How to Make a Beaded Plastic Canvas Wind Spinner

Enjoy the serenity of gazing upon this beaded plastic canvas wind spinner as it spirals in the wind. This beautiful project implies that it is difficult to create, when in fact it is not. Choose colors of plastic canvas to match holidays, room decor or even sports teams. Measure the plastic canvas by counting the holes for this project. If you make a miscut, it is not a big deal because plastic canvas is so inexpensive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 sheets of 7-count plastic canvas in three different colors
• Wire coat hanger
• 166 pony beads
• Worsted weight 4 ply yarn
• Key ring
• Needle nose pliers
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

1. Designate each color of plastic canvas, "A", "B" or "C". Cut each strip 5 holes wide. From color "A", cut two strips each 13, 25, 37 and 49 holes long and eleven strips 57 holes long. From colors "B" and "C", cut one each 17, 21, 29, 33, 41, 45 and 53 holes long and eleven strips each 57 holes long.

2. Lay the strips out in the order they will be strung on the wire. Repeat the pattern colors "A", "B" and "C", ending with "A".13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, all the 57 strips, 53, 49, 45, 41, 37, 33, 29, 25, 21, 17, 13.

3. Cut the wire hanger 23 inches long and form a loop at one end using the needle nose pliers.

4. Thread three pony beads on the wire. Thread the first strip ("A"-13) on the wire through the middle hole of the third row. Add a pony bead. Continue threading a strip and a bead until all the strips have been added, ending with a bead.

5. Form a loop from the extended wire, making sure the strips and beads are snug. Cut the excess wire off.

6. Connect one side of the beaded plastic canvas wind spinner at a time. Naming the holes from left to right 1-2-3-4-5, tie the yarn end at hole number one on the top strip.

7. Take the needle down through hole number one, come back over 2-3-4 and take the needle down through hole number five. Add a bead.

8. Repeat step 7 until the side has been connected. Tie off the yarn.

9. Connect the other side of the beaded plastic canvas wind spinner. Tie the yarn at hole number one on the top strip.

10. Repeat steps 7 and 8.

11. Connect the key ring to the top loop of the beaded plastic canvas wind spinner.

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer to mark your plastic canvas pieces before cutting, use a permanent marker. After cutting, clean the marker off with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol.
• When planning your cuts, remember to leave a row in between to discard.
• Use cording instead of yarn if you are planning to hang your wind spinner outdoors.