There has been considerable focus in both research and handbooks on identifying steps in co-creation processes, distinguishing between levels of citizen participation, and establishing democratic principles for participation. We argue that co-creation projects have the character of dynamic, disorderly processes, which warrants an organic and situated approach. We build on qualitative studies in seven Norwegian and Danish municipalities and employ the metaphor of mobiles, as kinetic structures suspended in the air that move in unpredictable ways depending on the interaction between the various parts, in contrast to efforts to streamline the co-creation process. We describe measures to adjust the course and balance of co-creation projects and conclude that the emergent nature of co-creation projects makes reflection and improvisation equally as necessary as the ability to plan ahead.