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Engage in some hands-on fun with this simple DIY Circle Spinner Toy that’s as entertaining to make as it is to play with. Using basic materials like cardboard, markers, and string, you can create a vibrant spinner that dazzles with colors as it twirls.
DIY Rainbow Paper Spinner
This paper spinner is the perfect paper activity for kids! It’s low mess, requires minimal supplies and colorful! This project is perfect for pre-teens as there is some coloring, precise cutting, and even a little “hole – punching” that is great for older crafters.
How to Video: Watch the Spinner in Action!
Materials Needed: DIY Rainbow Paper Spinner
- Free Circle Spinner Template
- Cardboard (thin enough to cut, we used the cardboard from a cereal box)
- Markers in various colors
- Push pin
- Pencil
- String (ours was about 28 inches long)
- Scissors
- Glue
How To Make a DIY Rainbow Paper Spinner
Step 1: Color and Cut Out Your Circles
Begin by coloring your circle templates using markers. We chose to do a classic rainbow theme that kids love! Rainbows are one of the first ways kids learn their colors and it makes for a pretty visual when spinning! Once colored, carefully cut out the circles.
Step 2: Prepare the Cardboard
Use one of the cut-out circles as a guide to trace another circle onto your cardboard. Cut this cardboard circle out. You’ll need a sturdy circle as the base of your spinner.
Step 3: Assemble the Spinner
Glue one colored paper circle to each side of the cardboard circle, ensuring they are aligned perfectly. This will give your spinner a colorful appearance on both sides.
Step 4: Create the Holes for Spinning – (Adults only or under supervision)
Use a push pin to puncture two holes in the center of the cardboard circle, about ¼-½ inch apart. Then, use a pencil to enlarge these holes slightly so the string can pass through them easily.
Step 5: Thread and Secure the String
Cut a 28-inch piece of string. Thread the string through both holes, pulling it until the spinner sits centrally along the string’s length. Tie the ends of the string together securely, ensuring the knot is strong and the spinner can move freely along the string.
Crafty Tips & Classroom Use
- While markers provide the most vibrant effect to the spinner you can use colored pencils or crayons as well!
- The cardboard sandwiched between the two circles really is necessary. You need a stable piece between the cardstock so that it keeps it shape when spinning.
- Using a pin or push pin is the best way to make holes. You want your holes just big enough for the string to go through but not to be loose.
