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    Home » Home Decorating » Spring Décor

    Published: Mar 28, 2022 · Modified: Nov 11, 2022 by Rachel

    How To Make Paper Windmills

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    A step-by-step tutorial for making a beautiful paper windmill using colorful craft paper or foam. Sometimes called a pinwheel, there are options for a windmill that spins or one that can be used as a party decoration. A fun and simple Spring craft for all ages!

    Colorful pinwheels.
    Pinwheel Craft
    Contents show
    1 Materials List
    2 Step by Step for a Simple Windmill Decoration
    3 Quick Tips
    4 DIY Paper Windmill that Spins
    4.1 Tools
    4.2 Supplies
    4.3 Instructions
    4.4 Notes

    Pinwheels, or paper windmills, are a family-friendly paper craft, and we have done lots of them around here! Paper pinwheels, Recycle Planters Craft, and Marshmallow Pops are some of my family’s favorite Spring Break crafts. Choose colorful craft paper and spend an afternoon creating magical memories.

    These are wonderful touches of whimsy to include in your Spring decor, or to add to an Easter table setting. They’d also make sweet favors for a baby or wedding shower!

    And really, pinwheels are so simple to make. Follow my step-by-step tutorial for a no-fail finished product. I’m even sharing how to make them spin! Have a young scientist in the house? This is the perfect STEM craft to experiment with wind power. It’s super fun to explore different ways to make your paper windmill spin.

    Materials List

    Below is an overview of what you will need to make these super easy windmills.

    Materials needed for making DIY pinwheels-ruler, pencils, scissors, craft paper, tape, and dowel rods.
    • Ruler
    • Scissors
    • Pencil
    • Hole punch – one that will punch holes big enough for a straw to go through.
    • Tape
    • Colorful paper or craft foam square – these are 6×6 inches.
    • Sturdy dowel rod – diameter around 3/16 inch
    • Pipe Cleaners
    • Paper Straw
    • Spacer bead – optional, but it can help it spin better.

    Step by Step for a Simple Windmill Decoration

    ***Complete directions for a windmill that spins with step-by-step photos are in the tutorial card at the bottom of this post, which can print out. However, if you just want a windmill decoration that doesn’t need to spin, you can use this variation.

    Colorful craft paper partially folded into DIY pinwheel shape on white surface.

    Follow steps 1-2 in the card to make the paper shape and punch holes through it. Work your way around the corners clockwise, folding them up and putting the brad through each hole.

    Back of DIY paper pinwheel secured with brad pin in center on white surface.

    Once you have the brad through all four corners, push the center down and push the brad through the hole in the center of the back of your paper and secure. Tape or glue your pinwheel to a dowel rod or bamboo skewer.

    Here’s one that I did as a table centerpiece for easter:

    Scrapbook windmill centerpiece on a table for Easter decorations.

    I love using double-sided patterned paper as it creates a fun effect. To make an arrangement like this, use Styrofoam or floral foam to stand the pinwheels up. I cut the dowel rods to varying heights.

    Quick Tips

    I have tried so many ways to improve these for maximum spinning action and durability, while keeping it as simple and fast as possible to make. So I have some tips and variations that might work better depending on your situation.

    • Trimming off the pipe cleaner hairs that go inside the inner pinwheel straw helps it spin more.
    • Putting a smooth spacer bead at the front, and then curling the pipe cleaner around it can help if the pipe cleaner to too tight.
    • For a sturdier windmill craft, use a long nail or screw instead of a pipe cleaner. You will need a heavier dowel rod so it won’t split. Paint the tip or cover with a screw cover.
    • Alternatively, you can use a metal eyelet through all of the holes instead of a straw. This works very well because there are less points of friction, but the folding can be challenging.
    • If the pipe cleaners are sliding down the dowel rod, you can tape them in place.
    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

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    More Ideas For Spring

    Spring hoop wreath closeup with peonies, roses, and lamb's ear.
    DIY Hoop Wreath
    Two marshmallow pops dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with candies on top. how to make chocolate dipped marshmallow pops - easy decorating idea and fun to make with the kids. Add candies and colors!
    Easy Marshmallow Pops
    How to fold a felt bunny into a pouch with four bunnies in a row and googly eyes.
    10 min Folded Bunnies
    Collage of simple Easter table decorations including carrot forks, faux greenery tray, and lots of bunnies.
    Spring Table Decorations

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

    Three DIY Windmills craft on white backgroubd.

