patterned pinwheels {tutorial}

How about a cute summery project?

This one is not totally original, but I love the mix of patterns and think these pinwheels make a delightful centerpiece for a summer party.

Want to make some?

Here’s what you’ll need:

:: patterned paper {see the printable collection below}

:: strips of solid paper

:: pencils with erasers

:: thumbtacks

:: scissors, tiny hole punch, glue dots

STEP ONE: cover each pencil

Cut a strip of paper to about 1/2 inch x 15 inches. Use a glue dot to hold top in place and begin wrapping around the pencil, securing with a glue dot at the end.

STEP TWO: select two pieces of paper for pinwheel and cut to desired size

The finished size of your pinwheel is determined by the size of the square {I cut mine 6 x 6}

STEP THREE: glue papers back to back

STEP FOUR: fold diagonally

and again

STEP FIVE: hole punch each corner

I used a hole punch with a teensy hole {1/16″}

STEP SIX: cut along folded line, leaving 1/2″ at center

STEP SEVEN: poke thumbtack through hole in each corner

and poke through back

STEP EIGHT: attach to pencil

Press the thumbtack into eraser of the pencil.

And you’ll have this:

Any scrapbook paper will work {although very heavyweight paper doesn’t hold well}. I love using a combination of prints and colors … you can go with a color scheme {say, red, white & blue for the 4th of July} or a specific pattern {like gingham for an outdoor picnic in the park}. I created a collection of patterns, printed them onto regular text-weight printer paper and they turned out great.

The entire printable paper collection is now available in the shop

Or you can get them all.

 

{each pdf is 8.5 x 11 and will be delivered to your email once your purchase has been completed. Make sure you check the email address used in your paypal purchase. Don’t forget to save the files to your computer so that you can print as often as you need}

Enjoy your weekend!