How to Create Whirligigs With Kids
- 1). Let your child cover both sides of a paper plate with artwork created with washable paint, crayons or markers. Because you will be cutting the plate into a spiral, abstract designs will work just as well as composed images such as flowers, houses or people.
- 2). Use scissors to cut a spiral into the plate. Beginning at the outside edge of the plate and following a continuous line, cut smaller and smaller concentric circles from the outside of the plate all the way to the center. Cut five to six circles to create an attractive and sturdy whirligig. Help your child by drawing the spiral's circles onto the plate with a pencil; he will have an easy guideline on which to cut.
- 3). Affix decorative embellishments, such as glitter, sequins, plastic gems, beads or metallic buttons, to the whirligig with white glue. If you're concerned about durability or moisture resistance against the morning dew, affix the accents for your child using a hot glue gun. It is best to add these accents after you have cut the whirligig to ensure you do not run into an object with your scissors as you are cutting.
- 4). Punch a small hole in the center of the spiral with a hand-held hole punch. If you do not have a hole punch, gently push a pencil point or the closed tips of scissors through the paper.
- 5). Push one end of a 7-inch piece of ribbon or string through the hole and then tie the ends together to form a loop. Carefully pull apart the spiral to spread the layers out and create a cone-like shape. Hang the whirligig from a hook on the patio or porch, or hang near an open window, and watch the shape twirl and sparkle in the breeze.