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Object of Affection – Geometric Ball

CRAFTS

Prepare for your pants to be blown off completely.  Yes mom, I’m talking to you. 

This is one of those crafts that is an 8th grade geometry assignment plus spraypaint.  It’s true.  Can you tell I’m excited about this one!?  It was just so darn easy and cheap that I won’t feel bad when Will decides to crush it in the name of ‘being a tiger’.  That happens a lot around here.  Tigerness.  But at least most of those “rawrs” are sandwiched between real words these days and while he still doesn’t sleep very much, he does retrieve my spraypainting mask for me.  Seriously…the kid loves watching (and participating) in any and all DIY and crafts…and since he knows he is not allowed in the ‘spraypaint zone’, he considers himself on tool duty.  Get me a tshirt…I need to write “proudest mama ever” on it…he roars, he knows his safety equipment, he sometimes uses words….and yesterday he learned how to bow.  thanks dancing with the stars…I owe you one 🙂

Back to the project at hand.  I was really inspired by this photo I saw on Pinterest the other day of a brassy geometric object.  It’s called a Himmeli Mobile and they were originally made from straw and hung for good luck.  I’m a cheapskate and want to make my own for a buck.  Here’s my version..

Here’s how I did it.  First you are gonna need some straws, some string or thread and some scissors, spraypaint and a yarn needle. 

Cut all your straws to four inch increments.  I used bendy straws (because yes, my inner child will spill drinks without them)…so I just cut them right before the bendy joint and then in half.  You will need 45 straws cut in half…so 90 pieces.  

Basically the entire structure is triangles.  Take your thread and knot the triangles all together.  This is not rocket science. 

You are gonna create a pentagon pie.  Not to be confused with a delicious pizza created for the military support folks in Arlington. 

Create two and then use straws to connect them like so…

Now your inner part is done.  I like to call this the Mega Dome…the place of extreme stunts and cybertrons.

This is where it gets a little harder to explain.  Basically on each plane of the megadome (one is highlighted in blue) you are gonna create a point….a Madonna boob if you will….out of three straws.  Do this over the entire megadome.

Now this is what you have left…a ‘geometric ball’ ready to be painted.  (note that it is a good decision to tie two extra threads on either side so that you can hold the mobile up while painting).

And there you have it…

 A very cute  – very cheap project that will be great for you budget concience folks with an hour to kill.  I think these would look awesome in fun colors over a crib or a kids bed…or even all white with a painted ceiling in a play room!  And the best part is that they are super lightweight – so they hang with the lightest tack and cost less than a dollar to make (if you use the leftovers of spraypaint like I did!)

I have a bunch of these inexpensive items for you to make during craft time… I just can’t wait to show you them all!  Oh and are your pants blown off?  Don’t answer that.

(THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED)

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  1. Katie – your comment on Will’s “tigerness” brought back so many memoires! My son Griffin just turned 5 this past weekend and when he was Will’s age he demanded that we call him Baby Tiger. “Get your shoes on, Griffin” “I’m not Griffin, I’m Baby Tiger”. 🙂 That went on for nearly a year. Love your pollen ball, too!

  4. What a great idea Katie! Love this. So simple but after it’s painted, very impacting up on your swanky new built-in shelves 😉 Love it!

  5. I wonder if there’s a way to add something jingly or musical inside for above a baby’s crib. Perhaps, too, they’d be great under a loft bed to add a bit extra on the downside.

  7. How on earth did you figure that out?!! Love it!

    I thought you were going to suggest buying a science molecule model kit (the kind you used in Chemistry to make 3d reps of bonds and the like) and paint it, but this is way cheaper!!

  8. This might be a silly question, but how do you tie the ends of the straws together?? I spot a needle — do you poke holes through the straws to start or something? I would be afraid the thread would slide right off the straws…

  9. No Pants Thursday over here. So cute, I love that you have all these crafts in your arsenal because I have zero and need to steal all of yours. Super cute, I’m thinking of all the other materials you could use. So fun!

  16. Katie,
    I am so happy you are blogging regularly now!!!!! I have been reading your blog since your old house and the last few months before 2013 I thought you might stop 🙁 I love checking your site every day and seeing a new post! I’m sure it’s hard, but were rooting for you!!!!!

