How to Make a Pinwheel

Pinwheels just seem to scream err whirl summer fun, even though they are fabulous for year round use. Since they are so simple and are easy to customize  they are perfect for parties, family get together’s, or holidays.  There are hundreds of or thousands of patterns of scrapbook paper available in every color scheme and theme available,  making them a fun decoration for everything from birthdays to t-ball games.  Make them in your party or team colors to add a whimsical touch to your decorations. Make up a bunch together with this How to make a pinwheel tutorial.

How to Make a Pinwheel

Supplies  Needed:

• scrapbook paper
• scissors
• stick pin with a large head
• pencil or skewer
• washi or duct tape

Directions:

1.Cut desired paper into a square.  Anywhere from 4″x4″ to 8″x8″ is an ideal size or your pinwheel. If you are using a 12×12 sheet of scrapbook paper you can get 6-4″ squares for your pinwheel or 4- 6″ squares for your pinwheel.

2.Cut from each corner diagonally to the center, stopping about 1/4″ before the  center.

3.Poke stick pin through one corner fold that corner over towards center 4.(don’t crease, you only need aloose fold ) Continue around your pinwheel skipping every other corner, as you bend press pin through that corner.

4. After all the corners are in the center poke pin through the back layer.

5.Poke pin through pencil eraser and use pliers to bend down the end-leave a little wiggle room for your pinwheel to move between pinhead and eraser. Wrap tape around pin to secure it and cover. I like to use washi (paper) tape or patterned duct tape so it is decorative.

If desired continue covering pencil with tape all the way down. If you need a longer stick on your pinwheel you can pull the eraser out of the end of a pencil, and pierce it with the end of a skewer, continue with the same instructions as for the pencil. These are a great craft for you and your little ones to make decorations for the Fourth of July.  They would be darling lining the walkway, in the garden, or stuck in mason jars of sand on the table for mini centerpieces.

You can find more ideas for frugal summer fun for kids here as we share a new frugal summer activity for kids each day for 100 days!