How to Make a Hanging Art Mobile with Mark Leary (www.marklearydesigns.com)

[@mkovcello]

Thanks for the great tutorial, Mark. And all the detailed info about paint and wire that you use. Working with mat board cutouts at this point, but hoping to progress to metal soon, and eventually to large scale stabiles!

[@yannapelser2622]

I actually watched this twice in a row because I not only like the beauty of the mobiles, but the music is so great too!

[@marklearydesigns]

I love that, Yanna! Yes, that song is amazing, isn't it?! It's by The Bee Eaters featuring Tashina Clarridge (beeeaters.com). So good!

[@mariamaria8675]

Omg! Me too!

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks so much for your kind comments. I'm beginning to create a series of real tutorials that I'll begin posting soon (hopefully) that slow down the process and show it in a truly step-by-step process for any enthusiasts who want to give it a go.

[@AlvaroMerle]

bravo!!! did u get to post these tutorials (or download, PDF ?) anywhere ?

[@marklearydesigns]

HI Nancy! I use Molotow Premium paints (distributed in the US via Art Primo). They're made primarily for graffiti arts, so are incredibly durable. They work with a very low pressure, so they don't tend to drip. Plus, I use a makeshift paint booth so most of the overspray is pulled into a filter via a large tumble drum fan.

[@deskofsquid]

It's gorgeous! Really modern and beautiful.

[@alindastar]

You are a master at this art form.

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks! The wire ranges from 12-18 gauge, galvanized steel. The sheet metal ranges, but as I cut all of my mobiles out by hand (until my hands fall off, that is) I'd recommend playing with different gauges until you find one that works best for you ... or get them cut via some other means (e.g., water jet, electric shearers, etc.).

[@beendover]

Thank you so much for this visual tutorial, Mark! I've had an itch to make a mobile similar to this one for years, now, but never knew how to go about it. With the help of your video I'm on my way! I'm heading over to your site to see if there's any more useful information for this project. Be well, happy and thoughtful!

[@YHVH7]

Hi Mark, Thank you for making your video's. I love watching a master in action! I use swivel hooks in my mobiles. Lots of movement! Easy to find in any bait and tackle department ( Wal-Mart, etc).

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Joanne! Swivel hooks - YES! What a great tip to share here. I've used swivels with my stabiles, and they work awesomely. I'd love to hear what kind of swivels you use and see your work! For now, thanks for sharing this terrific idea! Much appreciated!

[@mariamaria8675]

Ok, this might be the most satisfying video ever... ❤️

[@philoktet1]

I love Calder's work !

[@marklearydesigns]

Yep, a true master of so many different art forms, he was (and is) such an inspiration on how to art and how to live boldly.

[@abdmidou1766]

its very nice and modern it gives the dfinition of the new artworks...... im very intested but in tunisia we have'nt got theese materials like the holding wire and the aliminieum paper

[@marklearydesigns]

Thank you so much for your kind compliments!

[@lisafeldmann9863]

Love the music!

[@marklearydesigns]

Isn't it great, Lisa? It's from the Bee Eaters (beeeaters.bandcamp.com) with Tashina Clarridge. So good!

[@loop78]

Well damn, that was just incredible. I hope one day I will have the tools and the space to try this!

[@marklearydesigns]

Very cool, Bean! That's the great thing: You don't need a ton of tools or space to make it happen. A drill, pliers, metal, and wire are all you need to get started. I'd love to see what you create once you get going! Cheers!

[@taribramlett7279]

Wow! Beautiful work Mark! Love your technique :)

[@jolojarrengarcia7785]

[@marklearydesigns]

The wire is a basic galvanized steel wire by OOK. I use a range of gauges depending on the application. You can find it at most hardware stores.

[@Alexandra-ks7cb]

Sillt question, but how do you keep your arms/blades in order while painting?

[@marklearydesigns]

Great question! At times, it can be confusing when I'm working on multiple mobiles at the same time; but, mostly, it's pretty straightforward.

[@gordonyork6638]

I really like your work. Mark, I was wondering what wire (aluminum, gal. steel etc.) The guages you use. What flat stock and guage? Ive always wanted my work to be as light as possible so ive been using aluminum. My problem is in the smaller guages alum. tends to be a bit soft. Ive been experimenting by hammering to get some work hardening going on. But it obviously makes my arms bumby. Are there any other methods to get work hardening without bending or hammering? Oh and do you have a rule of thumb regarding loop sizes for various guages of wire? Thanks for anything you could help me with.

