Here is a fun idea for a stocking stuffer or something to add to gifts. Pinwheels are our family favorite. Since we have made so many (and destroyed so many by smacking them on sister's head) I think I have finally come up with a mostly toddler proof version. Please note: I have found that there is almost nothing that is completely toddler proof.
1 - First drill a hole about 1/2 inch from the end of a 1/4 " dowel. I bought the long dowels at Wal-Mart and then cut them into 10-12 inch pieces. Sand the dowel down and then paint it if you want to.
2-Find some cute double sided 12x12 scrapbook paper. Cut it into 4 6x6 squares. Then cover each square on both sides with contact paper (this is the secret ingredient for durability).
3-Trim the edges of the square. If you want to make it really cute use scalloped scissors or pinking shears. Then find the center of the square by folding the paper lightly from the corners. Punch a hole in the center. Cut the paper from the corners toward the middle leaving about 1/2 " before you reach the hole in the center. Finally punch holes in alternating corners as shown with the black circles in the picture above. Ok, so there's a hole in my hand...I was just trying to show the location on the paper.
4-Fold the punched holes into the center but don't crease the paper. Fasten the ends together with an eyelet. You don't have to use the eyelet but it really helps reduce resistance when the pinwheel spins on the wire. It does work without but just not as well.
5 - Choose an aluminum wire. Floral wire works great if doubled up. I loved this cloth wire. Whatever wire you choose make sure it is 18 gauge or it will bend to easily in your little toddlers hands.
6 - Bend the wire in half and slip a button, jingle bell, or bead on the end to keep the pinwheel in place. Then use some pliers to tighten the bead on the end.
7 - Slide a bead on after the button or bell (this just helps the pinwheel have less friction in order to spin better). Slide the pinwheel on followed by another bead. Test the spin factor by blowing the pinwheel.
8 - Thread one end of the wire through the hole in the dowel and wrap around the dowel 3 or 4 times. Before you start wrapping the wire make sure that there is plenty of space on the wire for the pinwheel to spin freely. Trim the wire with some wire cutters and then use the pliers to push the end of the wire as close to the dowel as possible so that no sharp edges are sticking out. Then do the same with the other end of the wire that isn't threaded through the hole but wrap in the opposite direction of the other wire like in the picture below.
Then whalah! You have a somewhat indestructible pinwheel.
Additional ideas:
You could wrap ribbon or floral tape around the wire to cover it's sharp edges.
You could also attach a dowel cap with a hot glue gun at the the bottom of the dowel to add some style (and safety).
To make it a project for kids pre-cut the paper and then let them help punch holes and assemble the pinwheel using pipe cleaner instead of wire. It's not as sturdy and definitely not as indestructible but it does work and the kids LOVE to help. You could always replace the pipe cleaner with the other wire later.
This project is for you! I mean them!
