How to Make a Pinwheel

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Pin ItArticle EditDiscussPinwheels delight children as they spin around, their colors whirring together. Crafting a pinwheel is simple and even the smallest children can do most of the steps (though the pin part needs supervision and assistance). Experiment with different types of paper that you have lying around to see the different effects you can create.

Edit Steps1Cut a piece of plain paper into a 7x7-inch / 17.5x17.5-cm square. Since you’ll be folding and coloring over it, you can use any old piece of scrap paper. If you want to avoid scissors for safety reasons, you can. cut paper without scissors.

2Draw four equal squares on the piece of paper. Use a pencil and ruler to get the square dimensions accurate and straight. Do not draw the lines too hard or they will show up under your coloring later.

3Color in the squares. Make each square a different color. Here are some ideas for different ways to color the squares:

Color each square with a marker or pencilPaint each squareGlue on pictures cut from a magazine into each square. Be sure to glue firmly.4Allow paint or glue work to dry before proceeding to the next steps.

5Trace four diagonal lines from the corners toward the center. Place a ruler diagonally from one corner of the square to the center. Trace the edge from the corner to just 3 cm away from the center. Repeat this for each of the corners so that you have four lines drawn toward the middle and they are all of the same length.

6Cut along each diagonal line. Don’t cut farther than the lines you’ve traced. Don’t cut the four straight lines, either.

7Label each line A, B, C and D. Working clockwise, mark on the same side of each cut; when you’re done, each big triangular flap of the paper should only have one letter on it (as shown).

8With a finger, pin edges A, B, C and D to the center of the square. Make sure all four corners are overlapping so that none of them can escape.

9Place the pin into the middle of the edges A, B, C and D. Scoot your finger slightly to the side, then push the pin right through the paper so that each one of these edges sits snugly on top of the other beneath the pin.

10Slide a small bead onto the underside of the pin (pony beads are too big). This bead forms the part that permits the windmill to spin between the paper and the stick.

11Lay a stick down on a flat surface. Don't try to hold the stick as you are very likely to drive the pin into your finger this way. Ouch!

12Press the pin onto the stick. To prevent the bead from slipping off, you might need to press it with the side of your thumb as you place the pinwheel on the stick.

13Hammer with care. Drive the pin into the stick securely. If necessary, fold back any part of the pin that sticks through the other side of the stick.

14Make sure the pin is loose enough to allow the pinwheel to turn. Test it by manually spinning it where it is in front of you.

15Take your pinwheel outside and watch it catch the wind.

Edit Video

Edit TipsTry using a soft drink straw instead of a stick, so you don't need to hammer anything, just remember to pin across the whole straw, and then pin a piece of rubber on the other side.Try different colored foils that you have saved from chocolates or other foods. Glue these onto the paper in each square. The foil catches the sun's rays and reflects back beautiful colors.

Edit WarningsHammering the pin into the stick should only be done by a competent person. Children should be supervised at all times if attempting this and keep those fingers out of the way!

Edit Things You'll NeedScissorsPiece of heavy, quality paper cut into a 7x 7-in / 17.5 x17.5-cm square. 8x8" scrapbooking paper/cardstock works great,too.PencilRulerMarkers, paints, crayons or magazine pictures (your choice)Paper glue (if gluing on pictures)Picture hook pin (small)Bead to serve as backing on the pin (match the size)Stick suitable for the handle (a small piece of dowel wood is a good choice that will keep even)Hammer

Edit Related wikiHowsHow to Fold Paper Into a Secret Note SquareHow to Make a Cootie CatcherHow to Make the Crepe Paper Flowerlets to Cover a PinataHow to Make Paper from Old Scrap PaperHow to Make a KiteArticle Info Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Kids' Crafts

Recent edits by: Lutherus, Mmishima, amber

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