Pinwheel Decor (Take Two)

I first posted this last June, but while decorating for the 4th of July this year, I found my pinwheels and decided they needed another outing into cyberspace.  So, if you didn’t see it last year, or if you’ve forgotten (gasp!), here goes.

I recently discovered the secret of everyone getting along in the car…kid books on CD. I know, I’m late figuring this out, but I didn’t think they would listen, since they don’t listen to me or each other in the car. It’s amazing how captivated they are!

So what’s the connection with pinwheels? I’m glad you asked. We were listening to a Nate the Great book and at the end are all sorts of nifty little crafts and information. One segment described how to make a pinwheel, and it sounded super easy. And it was!

Once I made one, I couldn’t stop. The kids even made them. That’s how easy peasy lemon squeezy they are. Yes, I need to stop listening to kids’ books.

pinwheels
I used Stampin’ Up! cardstock to make this decoration for the front door. It was, frankly, a bit too thick to bend without creasing. For the sticks, I wrapped that cool paper tape from Target around dowel rods, then wrapped red and white bakers’ twine around that. To make them lay flat against the door, I tied monofilament line from each stick to a metal clip in the center, above the white pinwheel. See it? That’s also how I hung it on the door.

Then I wanted to make a garland for the mantel, so I raided the kids’ stash of construction paper. I don’t think these will last through storing them, so it’s not important that they be colorfast. I thought it was for the ones on the front door, since the sun would fade the construction paper in about 2 seconds.

0712-Mantel

pinwheel-garland
How do you make them, you ask? (Aren’t you just full of questions today?) Here’s how:

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Cut your paper to a square. The ones on my door are 8-1/2” squares, the garland is 6” square. Draw diagonally from corner to corner, making an “x”.” Cut from the corners to about 1” from the center. Punch a small hole (I used a 1/16” punch because I was using tiny brads) in the upper leftr corner, then the next left corner and so on. Also punch a hole in the center.

pinwheel-assembly
Push a brad through from the back of one corner. Work your way around, tucking each corner under the brad so that the brad goes from back to front.

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When all four corners are on the brad, push it through the center and open the prongs to hold it.

About Megan

My various hats: mom to three crazy teens and one quirky dog, wife of 27 years to my retired GI Joe, and high school math teacher. After my husband's retirement from the Army, we've settled in the Pacific Northwest. Crafting, cooking, photography, and reading keep me sane (that's a relative term!) and I hope you'll enjoy following along as I navigate the chaos of life!
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3 Responses to Pinwheel Decor (Take Two)

  1. Gretchen says:

    Ugh! I earmarked this idea, (I like to keep it old school) to give to you guys for this next trip but I should have known you already saw it! Did it! Made it better!

  2. Crystal says:

    I love these pinwheels especially the pinwheel garland!! So fun!!

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