Ethan Clarke
Plastic canvas wind spinners are a fun and attractive craft project that can be hung from your porch, patio, or garden. They can be made using strips of canvas plastic, pony beads, and a pipe cleaner. The first step in making a wind spinner is to cut the plastic canvas into strips of the desired size and colour. It is important to find the exact centre of each piece so that the spinner hangs correctly. Once the pieces are cut, they can be strung together using wire or fishing line, with beads added for decoration. Finally, a loop is created at the top for hanging, and the wind spinner is ready to be enjoyed as it twirls and spirals in the wind.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic canvas, beads, pipe cleaner, fishing line, cording, wire |
| Colours | Any colour of choice, or a combination of colours |
| Size | 6 1/2 inches by 10 inches, cut into 14 strips of 1/2 inch by 6 1/2 inch with a square hole at each end |
| Assembly | String plastic canvas strips onto wire or pipe cleaner through the square holes, adding beads in between; form a loop at the top with cording or fishing line for hanging |
| Notes | Marking the plastic canvas before cutting can be helpful; use cording instead of yarn for outdoor hanging |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the plastic canvas
Measuring and Planning Your Cuts:
Before you start cutting, it's essential to determine the required size and shape for your wind spinner. Measure the desired dimensions and plan your cuts accordingly. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to mark the cutting lines on the plastic canvas. Remember to include an extra row or two on each side to allow for a neat finish.
Marking the Cutting Lines:
Using a permanent marker, carefully mark the cutting lines on the plastic canvas. You can create a grid by counting the holes in the canvas and marking the intersections. This will ensure straight and precise cuts. If you prefer, you can also transfer a needlepoint pattern by counting the squares in a design chart and replicating it on the plastic canvas.
Sharp scissors are the tool of choice for cutting plastic canvas. Select a pair of sharp scissors that can easily cut through the material. Cut along the marked lines, following the grid or pattern you have created. Cut as close as possible to the canvas bars without tearing them. If you're creating strips, ensure that each strip has a square hole at the end for easy assembly later on.
Trimming and Finishing:
Once you've made the initial cuts, carefully trim any excess material from the edges. To achieve a neat finish, cut the corners diagonally and trim them as close as possible to the canvas bars. If you accidentally tear the plastic canvas, don't worry! Simply use a hot glue gun to glue the damaged bars back together. Remove any marker lines with a damp cloth before stitching, and remember to leave a bar unstitched around the design for joining pieces and finishing edges.
Creating Strips for the Wind Spinner:
To create the colourful spinning effect, cut the plastic canvas into strips of various lengths. For example, you can cut strips that are 5 holes wide and vary the lengths according to your chosen pattern. You can also alternate colours to create a vibrant design. Remember to keep the strips organised according to their colour and length, as you'll need to string them together in a specific order later on.
Remember to take your time during the cutting process and follow the marked lines closely. With careful cutting and attention to detail, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and unique plastic canvas wind spinner!
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Stringing the plastic canvas
Preparing the Plastic Canvas Strips:
Before you begin stringing, you'll need to cut your plastic canvas into strips of the desired colours and sizes. For example, you might cut strips that are 5 holes wide and vary in length, such as 13, 25, 37, and 49 holes long. Be sure to leave a square hole at each end of the strip for stringing. You can use a permanent marker to mark the cutting lines if needed, just remember to clean it off afterward with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol.
Laying Out the Strips:
It's a good idea to lay out all your plastic canvas strips in the order they will be strung. This will help you visualise the pattern and ensure you string them in the correct order. Start with the smallest strips and work your way up to the largest.
Finding the Centre of Each Strip:
This is a crucial step. You need to find the exact centre of each plastic canvas strip before stringing, or your wind spinner might hang unevenly. Carefully identify the centre of each strip and mark it if necessary to ensure accuracy.
Stringing the Strips:
Take your wire or pipe cleaner and begin by putting on a few beads. Then, starting with the smallest strip, weave the wire up through the centre of the square, adding a bead after each strip. Continue this process, following the pattern you've laid out, until all the strips are strung together. Remember to string the loose ends of the plastic canvas strips in the same order they were originally placed.
Securing the Strips:
Once all the strips are strung, you'll need to secure them. Twist and secure another loop in the pipe cleaner or wire just under the final bead. This will help keep the structure intact.
