From the page: A thousand colors in a few grams
Idea 3
Mobile and wind curtain
Colorful bottle caps became a classic of popular crafts in many regions, especially in schools and fairs, for being light, safe and full of color. The secret lies in physics: the plastic is so light that any breeze moves the pieces, creating constant movement and a soft chiming sound as they touch.
What you need
- Assorted plastic caps (20 to 40, in different colors)
- A heated needle or a thin punch (with adult help)
- Nylon thread, fishing line or waxed string
- A dry branch, wire or embroidery hoop as the base
- Scissors
- Beads (optional, to add weight and rhythm)
How to make it
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1
Wash and dry the caps well, and sort the colors with the whole set in mind: warm colors on one string, cool ones on another, so the eye travels through the mobile with rhythm.
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2
Pierce the center of each cap with the heated needle (hold it with a cloth) or with the punch — the plastic softens with heat and takes the hole without cracking.
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3
Thread the caps onto the strings, alternating with simple knots between them, so they don't bunch up in one spot and each piece stays visible.
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4
Attach the finished strings to the branch or hoop, distributed at different heights — the unevenness creates the cascading sway when the wind passes.
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5
Tie two or three support strings at the top of the base, joined at a single point, checking that the mobile hangs balanced without leaning to one side.
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6
Hang it near a window or door and watch: if one part weighs more, slide a knot or move a cap until it spins smoothly.
Finishing touches
For the wind curtain version, attach the strings side by side onto a slat or short rod, forming a curtain that chimes in the breeze. With sunlight shining through, the translucent caps cast small colored dots on the wall.
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