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Himmeli Star Mobile Project

Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Moderate
Cleanup: None

Materials:
Project Kit (see Products Used below steps)
Scissors

Materials needed if not using Project Kit:
String or Thread
Weaving Needle
Artstraws Paper Tubes
Scissors
View Project Video



Learn how to create a striking Himmeli (a traditional Finnish ornament) Star Mobile using straws and string! This project also has an instructional video available!

Click here to print a PDF of this project

Steps

  • Step 1
    Cut 12 pieces of straw (we used red straws for this step), each measuring 2". Thread the weaving needle with approximately 30" of string (or thread). String six pieces together to form a hexagon and tie the ends in a knot. Repeat with the second set of six pieces for an identical hexagon.
  • Step 2
    Cut out six more 2" pieces of straw (we used blue straws for this step) to use as cross braces. Tie the first cross brace to a hexagon joint using an additional 30" piece of string. Next, pass the string through to next joint, as shown.
  • Step 3
    Using the same method as in Step 2, continue passing string through to the next cross brace. Keep stringing cross braces until all six are added. This will create a complete base. Add more 30" lengths of string to the needle as needed.
  • Step 4
    Cut 24 pieces of straw (we used yellow straws for this step), each should measure 4" in length. String two 4" sections and tie them to opposite corners of one of the six sides of the base. Pass the string through to next joint.
  • Step 5
    String and tie the third piece of straw to middle point.
  • Step 6
    String and tie the fourth piece of straw to complete point.
  • Step 7
    Repeat Steps 4-6 with remaining pieces of straw to create the five additional points to the star.
  • Step 8
    Cut 12 pieces of straw (we used green straws for this step), each should measure 4" in length. Using the same method to attach the pieces as in Steps 4-7, attach six straw pieces to the top and bottom of the base to finish the star. Tie a string to one end of the star for hanging.


Products Used