home, use regular scissors to cut simple ghost shapes from the bark.
 |  |
Use a black marker to add eyes and a mouth to each one.
 |  |
Next you'll add the strings for hanging. As with yesterday's mobile, I separated a two-foot length of embroidery floss into individual threads. Use small dabs of tacky glue to adhere the thread ends to the backs of the birch bark ghosts, and let the glue dry for about a half-hour.
Use the waiting time to select a suitable stick to anchor your ghosts. I chose one that was a bit crooked so it's more Halloween-y. Whichever stick you choose, make sure it's dry and isn't flaking off bits of bark.
Tie the thread ends to the stick with single knots, so you can easily adjust the length and make them nicely staggered.
Tie the thread ends to the stick with single knots, so you can easily adjust the length and make them nicely staggered.
When the ghosts are floating at the altitude you prefer, dab tacky glue onto each knot with your fingertip. Hang your stick with a length of clear plastic cord or fishing line tied near each end. As with the jack o' leaves, I like my mobile near a window. Check out the reflections of the ghosts in the glass! Creeeepy.
Happy almost-Halloween! xo
RSS Feed
