Making Pinwheels with Pipe Cleaners

I've posted before about making pinwheels, but I recently discovered how to make them without using a push pin and still have them function well.

. To anchor the pinwheel to the wooden dowel and allow it to move freely with the breeze, I threaded a pipe cleaner, that I had cut in half, through a large plastic button. I then twisted the pipe cleaner around itself a couple times so that there would be a little space between the pipe cleaner and the dowel. I then twisted the pipe cleaner around the dowel. I was surprised that it rotated so easily. Usually I glue the points of the pinwheel to the center, but this time I used a stapler and it did make it more secure.

Pinwheels are such a nice, old fashioned toy and a good end-of-the-summer activity.

Cardboard Crocodiles

I made these crocodiles with children at an art camp last week. I assembled the pieces and the children painted on the scales and added the eyes and teeth. You can get an idea of the assembly from the photos. I used a heavy rippled paper that I have on hand, paper towel rolls or poster board would also work. I stapled the parts of the body together. The head and tail were separate pieces that I attached to the body through slits that I had cut. The feet are cut from craft foam and the eyes I happened to find on the sale shelf at Michaels.

 

I'm starting a newsletter with DIY templates, news from my Etsy shop, and step-by-step photos of some of the techniques for my artwork and illustrations. The newsletter in early June 2018 will include a template for a simple pop-up book to make with children. Sign-ups on the right-hand side of the blog.