DIY pinwheel

During my last visit to IKEA I spotted these black and white placemats for only $1.50.  I wasn't sure what I could do with it, but I grabbed one in case an idea came to me.  Luckily I thought of something as we were strolling the aisles of the craft store later in the week.  My daughter is always drawn to those outdoor pinwheels they have and I immediately thought the placemat I picked up would be perfect for something like that.  

  These are really easy to make and especially fun for kids.  I remember making them when I was in elementary school and always loved it.  

Here's what you'll need:

A square plastic placemat (I used this one)

A wooden dowel (I got mine for $0.99 at the craft store)

A ruler

A nail

A hammer

I started by drawing two lines to create four equal squares which helps find the middle of the placemat. You can really skip that step and just do the two diagonal lines if you want to.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  

After you've drawn your lines, cut the diagonal ones toward the center, but not all the way.  Leave about an inch or so in the middle.  

Then you'll need to make a hole in the corner of each triangle for the nail to go through.

Then make a hole in the very center of the placemat and fold the corners of the triangles with the hole in them to the center.  Stick your nail through the holes and hammer it into the wooden dowel.  I ended up super gluing a button to the head of my nail because my holes were a little too big.

Since the placemats are plastic (and waterproof) I think these would be really cute for a fun patio space or even to use at wedding.  Wouldn't they be fun lining the aisle at an outdoor wedding?