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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″Ā}

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

    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

    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!

    25 thoughts on “patterned pinwheels {tutorial}”

    1. Pingback: 7 Summer arts and crafts for kids – 101 Craft Ideas and Tutorials

    2. I just made one of the pinwheels and used an eyelet in the center so it will spin easily if the kids want to blow on them :) An eyelet will also make it easy to string up a bunch to hang if I wanted too as well. Thanks for the cute idea!

    3. Making pinwheels has been on my to do list for a few weeks. Seeing how cute your pinwheels turned out was the motivation I needed. Thanks! Pinwheels = smiles :)

    4. So fun! Love your patterned paper! I will definitely be buying that! Now you just need to start desiging fabric because I would love some fabric in the chevron, gate, awning and tile patterns!!

    5. Thank you so much for this tutorial and paper download. Both are beautiful. And I know I’ll use them time and time again. My boys will love making these this summer, and I plan to decorate the garden with them.

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