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Gordon and thanks very much for your message and questions. Feel free to poke around my how-to videos for answers to all. For my wire, I use OOK brand, galvanized steel. The wire ranges from 12-18 gauge. The sheet metal ranges, but as I cut all of my mobiles out by hand (until my hands fall off, that is) I'd recommend playing with different gauges until you find one that works best for you ... or get them cut via some other means (e.g., water jet, electric shearers, etc.). I use a galvanized metal, and I believe the gauge is .26. It's quite durable. Good luck and feel free to send any additional questions on over!

[@nancypahl7755]

Love it alot! What kind of wire is that?

[@hughrblackwell]

Great video Mark but you nearly drove me nuts with the sound track lol. The Banjo is an acquired taste. We don't hear a lot of it in Aus.

[@julissimo1]

I love your work! What type of wire are you using? Thanks for sharing your art with us!!

[@jwsmith53]

Thank you. I have a tendency to overthink a project and make it into a bigger deal than it needs to be. Is 16 gauge wire about right?

[@marklearydesigns]

Ah, we can all do that, can't we? As long as we dive in at some point, it's all good. 16 gauge is a nice wire to work with - easily malleable, but holds shape. I use it for many of my smaller mobiles as it's very responsive. Best of luck!

[@nancypahl7755]

What kind of paint are you using to be spraying on so much at once. I use Rust-oleum Painters touch ULTRA COVER and it drips easily, unless I apply very light coats.

[@leizygatos7139]

Can you use different metal weight in one mobile? Or do you recommend just sticking to one weight?

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Leizy! You can absolutely mix and match your metals. Most of my mobiles use the same gauge metal, but there's no reason why you couldn't use thicker and thinner metals.

[@leizygatos7139]

mark leary Aw, thanks for replying to my post!! I subscribed to your channel & really hope you upload more videos...! I enjoy them so much....!!! 😆

[@marklearydesigns]

@@leizygatos7139 you're welcome, of course, Leizy! I'm hoping to start making more videos soon.

[@leizygatos7139]

mark leary awesome!

[@kunaen1784]

I like your tutorial.. Auto Sub..

[@SoyJavierTV]

Nice work

[@sivad916]

awesome, what a talent..

[@marklearydesigns]

+dawson davis Thanks very much for the kind words, Dawson. Much appreciated! Cheers!

[@gordonyork6638]

Oh another question. I sometimes have problems finding my correct balance point when dealing with the arms that are more vertical set up?

[@marklearydesigns]

Yes, vertical arms can definitely be a challenge, can't they? It's a trial and error process. Eventually, you'll get a "feel" for it, but even now it's still a test, test, test process for me!

[@karenbartlett1371]

Just great!

[@carolsteck6847]

wow looks v professional thanks for sharing. x

[@Poz8chivey]

I don't know about Mr. Leary but I've found that 0000 steel wool, followed by denatured alcohol then a light coat of white appliance enamel (before figuring your pivot point!) works well. You can then add two or three thin coats of color without altering the weight too much. Mine have not bubbled or blistered under the hot Florida sun. PS. -Please wear eye protection. A scratched retina will add significantly more than 7 minutes to this project.

[@NanaPessoa777]

OMG! Thanks a lot!

[@marklearydesigns]

I tried smoke signal captions, but that didn't go over very well. I'm currently attempting to master the didgeridoo, so check back in soon ;)

[@londonoki8530]

What kind of wire is that?

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi there! I primarily use OOK wire. It's a galvanized steel wire. I typically use 14- to 16-gauge for my smaller mobiles. Are you making mobiles?

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks so much for your kind comments. Yes, I sell online at mobilosity d-o-t net and hangingmobilegallery d-o-t com. You can learn about my gallery locations at marklearydesigns d-o-t com. Cheers!

[@marklearydesigns]

You are too funny, Roger! That was indeed my dual goal: show mobile-making on the turbocharged track AND drive Aussies crazy with the bluegrass! Um, just kidding!

[@TroyOi]

Perhaps Mark can add subtitles in didgeridoo. ;-)

[@albionwatts6000]

How to??? How to??? Even slowing it down to .25 speed still doesn't show How To... Well you got my click, just hope it helps...

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Albion! This video is just meant to be a fun "overview" - highlighting the process from start to finish. I have a number of actual how-to videos in my channel, and if you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out. I love to help aspiring mobile makers! Cheers.