Family Fun Blog

Remember playing with pinwheels as a child? You can show your kids how to make these easy, fun toys with very few, inexpensive supplies. After making a basic pinwheel, you can experiment with all kinds of variations on decorations. It can be fun to put a design that creates an effect when the pinwheel is spun.

For a basic pinwheel, you will need to first cut a square out of cardstock or construction paper. The square should be about 5 inches on each side. Draw a circle in the center of the square, about 1inch in diameter. Then cut from each corner to the edge of the circle, leaving the center circle intact. Fold down every other corner (don’t crease them) and poke a thumbtack through the four corners you folded down. Press the thumbtack through the center of your circle and into the eraser of a new pencil (preferably unsharpened). Make sure there is enough “give” between the cardstock and the eraser to allow the pinwheel to spin freely. If you like, you can also place a tiny bead between the cardstock and the eraser to allow space.

A great outdoor sunny craft activity is splash-dyed T-shirts (or other wearables). This is a fun (and messy!) outdoor project for kids, which lets them break a lot of “rules” and can be a great release of energy now that they are out of school. It’s also great to do with a number of kids, since the supplies can be shared among them. It’s most cost-effective to have as many kids as you have dye colors available, at any rate.

A clothesline isn’t mandatory, but makes things easier. It should not be near any structures or anything that would be damaged by the fabric dyes. If you don’t have a clothesline, you can stretch a line between two points, or even do this with the clothing spread on the grass.

Start with white clothing, and prewash everything (use soap, but no fabric softener). Choose however many colors of fabric dye you wish (sometimes it’s more economical to purchase a kit with a number of dyes included). You will also need a spray bottle for each color of dye.

Simply mix the dye according to directions (adding extra water if you want paler colors, which looks great with this craft).  Mix it directly in the spray bottles if possible. Otherwise, pour the dye into the spray bottles after mixing. Dress kids in clothes that won’t matter if they get dye all over them, give them each a spray bottle of dye, and let them start working on their t-shirts! Expect a lot of splattering and a mixed-color effect … that is why added water for lighter colors produces a good effect.

For a variation, you might like to cut masking templates out of contact paper, masking tape, etc. and place the masking shapes on the fabric so that, when peeled off, they will reveal white shapes within the splashes of color.

This is a craft that can be very simple, or more elaborate if you prefer. Start with a cardboard oatmeal container (or a similar can-shaped cardboard container with a lid).

Cut openings for viewing the insects you will be placing inside. The openings can be 3-sided, if you want to re-close them, or you can completely remove them for a “window” effect.  Cut a piece of fine mesh screen almost large enough to wrap around the outside of the container, and just shorter than the height. Roll it up enough to slip inside the container, and allow it to spread back out and seal the openings.  Add a few small branches for insects to climb on, various kinds of leaves, and other natural materials from your nature walk to make your habitat more natural.  Place captured insects inside the container, replace the lid, and observe your guests! Be sure to set them free near their original collection place when you have finished with them.

To make the container more elaborate, you can use a utility knife to make more detailed cuts. Exterior “architecture” can be formed from cardboard and glued into place. The outside can be painted, and a fancy roof can be added. Older children might enjoy making the details, involving them along with your younger children.