How to Make a Paper Pinwheel

 Paper pinwheels are versatile craft that is easy enough for children can make with little supervision and lovely enough to add whimsy to any event with DIY decor. This original fidget spinner can be made with any type of paper you have available.

Paper pinwheels are a great way for budding scientists to test and explore the power of breath and air! The stronger your breath, the faster they will spin. As a parent/educator, allow these pinwheels to provide STEM support while you talk to kids about wind turbines, windmills, and renewable energy.​​

However, if you do not have children, these pinwheels are an excellent DIY project for decorating baby showers, adding a fun touch to a brunch buffet, and could even be a lovely addition to a wedding.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Scissors
• Pencil
• Ruler (optional)

Materials

• 1 piece Square-shaped paper
• 1 Straw
• 1 Pushpin
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Draw Lines 

   Using a ruler, mark the center of your square paper with a pencil. If you do not have a ruler, eyeball the center point. Next use your ruler to draw a diagonal line from each corner of the paper, halfway to the center dot you just made.

   Tip

   If you are using printed paper where one side is white and the other has a pattern, make sure you draw the lines on the white side of the paper.

   

2. Cut Down the Lines 

   Use the scissors to cut down the diagonal lines that you just marked on your paper.

   

3. Fold and Pin 

   Fold every other point into the center dot and put a pushpin through the paper. This step can be tricky because the points like to escape if you are not holding them tight, so patience is key.

   

4. Attach to Straw 

   Hold the pushpin with gathered points in one hand tightly and use your other hand to push the remainder of the pin through a straw. We used paper craft straws for these pinwheels but you could also attach your pinwheel to a plastic straw or a pencil. Once your pushpin is through the straw, use a little bit of masking tape to make sure no little fingers get stuck by the pin.