Whirling Color Flashes

crayola supplies

Color Explosion™ Neon
Color Explosion™ Rainbow
No-Run School Glue
Glitter Glue
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

ribbon, string, or yarn

Why

Create a spinning toy that’s a groovy flash of color and pattern.

Steps

1. Glue two pieces of Crayola Black Color Explosion™ Paper back to back. Place something heavy, like a telephone directory, on them while they dry.
2. With Crayola Black Color Explosion™ Markers, draw a large circle on the double page. Cut out the shape. Decorate both sides of the circle. Try to imagine how the patterns will look as the disk spins slowly—and then faster and faster. Highlight your designs with Glitter Glue. Air-dry the sparkles.
3. Makes a few slits, straight or curved, from the outer edge of the disk toward the center. Keep slits parallel and do not cut too close to the center or your strips will spin right off.
4. With the help of an adult, poke two holes close together in the center of the circle. Thread a long piece of string or even elastic through one hole and out the other. Tie ends together. Next thread another piece of yarn the same length the other way. You will have one string circle coming out of each side of the paper disk.
5. Holding each string in one hand, ask an adult or friend to twist the paper disk in one direction. Pull the strings taut, let loose of the spinner, and watch your disk whirl! See the beautiful patterns you made—spinning at top speed.
6. For even more excitement, bend some of the strips to create undulating moves. Experiment with the possibilities!

When & Where

"After we spun this around, we removed one of the strings, weighted the center (by gluing a penny) and then had a bouncy toy. The possibilities are endless with this colorful paper and kids’ imaginations. "
- Fumiko O., mother of 7- and 9-year-olds.

"When they bent the strips, some children saw spiders in their creations, others imagined sea urchins. "
- Joan J., after-school crafts coordinator.

Interesting Info

Some people believe that if a sea urchin spike sticks you, it’s best to break off the part that’s above the skin and leave the rest in until the spine dissolves and your body absorbs it rather than damage your skin getting out a breakable and barbed spine.

Safety Guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Color Explosion™ Black—Wash hands well with soap and water after use.

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.