How to Make Wooden Garden Pinwheels for Kids
Making wooden garden pinwheels for kids is a fairly simple process that can be modified as a craft project for kids of any age. Older children may be able to complete the entire project by themselves with only minimal supervision, while adults may choose to prepare all of the materials for younger children and involve them only in the decorating and construction stages.
Things You'll Need
- 24-inch-x-24-inch square of thin balsa wood
- 1/2-inch dowel rod (24 inches long)
- 1/8-inch dowel rod (3 inches long)
- Superglue
- X-acto knife
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Drill with 1/8-inch bit
- Clay
- Paint or markers (optional)
Instructions
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1
Determine the shape and number of blades you want on your pinwheel. For example, you can make four triangular blades or six flower petal-shaped blades. Whatever shape you choose, each blade should be about 6 to 7 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide.
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2
Draw your blades onto the balsa wood, then follow these lines using the X-acto knife to cut out the shapes.
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3
Drill a small hole in one end of the 1/2-inch dowel rod, 2 inches down. Insert the 1/8-inch dowel into this hole, and glue it in place.
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4
Measure about 1 inch from the bottom of each blade, and create a small hole about 1/8 inch in diameter.
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5
Roll a tiny amount of clay into a "snake" and wrap it around the 1/8-inch dowel rod, about 1 inch from the end. Glue it in place, if desired.
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6
Paint or decorate your pinwheel blades as desired. Allow them to dry thoroughly before continuing.
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7
Overlap the blades of your pinwheel, with the small holes in the bottom of each blade aligned. Glue the blades together in this position.
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8
Insert the pinwheel onto the end of the 1/8-inch dowel. Place a small ball of clay over the end of the dowel rod to keep the pinwheel from coming off.
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