Tuesday, May 24, 2011

How-To Tuesday: Make Festive Pinwheels

Is it really Tuesday already?! I made today's How-To for the first time and it is the easiest project. These adorable pinwheels would be perfect for your upcoming Memorial Day BBQ or to freshen up the house for summer. Pinwheels are such an iconic summer-time image! And I have to thank Martha for the fun idea.



Let's make Pinwheels!...


The Material 411:
Two pieces of patterned paper, cut to 5 inch square
Spray adhesive (or other glue)
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Hot Glue Gun
Thumb tack
Bamboo skewer (or anything similar)


Step 1:  Cut two pieces of patterned paper to a 5"x5" square.  Then use your spray adhesive (love it or leave it) to glue the patterned paper back to back, and let dry...
Step 1, cut and glue paper

Step 2:  Use your ruler and pencil to draw a diagonal line from corner to corner...
Step 2, draw line from corners

So it looks like this!

Step 3:  Measure 3" up from each corner and mark it.  Then you will cut from each corner to that mark...
Step 3, measure and cut 3" up each corner

Step 4:  Now fold every other corner into the center.  Use hot glue (or any other strong, fast drying glue) to secure each corner...
Step 4, glue every other corner to center
And now you should have the base of your pinwheels...


Step 5:  With the thumb tack, make a hole in the center of the pinwheel.  Then use the tack again to push through the bamboo skewer.
Step 5, drill baby drill...into the bamboo

Step 6:  Now just put the thumb tack through the pinwheel, then put that through the skewer.... All finished!

Step 6: FINISHED

Now just decide where you want to put them for decorations! Make your patterned paper colors coordinate with whatever theme you're using them for.  Aren't the red and blue ones perfect for Memorial Day? I placed mine in some little flower jars I had made for spring time...






These could be finished in 15-20 minutes, including glue drying time. So simple! And they definitely make the room look ready for summer.

Have fun crafting!

<3 RWK
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6 comments:

  1. too cute! I haven't made pinwheels in years...but they're so cheery :) I may have to do some soon.

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  2. Awesome pinwheels! So bright and cheery!

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  3. these are fabulous.....thanks for the tutorial...hugs

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  4. Thanks for the tutorial. I think I might give the spinwheels a try.
    http://lorisartsyobsession.blogspot.com/

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  5. those are way cute. LOVE the papers you chose. I am happy to be your newest follower. Please stop by for book club if you're interested--connie, measuredbytheheart.com

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  6. Fun and adorable project -- thanks so much for sharing it with us on the T.G.I.F. Linky Party at www.craftjunkietoo.com
    ~Tracy

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