Catch the Breeze Spinners

crayola supplies

No-Run School Glue
Blunt-Tip Scissors
Color Surge™ Markers and Paper System

household supplies

Party Express paper plates
tissue paper
hole punch
ribbon, string, or yarn

Why

Send cool designs spinning on warm summer breezes! Create a spiral spinner from Crayola Color Surge™ Paper and Markers.

Steps

1. Where do you go on a hot summer day to catch a cool breeze? Under the trees outside? Beside an open window? On a shady porch? These spinners add color and excitement any time of year.
2. Begin with a circle. Use a paper plate to trace a circle on Crayola Color Surge™ Paper. Cut out the circle.
3. Add designs. Use Color Surge Markers to add bright designs to both sides of Color Surge Paper. Use your own ideas or try these: • Make broad stripes of different colors that go around in a spiral. • Design a checkerboard pattern. • Create dots of different sizes and colors. • Draw wavy squiggles. • Add stars, spirals, or hearts.
4. Cut a spiral. Starting at the outside edge of your decorated circle, cut around and around the circle, moving your scissors in toward the center while turning the circle with the other hand. If you like, you can draw a spiral line from the center around and around until it reaches the edge before you cut. Or cut first, and then decorate the spirals.
5. Tie and hang. Punch a hole in the center of the spiral. Tie ribbon in the hole. Ask an adult to assist in tying the other end safely on a tree branch, from a sun umbrella, or by a window to spin in the breeze! Wherever you hang it, keep your spinner dry!
6. Try this! Create a double spiral. After you have made one spiral, cut from the center of it, going back down the center of the strip, almost to the end. Hold the spinner by the point. Pull down the two spirals so they intertwine. Tie and hang by the point. The spinners on the right and left in the picture were made this way.
7. Decorate your spinner by gluing on strips of tissue paper if you like, as shown in the middle spinner.

When & Where

"We make these spinners for birthday party decorations. It is becoming our newest tradition!"
- Anna B., after-school family child care provider and mother of ages 6 and 8.

"This easy craft was a big hit at our community fair. Spinners are simple to demonstrate and fun for kids (and parents). "
- Randy C., scout leader.

Interesting Info

The highest temperature recorded in the United States was 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7º C). It was recorded in California’s Death Valley in July 1913. The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Al' Aziziyah, Libya. The temperature reached 136 degrees Fahrenheit (57.8º C) in September 1922.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Outdoor Crafts—Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment. Close adult supervision is required.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.