Kids will love making this patriotic July 4th pinwheel craft to celebrate Independence Day. Wave them at a parade or decorate for a cookout too.
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This post was originally written in 2013 and updated in 2020.
If you’re looking for a safe way to celebrate Independence Day with little kids, these paper July 4th pinwheels are cute and fun. You need only a few basic craft supplies to get started.
These would be great to make for a parade (participating or watching), a party, or just a fun family activity at home.
Pinwheel template
You can follow the tutorial below with just a few supplies. It includes step-by-step instructions for measuring and cutting the pinwheel shape from paper. For an even easier alternative, download my printable pinwheel templates and print them onto any paper.
How to make a pinwheel craft
Supplies
- scrapbook paper in red, white, and blue
- scissors
- thumbtacks
- pencils with good erasers
- ribbon (optional)
Instructions
1. Trim the paper.
Start by deciding how big your pinwheels will be. We originally made these really big using 12×12-inch scrapbook paper. For this updated tutorial, I cut them smaller.
For this size, cut each 12×12-inch piece of scrapbook paper into 4 equal squares measuring 6×6.
2. Crease the corners.
Fold your paper in half diagonally, twice, to make a big X. Unfold it and then fold each point into the center, making a crease only in the center.
3. Cut the slits.
Cut halfway through each point toward the center.
4. Fold and secure the points.
Fold every other point into the middle and press a thumbtack through the ends and through the center.
5. Attach to the pencil.
Carefully push the thumbtack into the pencil eraser, leaving space for it to move.
For extra embellishment, tie a few lengths of ribbon around the handle.
We made these for Independence Day, but you could change up the colors and make this pinwheel craft for any holiday or celebration.
If you want these to be a bit more durable or possibly leave them outdoors, swap the paper for a thin plastic and use dowels instead of pencils. To attach the pinwheel to the dowel, you’ll probably need a tack hammer to get the thumbtack in securely.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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