As a program coordinator at Arizona State University, I often have fun creating an event for the College of Nursing & Health Innovation.  This month we will be participating in Sparky’s Carnival on the downtown campus, an event geared for new students.  I am taking the carnival theme and working it with my trusty sidekick, Jasmine, our amazing student worker and we are having fun as we work.  It’s amazing what can be created with basic supplies when we have the right tools.  I am often asked for more specific information on the products I use to get results in my blog posts.  I will, going forward, be including links to what I use and hope it will be helpful.

I wanted to share this pinwheel bouquet we will be using as a centerpiece at the event because it works for any type of celebration, depending on the type of paper used, and helps create a fun atmosphere. I cut assorted scrapbook paper using my portable paper cutter  in 6″ and 4″ squares so I would have two different sizes of pinwheels.  Then 2 pieces of the same size paper (not same color or print) were attached back-to-back using square adhesive tabs to create a pinwheel (I have included directions to making pinwheels below).  Drinking straws were used for the handles – (wooden skewers can also be used).  I found a black vase at a thrift store for $3.00 and stuffed floral foam into the opening, which I cut to fit for the straws to stick into.  Then I used glass pieces to cover the foam.  These glass pieces can often be found in thrift stores on the back wall of items that are bagged up.  They come in an assortment of colors or clear.

I also found that a miniature glue gun worked well with this project.

Here is the link I used on how to make pinwheels.

If you give this project a try, please let me know – I’d love to see your creation.