    DIY Paper Windmill that Spins

    A step-by-step tutorial for making a beautiful paper windmill that spins! Sometimes called a DIY pinwheel, this is a fun and simple Spring craft for all ages.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Project Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $8

    Tools

    • Ruler
    • Scissors
    • Hole Punch
    • Pencil

    Supplies

    • 1 Colorful Paper or Craft Foam
    • 1 Dowel Rod 3/16 diameter or larger
    • 1 Pipe Cleaner
    • 1 Paper Straw
    • Tape

    Instructions

    • Using a ruler, lightly draw straight lines from corner to corner diagonally. The lines will intersect at the center point. Punch a hole in the center wide enough for the straw to pass through. I use a hole piercer and widen the hole. Cut the lines, leaving about ½ inch from the hole intact.
      Colorful craft paper marked by hands with pencil and metal ruler on white surface.
    • Using a hole punch, punch holes in one side of each corner. Make sure your holes are always on the same side of each corner. (The photo shows me pointing to the location.)
      Colorful scrapbook paper with a paper piercer at one corner.
    • Cut the straw to about 1.5-2 inches depending on how wide you want the folds of the pinwheel. Wider folds will grab air more easily. Using scissors, cut one tip of the straw in 6 sections so it splays outward (pictured). This makes sure the pinwheel won't fall off the straw.
      Closeup of a cut drinking straw.
    • Fold one corner of the sheet of paper into the center, lining up with the center hole. Put the straw through the hole. Work your way around the corners clockwise putting the straw through each hole. Then thread through the back hole.
      Closeup of paper windmill showing straw core.
    • Just like with the first end of the straw, cut the second end to widen it. The pinwheel paper should be secured on the straw.
      Back of paper pinwheel with straw attachment.
    • Fold the pipe cleaner in half and twist tightly. Thread the pipe cleaner through the straw. Wind the front tip around to secure the pinwheel. It spins better if the pipe cleaner hairs that will be inside the straw are trimmed down with scissors.
      Paper windmill with pipe cleaner through it.
    • Cut another ½ inch of paper straw and thread behind the windmill. Make sure everything is a little loose to allow for spinning. Wrap the back end of the pipe cleaner around the dowel rod tightly.
      Backside of a paper craft showing attachment.

    Notes

    General Tips and Variations
    • Trimming off the pipe cleaner hairs that go inside the inner pinwheel straw helps it spin more.
    • Putting a smooth spacer bead at the front, and then curling the pipe cleaner around it can help if the pipe cleaner is too tight.
    • For a sturdier windmill craft, use a long nail or screw instead of a pipe cleaner. You will need a heavier dowel rod so that it won’t split. Paint the tip or cover with a screw cover.
    • Alternatively, you can use a metal eyelet through all of the holes instead of a straw. This works very well because there are less points of friction, but the folding can be challenging.
    • If the pipe cleaners are sliding down the dowel rod, you can tape them in place.
    Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Marie says

      May 27, 2015 at 9:51 am

      5 stars
      This is fantastic! I love pinwheels and this would make an incredible center piece on our table for summer! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Krista Low says

      March 25, 2014 at 4:59 pm

      5 stars
      These are beautiful! I soooo want to make these for spring! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 25, 2014 at 10:21 pm

        Thank you so much! I am so tired of winter (it snowed yet again today!) so it was really a joy to make and share this project.

        Reply
    3. Barb says

      March 15, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      Paper pinwheels…how grand! I love that you bunches them to make a bouquet too. I am a bit of a self confessed paper junkie and letter loving gal so of course I had to stop by and take a closer look. Visting “AlittlebirdtoldmeWednesday’ linkup.

      Reply
    4. Emily says

      March 14, 2014 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      So much fun and so cute! love it!

      Emily @ elizabethjoandesigns.com

      Reply
    5. Jennifer Dawn says

      March 11, 2014 at 11:44 pm

      5 stars
      I love this! So fun! This is being featured at this week’s link party.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 12, 2014 at 12:20 am

        Oh thank you so much! This is amazing since I am a relatively new blogger. I already have my post ready for tomorrow. It is so nice to meet new bloggy friends.

        Reply
    6. Charlie says

      March 07, 2014 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the great link on Craft Frenzy Friday! I will be featuring you on my Saturday Spotlight tomorrow morning! :o) Stop by, share and grab a featured button!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 07, 2014 at 11:43 pm

        Giggling in bursting enthusiasm! Thank you so much! I wrote on Craft Dictator’s blog that I was just discovering this party and you guys have put together a great sampling of talented bloggers to party and connect with.

        Reply
        • Rachel says

          March 10, 2014 at 6:35 pm

          Thanks, Rachel! I love looking through our link party! We have so many talented bloggers (like you!) linking! Thanks for joining us!

    7. Pam@over50feeling40 says

      March 06, 2014 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      Now that’s really cute and you don’t have to water it!! Love the idea of this for a spring centerpiece!!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        March 06, 2014 at 11:37 pm

        I am not very good with indoor plants so, your right, the no watering required is definitely a bonus. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    8. Sue Williams says

      March 05, 2014 at 10:40 pm

      5 stars
      Dropping by from Katherine’s Corner. My niece made large pinwheels like these as part of her wedding decorations and they looked fabulous! Thank you for the step by step.
      Sue

      Reply
      • Mom says

        March 07, 2014 at 3:12 am

        I want one

        Reply

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