Kids' Craft: Easy Pencil Pinwheel

With just a little help from an adult, kids can craft these handmade paper pinwheels to add a splash of color to playtime.
whimsical paper pinwheel centerpiece

Whimsical Pinwheels

Whether for spring party décor or to simply bring a child joy, these homemade paper pinwheels guarantee delight to all ages.

By: Jessica Kesterson

Materials Needed:

  • wooden pencils with erasers
  • scissors
  • straight pearl sewing pins
  • needle-nose pliers
  • colorful card stock or double-sided paper (available at your local scrapbooking store)

Bend Pins

Using pliers, bend pins to create a 90-degree angle, approximately 1/3 of the length up from the pin's pointed end.

Cut Paper

Cut paper into 4"x4" or 5"x5" squares. Using scissors, make four diagonal cuts toward the paper's center, stopping at least half an inch shy of the center.

Cutting Paper Pinwheel

Paper Pinwheel

See how with just a little help from an adult, kids can craft these handmade paper pinwheels to add a splash of color to playtime at HGTV.

Fold Paper and Assemble Pinwheel

Place paper on table and fold points to the left of each cut toward the center (Image 1). Hold the folded points in place while you push a pin through the center, being careful to catch all four folded corners. Next, gently guide paper around the bend in pin, sliding the pinwheel out to the pin's pearl end. Finally, firmly press the pin's pointed end straight down into the pencil's eraser (Image 2). Your pinwheel is complete — give it a spin (Image 3)!

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