Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1
These mobiles seem difficult and complex, but they're actually very simple and quick to construct.
Step 2
Not surprisingly, my daughter Maddie chose a variety of neon colors for her himmelis.
First we measured the straws to find their length, then cut each straw in half. We ended up with about 30 pieces.
Step 3
You need 12 pieces for each geometric shape. First, use your thread and needle to thread along four pieces.
Step 4
Once you have four pieces strung together, bring the two ends of the string together and tie a knot. Madeleine has mastered many different kinds of knots lately, so this was a favorite step of hers!
Step 5
Thread two more pieces, then loop the string around the bottom of the diamond, to tighten and secure the shape. Add two more pieces, and tie it up top to the end of the other (tied) end of the string. Now there are four sides.
Step 6
Drop the (still threaded) needle back down through one piece of straw, to bring it to the halfway point. Thread on a straw, crosswise, and secure it to the next side by looping it around once. Follow suit the rest of the way, making four cross pieces.
Step 7
Bring the needle back up through any of the straws, towards the top where you have the other short end, and tie the string again. Your first piece is finished! Repeat this as many times as you'd like, making your mobile as elaborate as you choose.
Final result!
Madeleine opted for two himmelis. After she tied the two pieces together, she kept the needle threaded and poked the needle through pieces of different lengths of straw at different intervals to decorate the bottom with a spinning spiral.
We love seeing her beautiful mobile hanging on our bare and snowy branches in the backyard!