Upwardly Mobiles

These mobiles may not be the kind that kids are familiar with these days. Yet, they’re timeless. Upwardly Mobiles makes colourful hangers of toys that commonly loom above a baby’s cradle. Australian animal designs such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats prove to be quite popular.

They don’t only make those mobiles. Some would say that the star attraction of their stall are the many adorable finger puppets that decorate it. Picture cutesy lions, tigers, and llamas along with koalas and kangaroos. A card and a poem of well-known children’s songs are included. They also have a special range of Canberra’s Fat Cats, which Upwardly Mobiles Owner Julie Blucher.

Each one of Julie’s creations are made of felt and are beautifully hand-stitched and hand-painted. While made locally, they have very interested overseas customers too. “I just sold my 3000th one,” says Julie about a popular platypus mobile.

“You wouldn’t believe the amount of photos people have given me of their babies with my mobiles hanging over their beds”

Teachers have also approached Julie to make finger puppets for the children. In some cases, they have found that they help children with autism communicate. Some orders have come from a Sydney school who use the finger puppets for children’s storytelling. They’re both educational and a special treat for children to be able to hold the finger puppets.

Upwardly Mobiles first opened for business 25 years ago and was one of the first stalls to grace the Old Bus Depot Markets. Some of Julie’s best interactions come from repeat customers who are excited to share how they played with her toys when they were little.

“I have always had a very positive time at the Markets,” says Julie. “I like to talk to people and get the feedback, which is the reason I do it. You wouldn’t believe the amount of photos people have given me of their babies with my mobiles hanging over their beds.”

See Upwardly Mobiles uniquely at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays and especially on Kids in the Shed on 9 June.

For the latest on the best handmade products at the Markets in Canberra, follow us us on Facebook @OldBusDepotMarkets.