Black Balance Mobile

In February, a fellow in Sweden reached out to see if he could get a custom Balance Mobile in all black for his wife’s birthday in April. We assured his we could easily make that happen—without realizing the world was about to shut down. Long story short, the mobile shipped in early March and spent eight weeks in transit before arriving at the customer’s doorstep in Sweden.

But, as the customer said, all is well that ends well. The wife was delighted with her belated birthday gift, and it looks amazing in its new home.

Ohio High School Mobile Colors

After much deliberation, we’ve nailed down the color scheme for the Ohio High School mobile. The clients requested nature-inspired colors, so we chose a variety of blues and greens for a vibrant, earthy canopy.

Travel-free Installation

With travel halted, installations are piling up a bit… But for the Minneapolis atrium mobile, Matt created a ten-minute video with detailed instructions, outlining every step to of the installation process so the clients could install it themselves. The video was shot by Matt’s wife and features a brief interruption by Matt’s 9-year-old son, who was at the shop that day. (Oops.)

The ever-so-gracious clients, sent the kindest email: “Wow!  Thank you so much for this video tutorial and explanation and your quarantine helpers.  We are very impressed by the craftsmanship of the product and thoroughness of the design and video.”

We look forward to seeing it installed!

Ohio High School Mobile

Here’s another project that we’re working on. This Pre-Fab #3 piece will comprise 150 individual mobiles that will span the hallways of a new Ohio high school. In addition to the standard Pre-Fab #3 designs, we’re adding a handful of mobiles with larger elements to add more texture to the overall piece.

The clients wanted a show-stopper piece that would be enjoyed for a lifetime, and we’re thrilled to work with them on it! We’re currently determining color schemes, so be sure to stay tuned for updates.

Atrium Mobile for Minneapolis Office Building

Here’s a rendering of a project we’re finishing up right now. Fortunately, most of our local vendors are still able to operate, so we’ve been able to keep working (while also teaching seventh-grade math). This mobile will hang in the atrium of a Minneapolis office building, and it will hang about 20 feet tall. The picture below shows the partially finished mobile in the shop.

Design Within Reach Shipment

Here’s Matt, finalizing a shipment of Standing Circles Mobiles for Design Within Reach. (If your home office needs a spruce up, you can get one here!) We’re extra grateful for the work we still have during this uncertain time!

Architectural Digest Says You Need a Mobile

We keep saying mobiles aren’t exactly essential items during a pandemic. But Architectural Digest says otherwise. In this great roundup, they feature high-design mobiles that “can instantly install a meditative quality to any room.” We’re flattered our Crescent Cascade Mobile is featured among such beautiful designs.

Read article: Your Home (and Mind) Needs One of These High-Design Mobiles

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Mobile Making in a Pandemic

Hi. Here’s Matt, alone at the shop, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy during this time of upheaval and uncertainty.

Several projects are suddenly on hold. Installations are on hold. But between some outstanding projects and added responsibilities of 7th grade math tutor and PE teacher, Matt, ironically, feels busier than ever. His wife and kids frequent the shop for a much-needed change of scenery. (And to take pictures like this.)

Ben is working from home. During breaks from homeschooling his third-grader, he’s been working on new Pre-fab designs that we’re eager to launch soon.

Anyhow, just wanted to say hello and give a quick update. We know mobiles aren’t exactly essential items right now, but if you DO need some joy and beauty in your life, please reach out. (And keep in mind—our Ekko Workshop mobiles are well stocked and ready for purchase!)

Mobile-Chandelier Hybrid Progress

We’re making serious headway on the expandable mobile chandelier. This shows the shapes in the contracted position and Matt, brainstorming ways to minimize swaying. It’s been a fun project, and it’s exciting to see it come together!

2005 Houston Chronicle Article

Matt’s mom visited over the weekend and brought with her a long-forgotten gem she uncovered organizing closets—an article about Ekko Mobiles in the Houston Chronicle, shortly after Matt quit his corporate job as a mechanical engineer to make mobiles full-time.

Quite a bit has changed in the past 15 years: different state, different right-hand man, a couple of kids—not to mention the size and scope of the projects. But so many things mentioned in this article are the same: Matt still wears ripped shorts and t-shirts, he still loves working directly with clients, the website is still www.ekkomobiles.com, and—fortunately—there’s still demand for hanging mobiles and kinetic art. Here’s to another 15 years!

(p.s. And Matt’s last name still isn’t “Richardson.”)