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Using beads
To make a beaded plastic canvas wind spinner, you will need plastic canvas, beads, a pipe cleaner, wire, scissors, and cording.
First, cut the plastic canvas into strips. The strips should be 1/2 inch by 6 1/2 inches, with a square hole remaining at each end. You will need 14 strips to complete the project. Cut the strips into different lengths depending on the pattern you want to create. For example, cut two strips of one colour that are 5 squares across and 5 squares down, then cut another two strips of the same colour that are 5 by 7 squares, and so on.
Next, take a pipe cleaner and form a loop at one end. Secure the loose end by twisting it around the base of the loop. Slide a bead up to the loop, followed by the plastic canvas strips. Be sure to string the loose ends of the strips in the same order as they were originally placed. Continue stringing the beads and strips until all the strips are secure. You can create different patterns by alternating the colours of the plastic canvas strips.
Finally, twist and secure another loop in the pipe cleaner just under the final bead. Tie a piece of fishing line to the bottom of this loop and attach the wind chime pieces. Tie another piece of fishing line to the top loop of the pipe cleaner to hang the spinner outside.
You can also use beads to finish the bottom of your wind spinner. Cut two pieces of cording, each about 14-18 inches long, and fold them together at the bottom of the loop. Add some leftover beads to the cords and tie a double knot at the end of each cord, cutting off any excess.
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Securing the wind spinner
Firstly, it is important to identify the top loop of your plastic canvas wind spinner. This is where you will attach the key ring or a piece of fishing line. Ensure that the key ring or fishing line is securely fastened to the top loop. This will serve as the primary hanging mechanism for your wind spinner.
For added strength and stability, consider using a pipe cleaner or a sturdy wire. Take the pipe cleaner and form a secure loop at one end. Twist the loose end of the pipe cleaner around itself to create a tight hold. This will provide a strong foundation for your wind spinner.
Now, let's focus on the strips of plastic canvas. Take the loose end of the top canvas plastic strip and slide it onto the pipe cleaner through the square holes at the opposite end of the strip. Ensure that the canvas strip curves gently as you slide it into place. Continue this process, threading the loose ends of the canvas strips onto the pipe cleaner, followed by pony beads to secure them in place.
Once all the strips are securely attached to the pipe cleaner, create another loop just under the final pony bead and twist it to secure it in place. Attach a short piece of fishing line or durable string to this bottom loop. This will provide an additional hanging point for your wind spinner.
Finally, tie another piece of fishing line or string to the top loop of the pipe cleaner. This will be the primary hanging point, allowing you to hang your wind spinner outdoors. You can also use cording instead of fishing line or string if you prefer a more durable option, especially if your wind spinner will be exposed to harsh weather conditions.
By following these steps, you can securely hang your plastic canvas wind spinner, ensuring that it twirls gracefully in the wind. Remember to choose a suitable location, such as your porch, patio, or garden, where you can enjoy watching your colourful creation spin with even the gentlest of breezes.
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Hanging the wind spinner
The next step is to string the wire with beads and the plastic canvas strips. It is important to find the exact centre of each piece, otherwise, the spinner will hang unevenly. You can use a marker to mark the centre of each piece before threading. Thread the wire with beads and strips, adding a bead after each strip.
Once all the strips are secure, twist and secure another loop in the pipe cleaner, just under the final bead. Tie a short piece of fishing line to the bottom of the loop and then attach the wind chime pieces. Tie another piece of fishing line to the top loop of the pipe cleaner, and this can be used to hang the spinner outside.
If you are hanging the spinner outdoors, it is recommended to use cording instead of yarn to ensure durability.
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Frequently asked questions
You can hang a plastic canvas wind spinner by tying a loop at the top with cording.
You will need plastic canvas, pipe cleaners, pony beads, wire, and cording. You can also use permanent markers, cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, and super glue.
First, measure the plastic canvas by counting the holes. Trim the plastic canvas to 6 1/2 inches by 10 inches, then cut it into strips that are 1/2 inch by 6 1/2 inches long, leaving a square hole at each end.
Form a loop at one end of a pipe cleaner and secure it by twisting the loose end around itself. Slide on a pony bead, then thread the loose end of the top canvas strip through the square holes in the opposite end of the strips. Continue stringing the loose ends and beads, following a pattern if desired.
You can hang your wind spinner on your porch, patio, or anywhere in your garden where there is a gentle breeze.