  18. So making this….hope mine turns out, by the time I’m done it better be warm enough here in WI so spray paint it outside!! I’m so looking forward to your craftonabudget projects:)

  19. First of all, this is SO smart. Secondly, I have never actually “laughed out loud” at a blog before, but your Captain Dan comment made me snort the most embarrassing laugh of all time. You get a legit LOL from me!

  21. Ahhhh! Now I am pondering other materials that could be used so it was light fixture safe (meltable straws not so much). Maybe the hardware store….

  23. Amazing, so creative!! love it and cant wait to find that 1 hour to make this. Pants are blown off, no kidding 🙂

  24. Whaaat?!? Hello cheap ball of awesomeness!! Like Will, I now bow down to the queen of cool crafts!!

  25. My mom and I used to go camping in MA, and a couple on the neighboring campsite showed us how to make these. They made them out of full size straws and fishing line and then hung them in the trees around the campsite. So fun, and I think they would be cool decorations for an outdoor kid’s party!

  30. I knew there was a reason that I have been carrying the same package of straws around to every apartment I have lived in the last 6 years. Maybe this will be the project that I finally use them for!

  35. That is spiffy! I ‘m going to attempt one this weekend! Ummm…unrelated comment…where did you get that super cute ceramic (is it ceramic?) hippo on the bottom shelf? I bet Sherry P. is jealous!! 🙂

  37. Wood is probably not a grand idea either but maybe if its made on a large enough scale with enough clearance around the bulb…you could probably use those wooden skewers you can buy in bulk.

  39. Sitting here pantsless at work… No bueno! (Kidding) Seriously though, this is the coolest, easiest craft project I’ve ever seen. I’m making this. Like tonight. I may even get straws on my lunch break. So cool!

  41. Been reading here for several months but had to tell you today that I am making some of these! Perfect for the budget and I am going to hang some from the ceiling for my toddler, cause he needs em. 🙂

  43. You are a GENIUS! This is seriously so cool.

    I laughed out loud at the “Madonna boob” part, and now everyone in my office must think I’m crazy.

  44. I’m in WI too and my spray paint trigger has been itching too. The season is so short, lol.

  45. I love this!!! My pants were totally blown off. I can’t wait to get some straws and try it myself!

  46. three cheers for homeschool math!!

    also, “I am obsessed with that brassy geometric object next to Captain Dan.”??? girl, you are too, too much! 😉

  47. Awww….painted white and hung against a BLUE ceiling in a kids room and they could totally be the stars!

  53. You are one brilliant gal! How in the world did you figure this out? You must be spatially gifted. Thanks for sharing.

  54. Devils advocate here 🙂 I want to see this same project with coffee stirrers 😉 okay? go! hahaha

    Love it!

  56. I pinned this but haven’t had time to sit down and figure out how to make one (we are in the process of moving, nuff said.) But now since you just figured it out for me, all I have to do is sit down and make one…as soon as we drive 2,600 miles, clean the new house, unload the Uhaul, unpack the boxes, paint the awful flesh tone beige walls…
    So pretty darn soon! Yep, I’ll be gettin’ right on that!
    Also, my inner child loves bendy straws too.

  60. Love this! Just bought straws to keep necklaces untangled but didn’t know what to do with the rest. Now I do! I’ll bet I can even get my 15 year old to do this one with me.

  61. This. is. the. coolest. I NEED to make this. It’s probably going to come out looking like a scrapped art project though. One can dream!

  65. Love this. I have been looking for a few inexpensive sculptural things for my boys’ “Super Science” room. A few of these in fun colors would be perfect. They can even help make them!

  66. This might not be rocket science, but I’m already stumped! I need more pictures or explanation of how it goes together. Guess I flunked crafty geometry!

  68. Gasp! I have to try this! Thanks for your instructions 🙂
    Now … is there a way to email this to myself ??

  69. *face palm* I can’t believe it took me a whole minute and a half to understand the Captain Dan reference. 🙂 That’s freakin’ awesome Katie! Love it!

  70. Oh my word… LOVE THIS! I guffawed at the Lt Dan comment and then went to straight ooooooo…. for the structure. Way to blow my pants. *awkward face*

  72. this is freaking awesome. i consider myself a math person and i’m forced to admit that i’m still confused a tiny bit. but it looks like it should be easy enough!! seriously so cute. i could totally see a few hanging with some of those tissue paper flower ball things above a changing table or crib.

