We’re almost at the end of With All My Heart Project week! Tempus Fugit for sure. Here’s one of the Valentine’s Day Pinwheels I made with Jack to hand out to his “Tom Thumb” friends at school. While the pinwheel is a very simple project to make and is perfect for a kids activity. For us adults the pinwheel is reminiscent of childhood.
The pinwheel is an icon for childhood innocence and happy memories. Many people fondly describe their childhood interactions with pinwheels at the circus, a carnival, birthday parties, summertime fun or in a garden. And, when I think of my childhood interactions with pinwheels, it makes me smile and words like whimsical and carefree come to mind. I can remember running with the pinwheel in my hand and feeling so playful and happy. I remember the dazzling colors and sometimes the pinwheels had shiny metallic blades. Pinwheels to me are beautiful, and both strong and fragile at the same time! What a fun and easy way to celebrate Valentine’s Day especially with all the designer papers and colorful stripped straws available today!
These paper pinwheels are formed from a square of paper. They are so simple to make and the size can be adjusted to make large and small pinwheels by varying the size of the squares.
Here’s what to do:
Cut a square of Designer Series Paper or Card Stock any size. I used non-Stampin’ Up! paper, because I needed many of these. The template is for a 6″ square. Print and use the template as a guide.
- Cut along the lines and punch holes, as indicated on the template
- Gently bend the corners with the punched holes to the center of the square lining up all of the holes.
- For small children fasten the center with a brad and a twist of wire.
- Attach the wire and pinwheel to a straw or stick and enjoy!
Another method for attaching the pinwheel to a straw or stick, is to push a pushpin through the corners and center. Then take about a 1″ circle make from card stock and place that on the back of the pinwheel. Push the pushpin through the circle then through a craft cork found at craft stores. A wine bottle cork would work as well. Take a wooden skewer and push that into the cork from the bottom.
To attach a Valentine’s Day Greeting:
For Jack’s Valentine’s Day Greeting, the Stampin’ Up! Hey, Valentine Stamp Set was used. I stamped the pirate image in Momento Black Ink and colored it in with Blendabilities. Once they were all stamped and colored I ran the images through the BIG Shot with the appropriate heart size from the Hearts Collection Framelits. I used the next size up for the Real Red background heart and adhered the two hearts together. On the top and bottom I punched a 1/4″ circle and poked the straw through.
So, remember pinwheels aren’t only for gardens. They make great party favors, table decorations, card toppers and if you’re using plain card stock, they’re perfect for stamping too!
Pinwheel Hugs,
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