Crafting Paper Pinwheels For A Wedding: Easy Diy Guide

Paper pinwheels are a fun, colourful craft that can be used as a beautiful decoration for weddings. They are easy to make and can be crafted with little supervision, making them a great activity for children. You can use any type of paper you have available, such as card stock, construction paper, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, decorative paper, or printer paper. The thinner the paper, the faster your pinwheel will spin. You can also use patterned paper or paper with a texture on one side.

Choosing paper for your pinwheels

Choosing the right paper for your pinwheels is essential to achieving the desired look and functionality. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the paper for your wedding pinwheels:

Type of Paper

You can use various types of paper for your pinwheels, such as card stock, construction paper, scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, decorative paper, or even printer paper. The type of paper you choose will depend on the desired appearance and durability of your pinwheels. For a more durable option, consider using thick paper or card stock. If you want your pinwheels to spin easily, opt for thinner paper.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the paper will add visual interest to your wedding decor. Choose colours that complement your wedding theme or colour palette. You can also use patterned paper, such as scrapbooking paper with designs on both sides, to create a unique and eye-catching effect. Consider using colourful or patterned paper to add a whimsical touch to your wedding decor.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper will affect how your pinwheels spin. Thinner paper will result in faster-spinning pinwheels, while thicker paper will require more effort to spin. If you want your pinwheels to spin effortlessly in the wind, choose a lighter-weight paper. However, if you're looking for a more sturdy option that will hold its shape, opt for a heavier weight paper.

Paper Size

The size of the paper will determine the overall size of your pinwheels. Most tutorials recommend using square paper, with sizes ranging from 6" x 6" to 12" x 12". The larger the paper, the bigger your pinwheels will be. If you want smaller, more delicate-looking pinwheels, opt for smaller paper squares.

Paper Texture

Consider the texture of the paper to add a tactile element to your pinwheels. You can use plain paper or choose paper with a textured surface, such as embossed or glittered paper. Textured paper can add a subtle touch of elegance or whimsy to your wedding decor.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper can also enhance the overall appearance of your pinwheels. Choose between options like matte, glossy, or metallic finishes to create different effects. A matte finish will give your pinwheels a soft and subtle look, while a glossy or metallic finish can add a touch of glamour and shine.

When choosing the paper for your wedding pinwheels, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as the practical aspects such as durability and spin functionality. By selecting the right type, colour, weight, size, texture, and finish, you can create beautiful and functional pinwheels that will enhance the decor of your special day.

Cutting and folding the paper

To make paper pinwheels for a wedding, you'll need paper, a pencil, a ruler, scissors, a pin, and a straw. You can use any type and colour of paper, such as plain, patterned, thick, or thin—but square-shaped paper works best. If you're using printed paper with one white and one patterned side, make sure you draw on the white side.

Start by marking the centre of your paper with a pencil. Then, draw a diagonal line from each corner of the paper, halfway to the centre. Cut along these lines with scissors.

Next, fold every other point into the centre and secure with a pin. Push the pin through a straw and secure with tape.

For a fancier pinwheel, you can cut your paper into a hexagon shape instead of a square and follow a similar process.

Using a pin to hold the pinwheel together

Gather the Right Materials:

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary materials. You will need a square piece of paper, a pin (such as a sewing pin or thumbtack), a dowel or straw, and optionally, some small beads. The paper can be of any colour or pattern, but something around 6 inches by 6 inches in size is ideal. Thinner paper will create a pinwheel that spins faster.

Prepare the Paper:

Start by marking the centre of your square paper with a pencil. You can use a ruler to find the centre point, or eyeball it. From each corner of the paper, draw a diagonal line towards the centre, stopping about half an inch before you reach it. You can use scissors to cut along these lines.

Fold and Pin:

Now, it's time to fold your paper. Bring every other corner into the centre dot, creating a pinwheel shape. This step requires patience as the points may escape if not held tightly. Once you have folded the paper, hold it securely and push a pin through the centre, catching all the corners. You may need to rotate the pin to widen the hole.

Add Beads (Optional):

If you want your pinwheel to spin, you can add 1-3 small beads to the end of the pin. These beads will lift the pinwheel away from the dowel and facilitate spinning. Avoid using large beads like plastic pony beads, as they will be too big.

Secure the Pinwheel:

Create a pilot hole in your dowel or straw by using a thumbtack to make a small hole about half an inch from the end. Gently tap the thumbtack with a hammer if needed. Remove the thumbtack and press the pin from your pinwheel into the hole in the dowel or straw. Test the spin of your pinwheel, and adjust the pin as needed. If the pin is too loose, add a bead of glue to the hole before securing the pin again.

Your paper pinwheel is now ready for your wedding! You can experiment with different colours, patterns, and sizes to create a beautiful and whimsical decoration.

Adding a bead to the pin to allow spinning

Adding a bead to the pin is an essential step in making a pinwheel that spins. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a bead – preferably a small, round, and smooth one. Any type of bead will work, as long as it is small enough to fit on the pin. You will also need a pin, such as a sewing pin or a thumbtack, and a wooden skewer.

Next, use the pin to poke a hole in the skewer, about 1/4 inch from the end. You can use a thumbtack to make the hole, but be careful not to split the wood. It is okay if the wood splits a little, as long as you can make an opening for the pin to go through.

Then, slide the bead onto the pin. The bead should be small enough to fit comfortably on the pin, with enough room left on the pin to attach it to the pinwheel.

Now, poke the pin through the hole in the skewer. Make sure the pin is lying flat against the skewer. You may need to rotate the pin so that it lies flat.

Finally, secure the pin to the skewer with glue. Hold the bottom of the pin flat against the skewer and use hot glue to cover the top part of the pin. Fill in any cracks in the skewer with glue, and make sure to completely cover the sharp end of the pin. Hold the pin in place until the glue dries.

By following these steps, you can create a spinning pinwheel that is secure and safe to play with. The bead adds the perfect touch to allow the pinwheel to spin freely and add a whimsical touch to your wedding decor.

Attaching the pinwheel to a straw or stick

Once you've made your paper pinwheel, you can attach it to a straw or stick using a few different methods. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions:

Method 1:

• Flatten one end of a paper straw.
• Punch a hole through the flattened end of the straw.
• Bring each corner with a hole to the centre of the paper, lacing a brad through each hole.
• Line up the hole in your straw with the brad and stick the brad through the straw.
• Fasten the brad to secure the pinwheel to the straw.

Method 2:

• Make a pilot hole in the top of a wooden dowel, about half an inch from the tip. Use a thumbtack to make the hole and, if needed, a hammer to drive it in.
• Push a pin through the centre of the pinwheel, making sure to catch all the folded corners.
• Add a couple of small beads to the pin. These will help the pinwheel spin.
• Press the pinwheel into the hole in the dowel.
• If the pin is loose, add a bead of glue to the hole and then push it back in again.
• If the pin is too long and sticks out of the back of the dowel, use pliers to bend it down.

Method 3:

• Cut a piece of paper into a perfect square.
• Cut the paper into four diagonal lines from each corner, stopping about an inch from the centre point.
• Punch small holes in the corner of each straight cut.
• Make a hole in the middle of the paper using a hole punch or the tip of a pencil.
• Flatten one end of a paper straw and punch a hole through it.
• Bring each corner with a hole to the centre of the paper, lacing a brad through each hole.
• Line up the hole in the straw with the brad and stick the brad through, fastening to secure.

Frequently asked questions