Leaf mobile - tiered

A threading leaves activity for older children using simple tools to create holes in conkers and small pieces of wood to create tiers.

Introduction

Head out on a nature-collecting hunt, looking for items you would like to add to your mobile.
If necessary drill some items ready for threading.
Make a needle by finding a very thin stick - how to do this is covered in more detail in our threading leaves activity.
Alternatively Sellotape one end of a piece of string tightly to make it rigid or use large plastic threading needles.
Cut some nice long lengths of string.

* Muddy Faces actively promotes child-led outdoor play & learning. We recognise and believe in the curiosity that children have and their drive to explore and discover. We hope that you will bear this in mind when considering more prescribed activities like this one – often much more creative ideas will occur if resources are simply provided and children are given the time and space to explore independently.

What you'll need

leaves & other threadable natural materials
string
palm drill (if using conkers)

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

String - 8kg breaking load

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

leave no trace

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

collecting natural materials
tool use

Step #1

Thread your needle at one end of the string and tie a stick to the other end, leaving a good length up to the needle.

Start threading your natural hoard, letting each item slip down the string and stack up on the stick.

Step #2

Once you have your first collection or section threaded tie another stick onto the string – a clove hitch is good here, but anyhow you want to do it is fine.

If you are using a conker as pictured use a palm drill to create the hole through the conker. See our drilling conkers activity for more details.

Step #3

Start threading your second layer.

How and what you thread is entirely up to you.

Step #4

Add another stick for a third layer and prepare to add your last embellishments.

Take it further:

It’s really important once you are happy with your mobile to do a little dance of celebration.

Make a massive mobile by finding a couple of large sticks and connecting all the mobiles to them. Then hang them in the trees or indoors.

Autumn Hanging Mobile activity - free pdf download

This version of the activity in issue 3 of the Outdoor Practitioner - our free online magazine - Autumn 2021.

Autumn hanging mobile

pdf, 381.52 KB

Download Autumn hanging mobile

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.