This is the easiest method for making paper pinwheels with scrapbooking paper. This paper pinwheel craft idea is great for party decor, wedding, and more!

Confession: pretty scrapbooking paper is one of my obsessions! I love to collect papers of different designs, and over time, I have accumulated quite a stash of patterned paper that I am always wanting to put to good use. Paper pinwheels are one of my favorite paper craft projects to make! Making paper pinwheels is so easy with this simple method, and they are the perfect little craft to make to decorate for all sorts of purposes. Continue reading for the step-by-step tutorial.

This post contains affiliate links.

Paper Pinwheel Supplies

---

• Double-sided patterned paper 
• Paper trimmer
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Adhesive glue dots
• Accents for the center: buttons, charms, etc.
• Hot glue

How to Make Paper Pinwheels

---

Use the paper trimmer to cut the paper into a perfect square. This method can be used to create any size of pinwheel you like! Gently fold the piece in half lengthwise; unfold and fold in half widthwise. At this point, your square will be divided into four sections, as seen below. Mark the very center where all of the sections meet with a dot using a pencil.

Using scissors, trim from each of the outer corners on a diagonal toward the center point, making the cuts half the length of the distance from the outside corners to the center point. 

Affix an adhesive dot over the center mark on the square piece. Starting on the left side of the piece, fold one of the point up and toward the dot, pressing to anchor the tip of the flap into place. Fold each of the remaining 3 alternating flaps in this same way until you have a nice pinwheel shape.

At this point, you can cover the center of the pinwheel with any embellishment you choose. I love buttons (particularly fabric-covered buttons), but beads, flower embellishments, or even punched circles of paper work, too! Anchor whatever accent you choose to the center front of the pinwheel with hot glue.

Pinwheels are perfect for stringing onto garlands for different holidays and occasions.

Large pinwheels make terrific photo backdrops when grouped together in a large cluster, too!

DIY Paper Pinwheel Q&A

---

Do you have to use double-sided paper when making pinwheels?

Paper pinwheels can be made with single-sided paper, too, but the alternating flaps of the pinwheel will be white instead of a contrasting pattern.

Can I use hot glue to secure the flaps instead of the glue dots?

Folding and securing the flaps of the pinwheel into place can be very tricky when working with hot glue, as the process requires pressing the flaps firmly into place with your fingers, meaning you stand a very good chance of being burned. Ouch! However, if you want to use hot glue, I recommend using a wooden dowel or another tool to press the flaps down instead of your fingers.

Do you have any fun project ideas for using paper pinwheels?

I sure do! My paper pinwheel wreath is a fun way to use handmade pinwheels. 

This giant pinwheel backdrop at Oh Happy Day is such a great idea for using pinwheels, too!