DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Butterfly Mobile: Easy Kids Room Decor

Transform your child's room into a whimsical wonderland with this adorable DIY butterfly mobile, inspired by the elegant designs of Pottery Barn, but without the Pottery Barn price tag! This charming project is surprisingly simple to create, perfect for a fun weekend craft session with your little ones, and a fantastic way to add a touch of handcrafted artistry to any nursery or kid's bedroom. Forget mass-produced decorations; let's unleash our creativity and make something truly special and unique. We'll be using readily available materials to achieve a sophisticated look, proving that stunning décor doesn't have to break the bank.

This delightful butterfly mobile adds a touch of magic and movement to any space, catching the light and gently swaying with the air currents. Whether you're aiming for a rustic, bohemian, or modern aesthetic, this versatile project can be easily customized to match your existing décor. Ready to flutter into this fun and easy project? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create your own Pottery Barn-inspired butterfly mobile.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cricut Machine
  • iPad or computer with Design Space
  • Cricut mat
  • Four sheets of 12x2 65 lb card stock
  • Recollections card stock (ballet pink and pearlized pink)
  • 12in embroidery hoop
  • Spool of tulle
  • Spool of matching ribbon
  • Fishing line
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required throughout the entire crafting process, especially when using scissors, hot glue, or other potentially hazardous materials.
  • Ensure all materials are securely attached to prevent small parts from detaching and becoming choking hazards for young children. Test the sturdiness of the mobile before hanging it.
  • Hang the mobile out of reach of children to prevent accidental damage or injury. Avoid placing it near windows or other areas with drafts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Butterfly Cutouts and Hoop

    • Prepare materials and cut butterflies using Cricut.
    • Unscrew the hoop, divide it into eight sections by tying fishing line, and create a central hanging string.
    Prepare the embroidery hoop: Unscrew the hoop, divide it into eight sections by tying fishing line, and create a central hanging string.Prepare the embroidery hoop: Unscrew the hoop, divide it into eight sections by tying fishing line, and create a central hanging string.
    Prepare Butterfly Cutouts and Hoop
  2. Prepare Hanging Strings

    • Cut tulle and ribbon, tie them around the hoop to cover the clamp and wood, and create hanging anchors by tying additional tulle strings.
    • Use the center string as a guide to measure and tie 16 strings, two per slice.
    Measure and tie the remaining hanging strings: Use the center string as a guide to measure and tie 16 strings, two per slice.Measure and tie the remaining hanging strings: Use the center string as a guide to measure and tie 16 strings, two per slice.
    Prepare Hanging Strings
  3. Attach Butterflies

    • Attach butterflies to the strings, alternating colors and spacing them evenly.
    Attach butterflies: Attach butterflies to the strings, alternating colors and spacing them evenly.
    Attach Butterflies
  4. Finishing Touches

    • Trim excess strings.
    Finishing touches: Trim excess strings.
    Finishing Touches

Read more: Build a Giant Toy Box: DIY Playroom Organization

Tips

  • Use the provided infographic as a reference.
  • Triple knot all fishing lines for extra security.
  • Use two to three pieces of tulle and one piece of ribbon for each hoop section.
  • Keep strings organized to avoid confusion.
  • Optionally, add a dab of hot glue to the knots to prevent slipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly Spaced Butterflies

Reason: Butterflies clumped together or too far apart create an unbalanced and less visually appealing mobile.
Solution: Carefully measure and plan the spacing between each butterfly before attaching them to the mobile's arms.

2. Using Too Heavy Materials

Reason: Heavy butterflies or embellishments will cause the mobile to be lopsided or not spin properly, potentially even breaking.
Solution: Opt for lightweight materials like cardstock, tissue paper, or lightweight wood for the butterflies.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use for the butterflies?
Acrylic paints are ideal for this project because they dry quickly and are readily available in a wide variety of colors. Craft paints also work well.