How to Make a Pin Wheel

Handmade colorful pin wheels are a simple and inexpensive way to decorate for a celebration or keep your children occupied on school holidays or hot summer days. Make this craft time with your children a chance to build skills like measuring and cutting, while building their confidence. Have your children add their own patterns to the pin wheels, which allows for self expression. Write messages of appreciation on the inside of the wheel and use them in a bouquet to be given to a friend or grandparent.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Covered table to work on Form or card stock Pencil to draw with Ruler Scissors Quarter Colored permanent markers 32 gauge wire Pony beads 1/4 inch dowel rod cut to 12 inches and sharpened on one end New pencils that have not been sharpened or 1/4 inch dowel rods cut into 12 inch pieces

1. 
    
   Measure

   Measure a 6 x 6 inch square on the foam or card stock using the ruler and pencil and cut it out. Draw diagonal lines from corner to corner crossing in the center of the 6 x 6 inch square on the back side using the ruler. Place the quarter in the center of the square where the lines cross and trace around the quarter.

2. Decorate the front and backside of the pin wheel with permanent markers. Write names, words of encouragement or prayers and then decorate with patterns, shapes and colors.

3. Cut along the diagonal lines toward the center of the pin wheel stopping when you come to the circle on the center.

4. Cut a 12 inch piece of wire. Place a pony bead on one end of the wire and place it in the center of the wire. Double the wire back making the length about 6 inches and the ends even.

5. 
    
   Hole Placement

   Lay the square down on the table back side up and take one of the corners and push the sharpened dowel rod through it from back to front about 1/2 inch from the point. Do this slowly being careful not to rip the paper or foam. Work clockwise punching the next corner of the square. Repeat the process. Punch a hole in the center of the pin wheel where the lines cross. When working with kids they will need an extra pair of hands. If they are young children, they can be your extra pair of hands.

6. Take the wire and push the two ends through the front of the pin wheel where the hole is punched. Pull it all the way through until the bead is up against the foam. Working clockwise take the wire again and push it through the next hole from front to back. Repeat until you have all corners down.

7. Place two pony beads through the end of the wire and pull down making the pin wheel shape. Push the two ends of the wire through the hole on the center of the pin wheel. Place another bead on the wire. Pull it up to the back of the pin wheel, but not too tightly.

8. Wrap the wire around the eraser end of the pencil, allow about 1 inch from the top of the pencil. Make sure to allow about 3/4 of an inch from the first bead to the pencil so the pin wheel can turn. Adjust the wheel so it can spin. You may have to flatten the foam or paper loops a bit and push the pin wheel away from the pencil.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a larger size, cut a 12 inch square. Make a 1 inch circle in the center and use a 1/2 inch dowel rod for a stick.
• This activity is not suitable for children under the age of 3.

References

• About.com