Getting Loopy with Hanging Art Mobile-maker Mark Leary (www.marklearydesigns.com)

Learn how to put a nice round loop into your mobile arms with mobilist Mark Leary from Portland, OR (www.MarkLearyDesigns.com and www.mobilosity.net)
I was recently asked if I could make video that shows how to make the perfect connecting loop at the balance point of a mobile arm. Um, "perfect" may be a s-t-r-e-t-c-h, but it's a twist in the right direction.
You can see more of my work online and in person at:
* www.MarkLearyDesigns.com
* www.mobilosity.net
* furnish. (Bend, OR) [www.furnishdesi...]
* Red Brick Gallery (Ventura, CA) [redbrickart.com/]
* Rare Device (San Francisco, CA) [www.raredevice....]
* Morihata (Philadelphia, PA) [www.morihata.com/]
* Milwaukee Art Museum (Mil, WI) [mam.org/]
* University of Michigan, Museum of Art (Ann Arbor, MI) [store.umma.umi...]
* Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (Kansas City, MO) [www.kemperart.org/]
* Finely Crafted (Atlanta, GA) [finelycrafted.n...]
* The Original Dinerant (PDX, OR) [www.originaldin...]
/ marklearydesigns
www.marklearyde...
www.mobilosity.net

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Joan, Thanks! The wire ranges from 12-18 gauge, galvanized steel. I usually use the readily-available OOK brand (can be found at any big box home improvement store). As I'm sure you know, the smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire. I use 12 for my longer arms/bigger blades and 18 for very delicate work; 14-16 are my go-tos for most of my mobile arms. Have a blast!

[@teresasnider5190]

Not only are you talented and have a nice voice.........You're a comedian. What more could anyone want?

[@marklearydesigns]

Ha! Thanks very much, Teresa! You're too kind! Keep up the great energy! Cheers!

[@kellyanne1307]

Finally, some practical info. Thank you so much!

[@MKB0720]

Oh I am so glad I found this video. Thanks so much!!

[@marklearydesigns]

So happy to hear that, Madeline! If there's anything in particular I can help with, please feel free to shoot me a note. Happy making!

[@adch2003]

I am using the 7" Circle Cut Tinner Snips from Harbor Freight. They work really well at cutting out curvy shapes. I'll give the 30 gauge sheets a try. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@sherrigittel4623]

Excellent tutorial!!

[@marklearydesigns]

Thank you, Sherri!!!

[@spiralli]

Love your sense of humor!

[@kimleary]

You make it look so effortless

[@heidiconroy7259]

Super good demo! Thanks for the easy-to-follow tutorial.

[@marklearydesigns]

Aw, thanks so much, Heidi! I hope it helped!

[@jtbmetaldesigns]

This is most helpful! I want to make mobiles out of scrap aluminum sheet and plexiglass sheet scrap materials. Purchased some 16 gauge galvanized wire and I roughly cut out some acrylic plexiglass shapes. Hopefully, I’ll be able to build my first mobile soon

[@marklearydesigns]

That is too cool! I'd love to see your first mobile once you've made it! Feel free to reach out with any questions along the way!

[@derekpercy7787]

Thank you so much for sharing - Brilliant!

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks so much, Derek! Happy making!

[@davyl1414]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you!

[@marklearydesigns]

So glad to hear that, Anne. Feel free to reach out with specific questions and I'd be happy to help however I can. Cheers!

[@rosaliebarrington2184]

Funny and informational...luv it! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@kenpalosi5084]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[@karenbartlett1371]

Thank you Mark, this made me laugh! I was looking for videos to show kids how to make mobiles, I hope they find your extra comments as funny as I do!

[@ellen4956]

Hi Mark! I asked someone on Etsy before checking on youtube, and she told me to get 1/8" aluminum welding rod. I hope it ends up working! I'm going to try to duplicate one I lost years ago that was from the 60s. It didn't have any stationary pieces like the ones on the ends of these, but hanging circles with hanging crescent moons inside each circle. I can only find one picture of it to go by, so the rest will be by memory. But this sure helps! I had wondered if I was supposed to start with the bottom piece and work up from there, and apparently that's how to do it!

[@marklearydesigns]

How fun, Ellen! I'd love to see what you create, so feel free to send a photo when you're done. And, of course, if you h have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate reaching out and I'm happy to help however I can. Cheers and best!