  74. The thread goes through the center of the straws. You can tie the thread to itself and start it or stop it whenever you get to a corner.
    xo – kb

  77. It’s actually covered in leather…it’s cute, huh?! It’s from Hobby Lobby 🙂 And yes, I do believe I have as many (if not more) animals in my zoo 🙂
    xo – kb

  78. Seriously! I thought the same thing…but my thread and needle would be crazy hard to get through those tiny stirrers! If you do it, send me a pic, mmkay!?
    xo – kb

  79. Well, you always tie the thread to itself at the corners. The little knots aren’t noticable after you assemble it all 🙂
    xo – kb

  81. Here’s a thought, use your creative mind to stop ripping off people who have brilliant ideas and are trying to make a living making art. Are you seriously comparing cut, spray painted straws to something made of brass?? Ugh, girl.
    Obviously you have both the time and the money to support the art which you are clearly Profiting from.

    I get this current “DIY!” Cutesy overload craze. Only I don’t, because it makes you look like a cheap rip off artist which you are. You should Atleast extend the courtesy of buying one of the originals to all of the real craftsmans you steal from.

    Also not trying to be a real dick, but you can’t afford like $40? Your house looks like a mansion. Get real. I think you owe someone a takedown and an apology.

  82. sooooo cute. i would see the gold one and lust over it but never think i could make something like it. momma-you are so creative and always inspiring.

  83. Love, love, love this!! How did you spray paint it to get the inside parts without getting all drippy?

  84. In no way am I trying to rip any etsy seller off! I think they are so inspiring and totally worth the pricetag for real brass! Mine is like Octomom and hers is Angelina! And if you look closely, hers is different than mine (it has a different number of rods and is much more intricate)…if she would like me to take down the link and the photo I would be happy to 🙂 I was actually hoping that by linking up, she would get a sale or two but if she doesn’t like the linkage, I don’t mind!
    xo – kb

  86. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Megin’s piece of art is exquisite. Katie’s replication was a great project for her and her son to do together. It’s all perspective.

  87. Katie, I’m a long-time reader and first-time commenter. That is pretty darn cool! I’m seriously impressed!!! And inspired…I need some straws………

  88. Love, love, love it! I can’t wait to try this in bright colors for my son’s room!

  89. I LOVE THIS! I have all of the items needed (even bendy straws). I will be completing it this weekend!!! I can’t wait!

  90. Awesome! I am stuck though. Mine looks just like yours where you have two pentagons with one triangle. But how do you go from that step to the inner dome of awesomeness (I think that is what you called it)? :). Thanks for the help!

  91. Never mind! I got it. It helped for me to think of one pentagon on top and one on bottom and weaving those two together with triangles.

  92. Are you kidding me? The world is made of : I saw someone else do it and put my own spin on it, not to mention that sometimes spending $40 on something that sits on the shelf to look pretty, at least for me and others isn’t feasible. If you can’t appreciate creativity and thriftiness…well don’t read….ugh what a nasty disgusting comment, if you must spew vile, please say it while looking in the mirror and not on a public blog.

  95. No. Way. My mom used to make these. She did them with full-length straws with multiple colors. I had one hanging in my bedroom and she made some for a classrooms at school. I had completely forgotten about them. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll have to make one for my girl!

  96. Oh, KB, you made all my dreams come true! I’ve been lusting after this since you pinned it and now it will be mine!!! But really, thank you 🙂

  97. Hi Megin,
    I have removed your photo at your request and changed the name of the project just so that you feel more comfortable. Would you also like me to remove the link and your name? Because I don’t mind doing that either! Also, I didn’t research your shop (sorry life is busy with two kiddos!). I never thought I was a genius…just really happy with my cheap straw craft that anyone could make at home. I’m sorry that I offended you!
    xo – kb

  98. beautiful work, kb! (and ps megin: if you’re going to go after every person who does a diy/tutorial on himmeli mobiles/structures, you’re going to have a few thousand cease-and-desists to draft. here’s hopin’ the finns don’t come after YOU for copying and selling their cultural craft. good on ya for trying to make some money for your objects–but keep in mind that you did not invent said objects, nor do you own the rights to a technique that’s been passed down through many, many generations. i’d be flattered if i were you, and grateful that kb’s kind enough to link directly to her inspiration source. i know lots of people who see crafty things, decide it’s not worth their time to try and make themselves, and are happy to pay someone else to do it. lots of us, though, find great joy in creating objects, and draw inspiration of what to create from the world around us. it’s not about stealing from other artists, or even saying what you make is not worth the money; it’s that making something ourselves feels great–a feeling that, as an artist, i’m sure you’re familiar with.)

