• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Made with HAPPY
  • Crafts
  • Printables
  • Holidays
  • Fun Facts
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Crafts
  • Printables
  • Holidays
  • Fun Facts
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Crafts
    • Printables
    • Holidays
    • Fun Facts
    • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Crafts » Kids Crafts

    How to Make a Paper Pinwheel DIY

    This post and its photos may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    how to make paper pinwheels
    paper pinwheels

    We are sharing how to create these fun and whimsical pinwheel DIYs. With just a few supplies, we are creating paper pinwheel crafts for kids.

    pinwheel diy

    Want to save this project?

    Enter your email below, and then we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus get awesome new projects from us each week.

    Save Recipe

    These pinwheel DIY crafts are fun paper crafts for kids of all ages. They make a great Valentine to hand out to friends too!

    Valentine's Day is one of our favorite seasons. All the Love! Do not miss our Valentine's posts including Bubble Valentines, 21+ Heart Craft Projects For Kids, and 15+ FREE Valentines Printables.

    Paper Pinwheels DIY

    Today is January 14th and you know what that means...

    We are one month away from the LOVE-liest and most HEARTwarming holidays of them all! Valentines Day!!! YAY!

    Look for some great ideas coming your way over the next month, January and February. We'll be showing you all kinds of DIY Projects including everything from heart craft projects, to party decorations, to what to wear for a romantic night, to kid's valentines cards. We are excited. We hope you are too.

    To kick off the fabulous holiday, today we're giving showing you a fabulously easy paper craft for kids that are sure to put the wind in their sail.

    DIY Valentines Pinwheels

    What makes these little beauties even sweeter is that they are pretty easy to make. Have fun making this Valentines Craft for Kids!

    Don't miss our other Valentine's Cards For Kids that we know you'll love.

    Supplies For Pinwheel Craft

    pinwheel supplies
    • One piece of 8.5x11 craft paper - we chose a red paper with pink hearts
    • One more piece of paper for the circles in the center of the pinwheels
    • Paper Straws
    • Brass Fasteners
    • Scissors
    • Glue
    • Circle Cutter (if you have one)

    How to Make Paper Pinwheels

    Cutting off edge of paper

    The first step is to cut your paper into squares.

    4 inch square paper

    There are a few ways to do this. If you have a ruler and want to measure out four 4 inches by 4-inch squares you can do it that way.

    paper folded

    If you don't have a ruler, here is an easy way to measure out four even squares from an 8.5x11 piece of paper. Fold the short end corner over to line up with the side of the paper.

    Then cut the extra paper off the end. From there fold the square in half and cut. Then fold each of the halves in half again and cut. Viola, you have yourself super easy four square pieces of paper.

    Assembling Paper Pinwheel DIY

    corner to corner

    Once you have your roughly 4 inches by 4-inch piece of paper (however you get to it). Fold the piece of paper diagonally lining up corner to corner, and then unfold.

    diagonal fold of square paper

    Fold the other two corners together and then unfold.

    folding square paper

    Draw a circle approximately an inch in diameter around the center.

    cutting into middle circle of pinwheel

    Using the scissors, cut along the folded lines of the paper down to the circle.

    cutting an inch circle in paper

    Using your circle cutter or drawing compass or simply free-hand, draw and cut out a circle approximately 1 inch in diameter. This will be the center of your pinwheel, so pick a colored paper to coordinate.

    poking brad through paper

    Either using the scissors or the fastener itself, make a hole through the center of the paper.

    brad into a straw

    Then using the same method, make a hole through the straw, approximately an inch from one end.

    paper folding for pinwheel

    In the case you have two-sided paper, make sure you are drawing the backside. Glue the tip of the paper to the center using glue folding it forward on the front side of the pinwheel.

    small circle

    Now using the glue attach the 1-inch circle you cut for the center of the pinwheel over the edges you just glued down.

    valentines-pinwheel-11

    Make a hole through the middle of the paper, center of the square, and attach the fastener through the pinwheel and straw and expand on the back. Attaching the pinwheel

    pinwheel portion of pinwheel diy

    Viola, you have yourself a pinwheel!

    pinwheel diy

    We highlighted this Valentine's Paper Craft along with some other fun kid's crafts in our February Crafts for Kids along with our 101+ Easy Craft Ideas for kids.

    You also do not want to miss our 33+ Easy Construction Paper Crafts and 101+ Free Kids Printables full of Crafts & Coloring Pages.

    Additional Questions

    Here are some questions you might have now that you've started this project:

    How do you make a pinwheel without a PIN?

    If you do not have a brad or pin for the pinwheel, you can easily use a pipe cleaner in the middle. Twist the top of the pipe cleaner into a small knot or ball and then slip the long end through the back of the pinwheel and wrap it around the straw or pencil.

    How do you make pinwheels for kids?

    The pinwheel we made above is great for kids. If you are finding that your pinwheels spin isn't as great as you would like, then make the hole in the center using a hole punch.

    What can I use in place of a paper fastener?