[@jenniferprocter3516]

Hi Mark, thanks for these videos! I have a request, would you please give us some tips on how to straighten to wire when it comes off the coil? when I try to straighten it, it tends to not to be so elegant and bends in multiple directions. Thank you

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks for your message, Jennifer! The only tip I have on straightening wire is: practice, practice, practice. I've been making mobiles for over 15 years and I'm still learning. Alas! I know it's not a sexy tip, but that's the best one I've got :)

[@jenniferprocter3516]

@@marklearydesigns Haha, thanks Mark.

[@redpill3511]

LOVELY!!

[@taribramlett7279]

Thank you!!

[@ritedillon]

Very good tutorial

[@adch2003]

Thank you so much for posting this! I made my first mobile using your tutorial on bending loops. What gauge metal do you make your blades with? I used 28 gauge galvanized steel from Home Depot and it was a bit difficult to work with. Do you use flashing for your blades?

[@Alexandra-ks7cb]

So curious why this method doesn't throw off the balance. Youd think bending both sides equally would be the thing but its just looping one arm?! I have aa hars time finding perdect balance and readjust often 🙃

[@brennadavis2724]

This was straight to the point and exactly what I was hoping to learn about making my wire look more professional for my mobiles. What gauge wire do you recommend? Thank You!!!

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks very much, Brenna! The gauge of wire you use usually depends on a number of factors (e.g., weight of your blades, size of the arms, the aesthetic you're going for, hand strength). For my smaller mobiles, I typically use 14-16 gauge OOK wire, and larger or smaller depending on size or design. Feel free to reach out with additional questions and Happy Creating!

[@brennadavis2724]

mark leary Thank you, are there tips for straightening wire that’s as big as 14-16 gauge? Mine tends to have small curvatures that I think look distracting or less streamline and I have been told that pulling them taunt with pliers is how to best straighten them. Not sure if that’s been working well for me.

[@Verklunkenzwiebel]

Instead if a separate ring between the arms, I'm using Albatros-brand swivels (that you use for fishing tackle) This allows free 360 degrees rotation..

[@GK-ec5df]

HI Mark, I found a roll of OOK 16 gauge but when I unroll it, the roll is so tight, I can't get it to gently curve. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@jiminspinkyfinger9763]

This helped a lot! I made my first mobile today 😁 okay nobody cares hah

[@marklearydesigns]

That's awesome! I'd love to see a picture of what you created. Congratulations! Let the fun begin!

[@carleylester9691]

Awesome!! I care and loved your comment. Hopefully you've made more! 😘

[@sislertx]

I care...and would love to see it BUT ON RUMBLW OR BITCHUTE NOT CCP GOOGLE

[@Modelscoutingwd]

Congratulations!! I care. ❤

[@64maxpower]

What kind of wire and what gauge is simple to work with?

[@marklearydesigns]

The wire ranges from 12-18 gauge, galvanized steel. I usually use the readily-available OOK brand (can be found at any big box home improvement store). As I'm sure you know, the smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire. I use 12 for my longer arms/bigger blades and 18 for very delicate work; 14-16 are my go-tos for most of my mobile arms. Have a blast!

[@georgieippolito9924]

loops are good but people always forget to put those little fishing swivels on it so they are free to move 360°

[@marklearydesigns]

Great observation, Georgie! Isn't it so awesome that there so many different and varied ways to create mobile art?! I love seeing and hearing the various ways artists engage with the artform and learning again and again - even after all these years - that there is no right or wrong way to go about creating kinetic art. Happy making!

[@georgieippolito9924]

@@marklearydesigns I'm looking for a huge ww2 plane mobile. one where they fly independently to the point you can't judge where they will fly around the room. seen some on esty but not good enough. I seen really cool big one with those fishing bearings and they don't get tangled up. also seen one where I learned hang gliding at mountain wings but I can't find one of those mobiles anywhere

[@marklearydesigns]

Very cool, @@georgieippolito9924! Those sound like really fun mobiles, and - yes - I can imagine they'd be hard to find; fingers crossed that you'll come across the perfect one that satisfies what you're looking for!

[@ldpaula]

I love your videos and I'm using it for a project right now. A question: my wires haven't been as professional as i expected and the look hasn't been as professional because of it. What can I do for to solve it? Thank you!

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Leandro! What about your wires hasn't been as professional as you expected? Are they wavy, bumpy, not as fluid as you pictured? I run the wires between my fingers and an old dish cloth over and over again to straighten or get the curves just right.

[@joangem4166]

What gauge of wire do you use? Can I find it in the hardware store? Thanks for the video, I'm looking forward to more.

