Windsocks (wind direction markers) can be made into beautiful decorations by hanging them on the terrace. You can also grab the handle straps and take the windsock for a run so that the band will flutter in the wind. Windsocks can be made in a variety of shapes and colors making them an interesting craft project for children of all ages.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Windsock out of Paper
Step 1. Decorate a sheet of paper with crayons, markers, paint, or stickers
Prepare a sheet of construction paper (colorful craft paper), plain HVS paper, or cover paper (cardstock). Place the paper on a flat surface, then decorate as desired. If using paint, make sure it is dry before you proceed with the process.
- If you want a simple design, make dots or lines
- Make a pattern, such as a star, heart, or fish.
- Decorate the windsock to make it look like an animal, such as a fish or owl.
Step 2. Roll the paper lengthwise to form a tube, then attach it with glue, tape, or staples
Bring the narrow ends of the paper together to form a tube. Glue the paper surface lengthwise about 3 cm wide. Secure the tube position using tape, glue, or staples.
- Make sure the decorated side is on the outside of the tube.
- You can use hot glue or regular liquid glue. If using liquid glue, use paper clips or clothespins to stick the paper down until the glue dries.
Step 3. Make a ribbon by cutting out crepe paper or tissue
Each ribbon should be about 40 cm long. Crepe paper is usually already thinly sliced so you can leave it as is, or cut it even smaller. However, if you are using tissue paper, cut the paper about 3-5 cm wide and about 40 cm long.
- Make tape as needed, then tape it around the inside of the windsock tube. Use about 5-10 strands of ribbon.
- The ribbons don't have to be the same color. You can even make rainbow windsocks using ribbons of different colors!
Step 4. Glue the tape using tape or glue on the inner bottom edge of the windsock
Glue the end of the first tape to the inside of the windsock about 3 cm wide. Glue the tape using tape or glue, then do the same for the other tape. Continue the process until the entire inside edge of the windsock is covered with tape.
The best options for attaching tape are hot glue or liquid glue. However, you can also use staples if you don't have glue
Step 5. Make two holes in the top of the windsock, opposite each other
Turn the windsock over so the tape is away from your body. Make 2 holes in the top of the windsock using a hole punch. Make sure the two holes are facing each other.
Step 6. Thread the thread through both holes, then tie the ends together
Prepare yarn 3-4 times the width of the windsock. Thread both ends of the thread into the hole, then tie them together and tie a knot. Rotate the handle so that the knot is on the inside of the windsock.
- Knitting yarn is perfect for this purpose, although you can use a string of any material you want as long as it fits through the hole.
- Alternatively, you can use a pipe cleaner by inserting the ends into both holes. After that, bend both ends to secure the position.
Step 7. Hang the windsock on the hook
To function properly, hang the windsock outside or in front of a fan. However, don't leave it outdoors when it's raining. You should put it indoors at night to prevent it from getting damaged by dew.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Windsock out of Plastic
Step 1. Cut the plastic bottle 3 cm wide so that you will get a plastic ring
Prepare a plastic bottle of used drinks or soda. Cut the bottle in half with scissors or a knife. After that, cut one part of the bottle to get a ring about 3 cm wide. Set the plastic ring aside and put the remaining bottles in the recycling bin.
- Children should be assisted by adults when doing this.
- If the inside of the plastic bottle is dirty, wash the rings with soap and warm water, then use a towel to dry them.
Step 2. Make 2 holes in the plastic ring
You can punch holes using a hole punch or a nail. Make sure the two holes are facing each other so that the windsock can hang evenly.
Step 3. Make a handle by threading the thread into the hole
Prepare a thread 3-4 times the width of the ring. Thread the thread through both holes, then tie the ends together in a knot for a handle.
Step 4. Make a strip of plastic bag about 3 centimeters wide
Spread the plastic bag on the table. Use a ruler and marker to make stripes about 3 centimeters wide across the plastic bag from top to bottom. Use scissors to cut these lines. Make sure to cut both layers of the plastic bag.
- The number of strips needed will depend on how many strips you want to attach to the windsock. Try to use about 5-7 strips.
- If you want a rainbow windsock, use plastic bags of different colors.
- You can also use party ribbon, regular ribbon, or even cellophane (a clear, thin sheet usually used for packaging)!
Step 5. Tie the strip to a plastic ring with a live knot
Bend the plastic strip in half. Place the folded end into the ring so that it sticks out from the bottom a few centimeters. Guide the end of the strip toward the top edge, then thread it through the knot hole and pull it down. Tighten the knot by pulling the end of the strip.
Do this on all the strips until they cover the plastic ring. Depending on the size of the ring, you may need more strips
Step 6. Hang the windsock using the hooks
You can hang it anywhere you want, but preferably outdoors when it's windy. If no wind is blowing, try placing it in front of a fan. You don't need to be afraid of dew and rain because this windsock is made of plastic.
Tips
- A suitable material for this project is acrylic paint, but you can also use tempera paint or poster paint.
- Watercolors and markers will look great on white paper, but won't look great on colored paper.
- Hang the windsock in a location that gets a slight breeze.
Warning
- Don't leave the paper windsock outside when it's raining.
- Plastic cutting must be done by an adult.
