patterned pinwheels {tutorial}

How about a cute summery project?

pinwheels

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:

supplies

:: 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

wrap

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.

pencil

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

two papers

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

back to back

two sided

STEP FOUR: fold diagonally

fold

and again

fold again

STEP FIVE: hole punch each corner

hole punch

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

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

cut diagonal

cut

STEP SEVEN: poke thumbtack through hole in each corner

gather

through center

and poke through back

back

STEP EIGHT: attach to pencil

eraser

Press the thumbtack into eraser of the pencil.

And you’ll have this:

close

one two three four five bouquet

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.

To get you started, please feel free to download the gingham collection from our new printable patterned paper

gingham collection

The entire printable paper collection is now available in the shop

patterned-paper

pattern paper

Or you can get them all.

all-of-them

 

{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!

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