How to Pick the Perfect Handmade Hanging Art Mobile

So, you’re on the hunt for a hanging art mobile. And you want to buy one that is handmade by an actual artist.

But, after a quick search, you’re overwhelmed.

Yes, there are so many options!

How are you supposed to find a high-quality mobile that is just right for you (and your budget)?

Here are some quick ideas to – hopefully – help you land on the perfect mobile for your needs.

Materials

Today’s mobiles are made from just about everything you can imagine. Yes, even marshmallows and pickles.

Knowing the types of materials used will help you not only determine the quality, but also the durability and how appropriate a mobile may be for where you’d like to place it.

Common materials used in mobiles today include: wood, plastic, metal, paper, and fabric.

Most of my mobiles use a thin-gauge sheet metal. I prime every piece, then paint on two coats of color. I use a high opacity, UV-resistant German paint that was originally developed for graffiti—so it’s extremely durable. Combined with the galvanized wire I use, my mobiles are made to last for generations and are suitable for both indoors and out.

Alternately, a paper mobile might work perfectly indoors, but maybe not be the best option to hang outside during a Maine winter.

Takeaway: Ask what the mobile is made of to determine if it’s appropriate for the location you want to hang it.

Construction

Most mobiles have two main parts: the arms and the blades (alternately called “petals,” “pieces,” or “the thingies at the end of the wire.” When it comes to durability and longevity, how the arms and blades are attached to each other matters. Some makers use glue. Others solder or weld the parts together. And still others use a little magic and eye of newt.

My mobiles all use a mechanical union. The wire threads through the metal of the blade in two locations and is secured using force. In other words, there is no additional substance or material (like glue or solder) used that could fail. This is a traditional technique.

Takeaway: Determine how the pieces are attached to the arms. If a maker uses a non-mechanical union (e.g., glue, solder, weld), be sure to ask about durability and what happens if a piece falls off (e.g., will they fix it for you and do it for free?).

Expertise

This is a tough one to assess. But it’s important. There are a flood of new mobile makers hitting the market. Some of them are exceptional. There are mobilists working in unique new materials, with exciting new construction techniques as well as really cool designs. At the same time, there are a number of makers out there who are just getting started. It can be difficult to sort one from another.

The key? Take the time to look at the fine details of any mobile you’re considering.

Photos should show the mobile from various angles, and you should be able to see if there are any odd kinks in the arms, the way the design hangs in space (e.g., are the pieces all akimbo or are they aligned and level?), if the edges of any cut pieces are smooth, how the paint has been applied, etc.

When I first started out, my mobiles were, um, not ready for prime time. Fifteen years later, I can spot just about every beginner miscue out there. It’ll take some effort, but spend a little additional time with the mobiles you’re considering.

Takeaway: Details matter. They’re an indication of quality. And you’re the one who will have to live with any design flaws. So, if you can’t see the details of a mobile you’re considering, ask the maker for additional photos.

Size + Location

Do you have an idea of where you’d like to place your new mobile? Most folks do, and that’s great. Do you know which type of mobile design works best in that specific place? On the one hand, it’s all subjective: If you like a design, then pick it. However, unlike a piece of framed art, mobiles relate with your space in multiple dimensions. That said, some mobiles are better suited to hang in corners, others in the center of a room or table, still others work well in stairwells or nooks, while some are perfect for any spot outdoors.

The key here is to reach out to the maker, tell them about the spot you’re considering, and ask if they have any thoughts on the designs you’re considering and/or can make any recommendation. A maker should have insights for you about what could work more or less successfully in your specific location.

Takeaway: Where you want to place your mobile could affect the design you consider. Ask your maker for ideas on your specific location.

Customization

When it comes to picking colors, I always tell my clients that I’m not the one who has to live with the mobile they choose. If you like the original color scheme, awesome. But if any part of you wants to play around with another color, you should be able to do so.

That is to say, if color is important to you, find a maker who will allow you to customize your colors however you want. My paint supplier has over 250 colors in stock. If I have the color in my own large collection, there’s no charge to change any colors on any mobile. If I don’t have the color in stock, I’ll let you know which colors I have that are close. And, if you still want the specific color, I’ll order it and customers pay the shelf price and shipping for the paint (e.g., no upcharge).

Takeaway: Find makers who are willing to work with you on colors and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

Cost

Ah yes, you knew I’d get here eventually, right? A quick Google search shows mobiles priced all over the map, from a few bucks to many thousands of dollars. It’s difficult to know how a maker prices their goods, isn’t it? I can only speak for myself. My prices are a reflection of the time, materials, and attention that goes into every mobile I make—from my entry series mobiles to my ONE Series mobiles, which are 1:1 designs.

What does this mean for you? If finding a fine-art mobile – one that is handmake by a contemporary maker – is important to you, then I always encourage my customers to think about the investment in the same way they might think about buying a painting or a piece of custom furniture. It’s going to likely cost more than some prefab mobiles upfront. But the quality, longevity, and provenance of the piece will pay dividends over time.  

Takeaway: Buying any piece of fine art is an investment.

Closing Thoughts

I love mobiles. And I’m excited that you’re considering one. As you think about your options, a question you might ask is: “Do I want a piece of art or something to fill space?” For example, makers like me go all old fashioned – handcutting and making every mobile from scratch (think sheets of metal, big metal “scissors,” hand drills, sanders, wire snips, pliers, metal files, etc.). It’s a time- and labor-intensive process, but the end result is a piece of original art. And that’s reflected in the quality and attention, but often also the price.

So, if your intention is simply to have something – anything – that moves or to fill a space, then does it matter if it was handmade from scratch for you by a working artist? Probably not. It’s like the difference between a print and an original painting. However, if you want a fine-art mobile – one that you can confidently enjoy for decades – then investing in a handmade mobile that was created for you might be worth considering.

Takeaway: Ask yourself what you are looking for in a mobile – a piece of fine art or a space filler or something in between.

I’m always here to help you think through the right type, size, color, and design of a mobile for your space. And if it’s not something I make, I’m always happy to point you in the direction of a maker who may be more aligned with what you’re looking for.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about this post and I’m happy to clarify as needed.

Cheers and peace – Mark