How to make a CD Mobile

Things you will need:

1. Save up unwanted CDs. Colored floppy disks too!
2. Some string or thread or even fishing line.
3. Tape helps to hold strings in place.
4. Glue that will dry clear. Elmer's works nicely.
5. Some type of sticks to hang CDs and disks on.

What to do:

The first thing you can do is to decide how you want your mobile to look. How do you go about designing a mobile? Well, a good place to start would be to get a paper and pencil and try to draw your mobile. You should consider how many sticks you have and also how many CDs you have. Afterwards, you can think about how to get your mobile to be balanced. Mobile engineers might use what is called Top-Down design.(or in this case maybe it should be Bottom-Up design?) Once you have your plans ironed out, its time to make some CD sandwiches. Mmmm! After the glue has dried on your sandwiches you can fasten them onto hangers. See if you can figure out where the center of balance is on the hanger after the CDs are all tied on. You might have to re-arrange by sliding knots around before gluing the strings in place. Then when you have an idea of where to balance each hanger, you are ready to put it all together.

Have fun! Try drawing different mobile ideas before you start. Be creative! It's YOUR mobile. Enjoy.

Some tips to keep you out of trouble:

• Take your time. Make CD sandwiches as you receive CDs in the mail. Let glue dry overnight.
• Fishing line works OK but tying knots can be a trick. Try using a clove hitch.
• Also, thick fishing line will not rotate as easily as string or thin fishing line.
• Don't use that music CD your brother or sister plays over and over and over and over again!
• No matter how much it bugs you ; )