Art Guide: Gratitude Mobile

AT H O M E W I T H M O N TA LV O

gratitude mobile

In this step-by-step guide, we will…

create a modern display of a gratitude tree using the concept of a mobile, a suspending sculptural form.

gratitude mobile

A gratitude tree is an impactful opportunity to share and reflect who and what you are thankful for. The practice of gratitude evokes a positive and meaningful emotion and appreciation of all that is within and around us.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• understanding the reflection and practice of gratitude • creating a mobile using mixed media materials and demonstrate knowledge of balance and movement in sculpture TIME

thirty minutes to one hour DIFFICULTY LEVEL

easy to medium AGE LEVEL

all ages

STEP 1

supplies

For this activity, you need: • tree branch (any size) • colored pencils or markers • any choice of paper: cardstock, printer • yarn • scissors

STEP 2

cut, loop, and tie

measure and cut out enough yarn and make a double knot at one end of the branch. loop the yarn all the way to the other end of the branch and make a double knot to secure it.

STEP 3

draw out leaves

taking your choice of paper, create outline shapes of various types of leaves.

STEP 4

color and decorate

using your choice of colored pencils or markers, color and decorate your leaves with autumn colors and details.

STEP 5

cut out

using your scissors, cut out your leaves.

STEP 6

color and decorate

after cutting, color and decorate the back of your leaves.

STEP 7

gratitude moments

using a permanent or black marker, begin to write out your choice of gratitudes and decorate each leaf.

STEP 8

arrange leaves

experiment with different compositional arrangements for your display.

STEP 9

cut holes

using an x-acto knife, push pin, or scissors, cut out a hole at the end of each leaf.

STEP 10

measure, wrap, tie

measure out 10-15 inches of yarn and insert in the hole of the leaf. wrap around the end of the branch and securely double knot it.

STEP 11

measure, wrap, tie

follow the same process for the remaining leaves. consider different height levels for the mobile.

STEP 12

cut off edges

cut off any remaining edges of the yarn.

STEP 13

complete mobile

measure out enough yarn and double knot the ends to create a balancing hanger.

STEP 14

final result

we hope you enjoyed this art project at home! show us what you made by emailing learn@montalvoarts.org or tagging us at @montalvoarts on Facebook or Instagram.