How to Make a Mobile - The Basic Tools | Mark Leary Designs

In today's mobile-making video tip, I open up my toolbox and give you a quick overview of the 10 tools I use to make all of my mobiles.
These tools are all readily available and (relatively) inexpensive, so get out there and get creating!
NOTE: At minute 2:50, the text on the screen is incorrect. It should read 4-3/4" FLAT nose pliers. Sorry for all the different names!
Cheers and keep on making art that moves!
Got a mobile-making question?
Feel free to shoot me a message, then keep tuned to see your questions answered here.
/ marklearydesigns
www.marklearyde...
www.mobilosity.net

[@janetdegenhardt5999]

This entire series of how too videos are so enlightening. Thanks so much for sharing them. Now I want to try making a small one myself!

[@marklearydesigns]

Yea! This makes me so happy to hear, Janet! I'll look forward to hearing (and seeing) what comes together for you! Have fun!

[@2prettyfunnythings736]

The sarcastic remarks crack me up. I’m just starting an idea for a mobile and your videos have been a great help.

[@marklearydesigns]

That's awesome to hear! Happy mobiling!

[@yoeleliezerashley2161]

I find the text comments on the video very entertaining and informative, helps me focus.

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks Yoel! I have a lot of fun making the videos, so it's great to hear you're enjoying them!

[@greatjazz2167]

Hi Mark--really appreciate your videos! They are informative and fun to watch. I may have missed this but do you demonstrate in one of your videos how to punch holes in the blades--measurements, tools, technique, etc.? Thanks!!!

[@marklearydesigns]

Hey! Great question and I don't think I've explicitly shared how I make the holes in my blades in any of my videos. In my How to Make a Mobile in Under 7 Minutes video (which really isn't a how-to), there's a shot of me drilling the holes, but that's about it. I wish I had some awesome secret technique, but it's just a drill, drillbits that are slightly larger than the diameter of whatever gauge wire I'm using, and eyeballs. If you watch this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWHXi3aOhNaVrsk), you'll get an idea of how far apart I space my holes (to accommodate the size of pliers I'm using). I'll have to add this to my list of new videos to add. Please feel free to reach out with any other questions!

[@greatjazz2167]

Great suggestion-thanks! Adam

[@NanaPessoa777]

thanks for the tips Mark! you are so inspiring!

[@AlvaroMerle]

Bravo!! What electric tools do u use ? cant find the video 😅

[@marklearydesigns]

Great question, Álvaro! I use a variety of power tools - from a belt sander to a hand sander, to a drill, to a metal dust collector. Essential (in the way I make my mobiles) would be the drill, so you can make the holes to attach the arms (wire), but there are other ways to go about it where you wouldn't even need a drill. So fun to be able to solve so many different solutions to each "problem." Cheers and happy making!

[@msflaneuse4340]

Cool. Thanks!

[@marklearydesigns]

🙌🙌🙌

[@ChikaB0mb]

thanks for the tips, you are so inspiring!

[@marklearydesigns]

Thank you so much! I'd love to see what you're creating - feel free to send pictures of your work, and if you have any questions, send 'em on over! Happy Arting!

[@emmelinein4331]

hi you don't mention what is the gauge of your metal sheet?

[@lucydefty2114]

could you please upload the video on the electric tools you use?

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Lucy! I will get right on this! Keep your eyes out!

[@kathyb.9834]

Hi! Can you tell me what specific type and gauge wire you use (please be VERY specific. There's a lot out there!)? I have to make a mobile for an art class project. This info would be most helpful. Thanks!

[@marklearydesigns]

Hi Kathy! Ohh, that sounds like a super fun project! I use OOK galvanized steel wire. For most of my smaller mobiles, I use 16-gauge wire, but I also use 14- and 12- gauge, too. 16 is usually a good place to start. You can do a search for the wire online, and it's in a number of big box stores. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!

[@kathyb.9834]

@@marklearydesigns Thanks for such a speedy response! I found your brand of wire on Amazon. It seems that this wire is pliable enough to bend into loops and it also holds its shape pretty well. How do you keep the wire nice and straight with no unintended bends or "wobbles?" Will wire cutters be useful or will they not be able to cut this type of wire? Thanks in advance!

[@marklearydesigns]

@@kathyb.9834 that's awesome! And, yep, easy to bend into loops and holds its shape well. You got it! To get the wire as straight as possible, I use an old dishcloth. Hold the dishcloth in one hand, then with your other hand pull the wire through it with your dishcloth hand held firm around the wire. Repeat as many times as needed to get the straightness or curve you're looking for. I'll try to put up a video of this - it's super simple, but really effective. Wire cutters. Without knowing what type you have, most wire cutters I've seen should be able to manage well. How fun!

[@kathyb.9834]

@@marklearydesigns ...this is the wire cutter I have. If you think they might not work for me with the OOK wire, please let me know what type you recommend: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C5PM8L4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@marklearydesigns]

@@kathyb.9834 if the wire cutters in the video on that page are the ones you have, they seem like they should work just fine :)

[@Michael1Js]

What brand of band aids do you recommend? :)

[@marklearydesigns]

For you, kevlar :)

[@Michael1Js]

Perfect! :) Thank you master!

[@Horhoun]

I've been wanting to try my hand at mobile making since taking in the Calder exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum a year or two back. After viewing your videos, which have been very informative, I think I'm ready to give it a try. Can you advise what gage and the type of sheet metal you use for the blades on your smaller pieces? It looks like galvanized sheet metal, but how thick? Also, can you recommend a source in Portland, which is where I am too. Many thanks.

[@marklearydesigns]

That's super exciting, James! I can't wait to see what you create. The gauge/type of metal I use varies depending on the application. For smaller mobiles, I find that a 30-Gauge, galvanized steel works well (especially if you're using heavy-duty shearers such as the snub-nose ones I call out in the video. I haven't tried tin snips on this gauge, but the maker (Flow Master) indicates that they can be used. For the sake of ease, Home Depot carries a variety of sheet metal in various gauges and finish types - all reasonably priced and accessible (for a 3'x4' sheet of 30-gauge galvanized steel (that you can find in the the HVAC area) runs $18). Feel free to reach out with other questions and best of success to you. Cheers!

[@Horhoun]

Hey Mark, Thanks for the quick reply. With that last bit of information, I think I'm ready to proceed. Once I come up with something, I'll shoot you a photo. BTW, since I'm also in Portland, I'm wondering if you ever do mobile-making workshops or demonstrations? It would be great to learn how you visualize and plan a project, then bring it to fruition -- with an opportunity to ask questions! And again, thanks for your answers on the metal type and gauge.

[@marklearydesigns]

@@Horhoun that's fantastic! I'll look forward to seeing what you create. I'm in the process of putting together a series of small hands-on mobile-making workshops (1-3 people per session). If you want to write me at mark at mark leary designs dot com, I'll be sure to include you on the email announcement. Additionally, I'm always happy to chat or help out in whatever ways I can; so please feel free to give me a shout. Cheers!

[@peletiah]

I like your videos and find them very educative and entertaining, watched most of them already! While you surely could improve a bit, I think you are overdoing it with the self-deprecating comments, I find some of them unnecessarily distracting ;-)

[@marklearydesigns]

Thanks very much and I'm glad you're finding the videos helpful!