Paper Pinwheels (and a bonus!)

 **Today's a double header - so check out both posts!**

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One thing I love about papercrafting is how it brings me back to the kinds of projects I did in elementary school as a kid. I loved art class and I loved that I could be crafty and creative during an otherwise mundane school day.

Every once in a while, I like to think back on those elementary school art projects and revamp them - with my current, more mature perspective.

Earlier this week I was struck with inspiration that was a total throwback.

Maile Belles designed this ultra cute tag which caught my attention.

 

I love the simplicity of it and immediately a project was brewing in my head.

The image reminded me of those paper pinwheels I made as a kid. The kind that you fastened to a plastic straw with a brad. The kind that you could blow and make spin. The kind that would never work for me and I would end up dizzy just trying to get the darn thing to turn - just a quarter turn!

Well, anyway - Maile's image inspired me to revive the paper pinwheel.

First I made a super simple card using Maile's design.

 

 

Next I tackled those pinwheels!

I broke out the scalloped blade for my Fiskar's rotary paper trimmer. This was my first time using the scalloped blade and I love the results.

 

 Next, I cut out squares (3", 4" and 5") and scored them on the diagonal.

Then I used my scalloped scissors to cut on the diagonal scores - stopping just shy of the middle of the square.

 

Then I simply adhered every other corner to the center of the square. Zots worked GREAT for this - those things are so sticky!!

 

FANCY TIME!

I decorated the pinwheel centers with buttons and used skewers for the bottoms of the pinwheels. I used a sweet little circle of Melon Berry felt to adhere the skewer. I love that pop of color.

 

 

From here the possibilities are endless for how you can use this cute little bouquet of pinwheels.

- use a mini clothespin to attach a picture of you and a special friend

- add a wire photo holder

- attach flags to each pinwheel with handwritten notes about why you appreciate the gift recipient

- fill the base container with candy

- use as centerpieces for a child's birthday party

- instead of skewers, use Pixie Sticks!

- instead of buttons, use Hershey's Kisses

- use a single pinwheel as an accent in a floral arrangement

...I could go on and on ...you get the idea!

Now for the BONUS!

I challenged myself again with colors that I typically do not pair together.

Here's the result...let me know what you think.

I kept it simple with a few touches of style - I love that woodgrain impression!

Also - I opted to not weave twine through the button holes - I think it creates more of a minimalist feel.

 

 

Have a wonderful day!

Supplies (All Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted):

Pinwheel Card:

Stamps: Background Basics: Tin Types

Paper: Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, Kraft, Baby Blessing patterned paper

Ink: Versamark

Other: Cuttlebug Polka Dot embossing folder, Martha Stewart's Bakers Twine, Pure Poppy satin ribbon, Tombow Watercolor Markers

Paper Pinwheels:

Stamps: none

Paper: Baby Blessing patterned paper, Stamper's Select white cardstock, Aqua Mist cardstock

Ink: none

Other: Fiskar's Rotary Paper Trimmer, Fiskar's Scallop Blade, Zots, Holiday Button Mix, skewers, Melon Berry felt

Retro Background Thank You:

Stamps: Giga Guidelines

Paper: Dark Chocolate, Kraft, patterned paper (manufacturer unknown)

Ink: Dark Chocolate

Other: Woodgrain Impression Plate, Holiday Mix buttons, packing twine (manufacturer unknown)