You’ve stumbled upon a wonderful DIY project known as the Montessori Gobbi Mobile! Created by Hapa Family, this video tutorial will guide you through the process of making your very own Gobbi Mobile for babies between 7 to 10 weeks old. By incorporating five styrofoam balls covered in various shades of color, this mobile aims to enhance your baby’s visual senses. The way the balls are suspended from a dowel will help your baby practice focusing on objects at different distances, providing a unique and enriching experience.
To get started, you’ll need simple materials like yarn, styrofoam balls, a wooden dowel, and a crochet hook. Following the step-by-step instructions in the video, you’ll learn how to wrap each ball with yarn, hang them at specific intervals on the dowel, and create a balanced and visually engaging mobile for your little one. This DIY project not only contributes to your baby’s sensory development but also allows for a creative and fun crafting experience for you to enjoy.
Materials Needed
To create your own Montessori Gobbi Mobile, gather the following materials:
Styrofoam Balls
You will need five styrofoam balls, approximately two and a half inches in diameter.
Yarn or Embroidery Thread
Choose yarn or embroidery thread in varying shades of color, with five different shades ranging from lightest to darkest.
Wooden Dowel
Prepare a wooden dowel cut to 18 inches in length.
Ruler
Have a standard metric ruler ready for precise measurements.
Pencil
Use a pencil for marking and outlining steps.
Crochet Hook
Select a simple crochet hook for threading the yarn through the styrofoam balls.
Key Ring
Get a key ring for hanging the completed mobile.
Scissors
Have scissors on hand for cutting yarn and excess materials.
Super Glue
Prepare super glue for securing knots and finishing touches.
Preparing the Dowel
Marking the Dowel for Hanging
Using the pointy side of the crochet hook, mark the dowel at the three-inch, six-inch, nine-inch, twelve-inch, and fifteen-inch points for hanging the balls.
Creating Holes in Styrofoam Balls
Drive a hole through the center of each styrofoam ball using the crochet hook. Ensure the hole is as straight as possible for easy threading later on.
Threading the Yarn
Starting with a Knot
Begin by making a tight knot at the end of the yarn for a secure starting point.
Threading the Yarn through the Ball
Thread the yarn through the styrofoam ball, starting from the middle and covering the entire surface until the ball is fully wrapped.
Tying Off the Yarn
Tie off the yarn at the top of the ball to secure it in place.
Completing the Ball
Continue threading until all white from the styrofoam is covered, leaving a neat hole at the bottom of the ball. Ensure the yarn exits from the top of the ball for hanging purposes.
Hanging the Balls
Order of Hanging Balls
Hang the darkest colored ball at the three-inch mark on the dowel and continue with the other four balls in descending order of darkness.
Securing the Knots on the Dowel
Wrap the yarn around the dowel and tie knots for each ball at the designated length marks.
Assembling the Mobile
Cutting Excess Yarn
Trim excess yarn from the middle three balls, leaving the outer two yarn strings intact for tying to the key ring.
Tying the Key Ring
Attach the key ring to the final length of yarn on the dowel.
Applying Super Glue
Secure all knots in place with a dab of super glue for a sturdy finish.
Placement and Hanging
Ideal Height for Hanging
Suspend the completed mobile approximately 12 inches above your baby’s line of sight, ensuring it receives good natural light.
Choosing Light Conditions
Place the mobile in an area with optimal lighting and minimal airflow to ensure slow rotation, if any.
Benefits of the Gobbi Mobile
Enhancing Visual Development
The Montessori Gobbi Mobile helps refine a baby’s developing sense of sight through subtle color changes and adjusted focus.
Encouraging Focus
Babies can practice focusing on different colored balls at varying distances, enhancing their visual concentration.
Parental Tips
Supervising Baby Interaction
Always supervise your baby’s interaction with the mobile to ensure safety and enjoyment.
Regularly Inspecting Mobile
Periodically check the mobile for any loose threads or signs of wear to maintain its integrity.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Dusting the Mobile
Dust the mobile regularly to keep it clean and free from any debris.
Washing the Yarn
If needed, gently wash the yarn used in the mobile to maintain its quality and appearance.
Conclusion
The Montessori Gobbi Mobile serves as a valuable tool for baby development, enhancing visual perception and concentration skills. By following this DIY tutorial, you can create a stimulating mobile for babies aged 7 to 10 weeks, promoting their growth and learning in a Montessori-inspired way. Enjoy crafting and watching your baby engage with this beautifully designed mobile!