I bought some shims for another DIY but it didn't work out so I took most of them back to the store. One of the packs that stayed home were used as diggers by the kids and were lying about the yard when suddenly I got an idea. Arrows! Mobile! Graphic, bold, modern, easy!
It took me all of an hour and a half to finish this since I had to let the paint dry and cost about $2 since I already had the paint, twine, glue, and hook on hand.
1. Supplies: One pack of wood shims, wood glue, scissors, spray paint, twine, hook, hammer, nail, clamps (optional). 2. Spread a thin amount of wood glue on the thin end of one shim and adhere the thin end of the other shim so that they form a right angle as shown. Wipe off excess glue. Press between bricks, chip clips, or clamps until set (20 minutes). 3. Repeat for as many arrows as you need. I suggest an odd number for visual impact. 4. Using a nail, puncture through the center of your arrow twice as shown being careful not to split your shims. After you puncture a small hole, use your screw hook to gently widen your hole so that it's big enough for twine to fit through later. Remove screw. Repeat with each arrow. 5. Paint wood in three or four thin coats with spray paint (or acrylic). 6. Tie a knot in one end of your twine and measure about how long you want your mobile to be, cut. Thread through your arrows and tie a knot before you thread through each arrow to keep it from sliding down. Hang and enjoy!
We have had a windy weekend so most of these are of the mobile twisting in the breeze a bit but I love the graphic look it adds to our outdoor space. It'd be great used in a kid's room or nursery painted in a bright color or black (hello, boy decor). It's a really easy project for all skill levels and shouldn't cost too much to make.
Enjoy!
-Rachel