[@marklearydesigns]

That's too cool! I'd love to see a picture of your first mobile. You can find 30 gauge galvanized steel sheets Home Depot (Search their site for "GFS36X48"). Even though it's not a big difference in gauges, it's much easier to cut than 28 gauge. What are you using the cut the metal?

[@TinyforestSoup]

What is the best wire for mobile? What gause? Thanks so much!

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi there and thanks so much for your message! If you poke around in the comments of my videos, you'll find all kinds of great questions and answers. I use OOK wire (stainless) in a variety of gauges. For my smaller mobiles, I work with anywhere from 12-16 gauge. If you're just starting out, the smaller gauge (with the bigger numbers) is easier to play around with and get comfortable with the way it moves and bends. Happy making!!!

[@TinyforestSoup]

Thanks so much for your kind answer. I can’t wait to try.

[@kenpalosi5084]

I am able to make the bends alright using your instructions but I do have a question. When I make the bend using the balance point at the center of my piece of wire I find that the finished loop is off center by maybe 3/4 of an inch. Is there a trick to getting the loop exactly in the center of the piece? The only thing I can think of is to cut the wire longer than I actually want and then trim one end to get the loop in the center. Any help would be appreciated.

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Ken! That's a terrific question. If you're wanting the loop exactly in the center of your arm, then - yes - what you describe (e.g., starting with extra wire, then trimming it down once you've made your loop) would definitely give you that ability and control. Alternatively and with practice, you'll be able to eyeball how to much you need to move one way or another from the balance point to start your loop such that it ends up where you want it (e.g., rather than starting directly at the balance point, moving that 3/4" down the wire). Practicing on varying lengths of wire (without blades attached) is a great way to dial it in. Let me know if this helps and - if not - we can problem solve together. Cheers and happy mobiling!

[@kenpalosi5084]

Thanks Mark. I am getting excited about making mobiles. If you are interested I just posted my very first one on Instagram as ohioken. Thanks again for the fast and informative help.

[@marklearydesigns]

I love it, Ken! An origami mobile! How cool! Can't wait to see more!

[@michelmoimoi]

Which type of steel are you using for your wires ?

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Michel, Thanks for the question! The wire ranges from 12-18 gauge, galvanized steel. I usually use the readily-available OOK brand (can be found at any big box home improvement store). As I'm sure you know, the smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire. I use 12 for my longer arms/bigger blades and 18 for very delicate work; 14-16 are my go-tos for most of my mobile arms. Have a blast!

[@michelmoimoi]

@@marklearydesigns Thanks Mark. I am currently experimenting with 1.3mm wire (16 gauge), spring grade steel. It's a bit difficult to bend and to paint but it does the job. Thanks for you input, I'll try these too.

[@homevision852]

This was great info! What kind of wire did you use?

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks! For wire, I usually use the readily-available OOK brand (can be found at any big box home improvement store). I work in gauges from 12-18. The smaller the gauge, the bigger/thicker the wire. I use 12 for my longer arms/bigger blades and 18 for very delicate work; 14-16 are my go-tos for most of my mobile arms. Cheers!

[@aaaaaaaas67]

what gauge wire is this one ??

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Anja, I believe this was a 16 gauge wire, OOK wire. Are you making mobiles? Would love to see what you're working on!

[@R_DLF]

What type of wire is used for this demonstrations? where can I buy it?

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Ruby! I usually use the readily-available OOK brand (can be found at any big box home improvement store). I work in gauges from 12-18. The smaller the gauge, the bigger/thicker the wire. I use 12 for my longer arms/bigger blades and 18 for very delicate work; 14-16 are my go-tos for most of my mobile arms. Cheers!

[@R_DLF]

mark leary Thank you! I'm going to try this for an art installation. Do have have other videos on assembling the mobile... Similar to Alexander Calder?

[@marklearydesigns]

Very cool, Ruby! Be sure to send pictures! I only have one other video at this point (it's a sped up look at the mobile making process - so probably not too instructional). I'm planning on creating some start-to-finish instructional videos in the coming months. Cheers and best of luck!

[@robhunsley3328]

@@marklearydesigns Thanks Mark! This was a key piece of information.

[@marklearydesigns]

@@robhunsley3328 awesome, so glad to hear it! Feel free to reach out with any other questions. Cheers!

[@dorona2397]

what does it mean in mm- 16 gauge??

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Doron, 16 gauge wire is 1.32 mm. You can search for "wire gauge conversion to inches and millimeters" for other conversions. Thanks!

[@cuisineaminadoukalia875]

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