  99. Pretty sure you didnt design or create the shape. I would have seriously considered buying your version, im not one for DIY. But No way would you get a sale from me after your catty display of affection.

  100. Wow, way to lose a sale from me, I am an avid etsy craft purchaser and DIY enthusiast and I am appalled that someone would be so quick to threaten legal action over something someone found on Pinterest and decided to do at home with their son. Boo, Megin, boo.

  101. Artists all over the world try to emulate one another. Take the French impressionists, Renoir, Cezanne, Monet, Manet, Pissarro, they were all comrades and inspired one another. Hence the start of a new movement, a new era of art. And they still inspire daily. It gives me goosebumps to think about it.
    To condemn someone who was inspired by something you created, is absurd. This Megin should be beyond flattered. Isn’t it the point of Pinterest? Or maybe it’s all about the benjamins..

  102. I have to say Megin, I don’t understand why you are so upset with Katie stealing “your design” when it is actually an old Finnish tradition, and you have not in fact come up with something original. Google “Finnish Himmeli” and there are tons of versions out there. Brass or plastic, authentic or modern… it really doesn’t matter. YOU did not come up with the original art/idea and therefore do not have the right to feel so entitled or possesive.

  103. Wow. That is one etsy seller I will never buy from after reading her and her friends comment. I also thought she would like being linked up.

  104. I agree with previous posters re: Megin. Her Etsy product is no more original than Katie’s adaptation, yet Katie had the class to link to her inspiration and attempt to draw business to Megin’s Etsy shop.

    Turns out, the only person who took business away from Megin is MEGIN!

    I too am familiar with the Finnish himmeli designs (surprise, not a Megin Original!) and still managed to be sincerely inspired by your ingenuity, Katie! I’m not one to DIY things like this so I might have purchased this very item from the shop you linked… But after her display here I’ll never patronize her Etsy shop. I’d rather spend for a piece imported from Finland than support that particular brand of hypocrisy.

    Love your guts, Katie!

  105. Wowzers. Megin thinks she has some kind of trademark on himmeli??? Who does she think she is??? There are thousands of internet pages with himmeli designs/inspiration. Should they all be taken down?!
    Great project Katie, I tried it this morning. Took a while but was worth it! Thanks.

  106. I definitely need to get a life because reading about Etsygate has me dying to make this straw thingy. Out of spite. And start a blog called “Plastic is the new Brass”.

  107. I agree, really poor form. Considering this type of craft has been done many, many times before, the fact that Megin is trying to claim it as her own design is pretty rich!

  108. I googled Himmeli Mobile:

    https://www.google.com/search?q=Himmeli+Mobile&aq=f&oq=Himmeli+Mobile&aqs=chrome.0.57j0l3.1085&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

    and look how many folks on etsy are making BRASS Himmeli Mobiles!

    http://www.etsy.com/search?q=himmeli%20mobile&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

    SO MANY DIY’s and other options. Megin will be SO SO SO busy asking for those to cease and desist. Wow, and just think of all the traffic this blog gets that Megin now WON’T get.

    PS. IRL friend of Megin – at least is TWO WORDS. Crazy rants should at least be spell checked.

  109. Hmmm, this is a himmeli….a traditional finnish christmas ornament, so no one is being ‘ripped off by creating these. I literally made the straw ones in elementary school for projects and I don’t think the etsy creator was doing it then. Nothing against the etsy seller but she did not come up with the idea for these pieces of art, it has been around for centuries.

  110. This brings back OLD memories! Life magazine had a featured article on geometric straw sculptures WAAAAY back in the 50s or 60s using colored and white paper straws. Our family made these for Christmas decor for years when we were little then again in the 70s with my kids. I am making new ones this Christmas for my parents who will remember and be thrilled to see they are still around. Spray painting them is a great idea!

  111. As if Katie is trying to rip anyone off. Give me a break! Some individuals are so miserable. Karma.

  112. thanks for this tutorial! I love making Himmeli wreaths & orbs and I always use silver 30 gauge floral wire! So much easier…just wanted to share!

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