    If you do not have a brad or paper fastener, then you can use a pin, and instead of a straw, use a pencil. Simply pin the pin to the side of the pencil eraser and viola.

    Download a Happy Note For Valentines

    Happy Notes

    I created a few sweet tags you can attach to the straw if you are giving them out as Valentine. Enter your email below and it will take you straight to the document.

    Other Valentines Printables You'll Love

    • VALENTINES DIY CANDY BAR WRAPPERS
    • FREE DRAGONFLY TOY PRESCHOOL VALENTINES PRINTABLE
    • PRINTABLE VALENTINES DAY PUNS BOOKMARKS
    • HAPPY VALENTINES DAY COLORING SHEETS
    • VALENTINES DAY SUCCULENTS
    how to make pinwheels
    Print

    Paper Pinwheel DIY

    We are sharing how to create these fun and whimsical pinwheel DIYs. With just a few supplies, we are creating paper pinwheel craft for kids.

    Course Kids Crafts
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes minutes
    Servings 1 Paper Pinwheel
    Author Alli Ward

    Equipment

    • Scissors

    Ingredients

    • One piece of 8.5x11 craft paper - we chose red paper with pink hearts
    • One more piece of paper for the circles in center of the pinwheels
    • Paper Straws
    • Brass Fasteners
    • Glue
    • Circle Cutter optional

    Instructions

    • First step is to cut your paper into squares.
      paper folded
    • There are a few ways to do this. If you have a ruler and want to measure out four 4 inch by 4 inch squares you can do it that way.
      4 inch square paper
    • If you don't have a ruler , here is an easy way to measure out four even squares from a 8.5x11 piece of paper. Fold the short end corner over to line up with the side of the paper. Then cut the extra paper off the end. From there fold the square in half and cut. Then fold each of the halves in half again and cut. Viola, you have yourself four square pieces of paper.
      Cutting off edge of paper
    • Once you have your roughly 4 inch by 4 inch piece of paper (however you get to it). Fold the piece of paper diagonally lining up corner to corner, and then unfold.
    • Fold the other two corners together and then unfold.
      corner to corner
    • Draw a circle approximately an inch in diameter around the center.
      folding square paper
    • Using the scissors, cut along the folded lines of the paper down to the circle.
      cutting into middle circle of pinwheel
    • Draw a simply free-hand, and cut out a circle approximately 1 inch in diameter.
      cutting an inch circle in paper
    • This will be the center of your pinwheel, so pick a colored paper to coordinate.
      small circle
    • Either using the scissors, or the fastener itself, make a hole through the center of the paper.
      poking brad through paper
    • Then using the same method, make a hole through the straw, approximately an inch from one end.
      brad into a straw
    • In the case you have two sided paper, make sure you are drawing the back side.
      folding first corner of pinwheel
    • Glue the tip of the paper to the center using glue folding it forward on the front side of the pinwheel.
      folding corner of pinwheel
    • Now using the glue attach the 1 inch circle you cut for the center of the pinwheel over the edges you just glued down.
    • Make a hole through the center and attach the fastener through the pinwheel and straw and expand on the back.
      pinwheel portion of pinwheel diy
    • Viola, you have yourself a pinwheel!
      how to make pinwheels

    Video

    CONNECT WITH MADE WITH HAPPY!

    Be sure to follow me on social media, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest | Instagram 

    Looking for crafts to keep your child busy? Sign up for my 5 Ridiculous HAPPY Activities in under 30 minutes for your kids delivered directly to your inbox!

    Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!

    PINWHEEL DIY

    PIN IT TO YOUR FAVORITE BOARD ON PINTEREST!

    FOLLOW MADE WITH HAPPY ON PINTEREST FOR ALL THINGS HAPPY!
    DIY Pinwheel Craft

    More Kids Crafts

    • camping crafts for kids
      35+ Fun Camping Crafts for Kids
    • A collage of colorful Fall Crafts for kids, including a leaf lantern, pasta tree, paper leaves, leaf art, tissue paper basket, decorated pumpkin, cork stamp art, and a yellow-red wreath. “Fall Crafts for Kids” is featured in the center.
      75+ Fall Crafts For Kids
    • July Crafts for kids
      50+ Easy July Crafts For Kids
    • A paper craft shaped like the letter P is decorated to look like a pink pig, complete with ears, eyes, a snout, and a curly tail. Colored markers and craft supplies are scattered around it—perfect for pairing with an L is for Lion craft.
      P is for Pig Craft with Printable Letter P
    • Facebook
    • Yummly

    About Alli

    Discover a world of creativity and joy with Alli Ward, the creative mind behind Made with Happy. From DIY crafts to delicious recipes, Alli brings happiness to every project!

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome Friends!

    alli ward

    Hi, I'm Alli Ward, the Maker behind Made with Happy. I'm a color-obsessed creative mom of two sharing easy crafts, printables, and home DIY projects that the whole family will love! 

    More about me →

    Check Out Our

    MWH Shop Sidebar

    Web Stories

    Trending Post

    popsicle stick dragon puppet

    Dragon Puppet

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Disclosures & Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated site