Here is my process and my research:
First, a website that I found while google image browsing on pinwheel crafts. I like to use google images as a starting point for two main reasons, one I want to see if the craft has been done before, and two because I need to see the basic construction of a pinwheel, so that I can later use that basic blueprint and invent a craft of my own that is customized to fit the interests of kids depending on the event, or in a setting where I know the kids' interests.
Check out these fun pin wheels!
From: http://www.yokebakery.com/diy/tag/wind-crafts/
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| (Photo from www.yokebakery.com) This new project involves many componants... |
I was asked to choose a craft that would be appealing to passerbyers, and that is not too messy.
Non- Messy crafts are a real thing lol. It just takes a lot of organization and multitasking, and most of all be confident in your craft.
If the craft simply does not work and the end result falls apart, then you are in trouble because the kids won't be happy and then you won't be happy.
A well designed craft is tested out before hand, if not tested before hand problems could arise in the very beginning and it can stall time. A craft can often be improvised, but the improvising is strongest when you use materials that you already know very well. Knowing your materials is highly importamt. If you know your materials and their properties, for example, scotch tape on wet paint...doesn't work, because the adhesive on the tape looses its grip and will never hold down what you are trying to make stay down, which will result in a dissapointed and frustrated crafter.
So the women who told me more about the event that this craft will participate in had an idea to make flowers. So keeping her idea in mind, I decided to add another componant to the ordinary paper flower.
Many ways to make a paper flower: the good old tissue paper and pipe cleaner combo, next is the same ole' construction paper cut out of parts of a flower that are glued together...boring but cute, well...how about something that combines part flower and part invention. In other words, how about adding movement to the flower.
So we have it, a sunflower pinwheel.
To my curiosity I googled "sunflower pinwheels" and found this website:
This page specifically addresses materials and instructions on how to make a pinwheel and a sunflower combined. which helps me decide and customize my own craft.
http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Nature/flowerpinwheel/flowerpinwheel.html
I found after researching this craft that I will run into a few problems...
1) finding green straws
2) being able to teach many kids and families at once the folding process of the propeller part of the pinwheel. At a public arts and crafts table, sometimes it is best and less stressful on the teacher to provide a craft that is not too complex in its number of steps.
3) I will have to find a solution to poking the whole in the middle, that means I will have to monitor a sharp pin tool at the crafts table, and that is just one extra elemement of the craft that I have to do single handedly, there fore I have to take into consideration my tools that I will have to monitor at the table.
4) Many steps to a craft = intimidation, the last thing I want to do is scare kids away from making a craft because they feel as though it is very complicated to make. All public crafts should take simple steps and be very inviting for all ability levels.
