Making pinwheels the day before an event or party is absolutely doable. In fact, doing the prep work ahead of time can make the day of more relaxing and enjoyable. Here are some tips for successfully making pinwheels in advance:
Should You Make Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
There are a few advantages to making pinwheels the day or night before:
- You can spread the work out – Pinwheels are easy and fun to make, but assembling dozens or hundreds can take some time. Doing it over multiple days prevents you from feeling rushed.
- The pinwheels can fully dry – Any glue or tape used to assemble the pinwheels will have plenty of time to dry and set overnight, making them sturdier.
- You’re ready for your event – When the big day arrives, you won’t have to worry about pinwheel crafts. You can simply grab them and go.
The main downside is that the pinwheels will need extra storage space until they are used. As long as you have room to keep them safe, making them ahead is highly recommended.
How Far in Advance Can You Make Them?
Pinwheels can generally be made 1-3 days before they are needed with no problems. Here are some tips for different timeframes:
- 1 day in advance – Best if you’re short on time or storage space. The pinwheels will still benefit from drying overnight.
- 2-3 days in advance – Ideal timeframe. Allows plenty of drying time and spreads the work out nicely.
- 4-7 days in advance – Can work but increases the risk of damage over time. Only make pinwheels this far in advance if needed.
- 1 week or more – Not recommended. The pinwheels are likely to get crushed, bent or damaged when stored for longer periods.
Pinwheel Paper Options
Choosing the right paper is key when making pinwheels in advance. The paper needs to be sturdy enough to hold its shape over time. Here are some good options:
- Cardstock paper – The best paper choice for durable pinwheels. Cardstock is thick and comes in many colors and patterns.
- Scrapbooking paper – Often has fun decorations already on it. Not quite as sturdy as cardstock but still effective.
- Wrapping paper – Works in a pinch but can tear more easily. Use double sided tape to reinforce it.
- Construction paper – Affordable but thin. Best for making pinwheels no more than 1-2 days in advance.
Avoid flimsy paper like tissue or crepe paper. While beautiful, these papers will not hold up over time.
Pinwheel Assembly Tips
Use these tips for maximum pinwheel stability when assembling them in advance:
- Reinforce with tape – Clear tape around the pinwheel’s center helps prevent rips.
- Let glue dry fully – Give glue several hours, or overnight, to fully set.
- Use brads or fasteners – Metal brads last longer than glue and tape.
- Store flat – Lay pinwheels flat rather than stacking them upright.
- Cushion with tissue paper – Place a sheet between each pinwheel before stacking to prevent damage.
Pinwheel Storage Ideas
Proper storage is crucial for keeping pinwheels in peak condition. Here are some effective storage solutions:
- Boxes or plastic bins – Any container that can lay flat works. Avoid overfilling.
- Under the bed – Slide a box with pinwheels flat under your bed to keep safe and dust-free.
- Closet shelf – An out-of-reach shelf prevents accidental damage.
- Garage or shed – Get pinwheels completely out of the way if you have the space.
Wherever you store them, be sure to keep pinwheels covered in plastic, a box or bin so they stay clean and dry.
Displaying Pinwheels
The fun part — showing off your pinwheels! Here are unique ways to display pinwheels made ahead of time:
- Lawn pinwheel garden – Stick pinwheels into your yard or garden soil for a colorful display.
- Along a fence or railing – Use zip ties to attach pinwheels to a fence, railing or rope.
- Grouped in buckets or pots – Anchor several pinwheels in buckets filled with rocks, beans or sand.
- Table decorations – Scatter pinwheels down the center of tables at your event.
- Party favor bags – Add a mini pinwheel to each guest’s goody bag.
Place pinwheels wherever you want a fun pop of whimsy and color!
Troubleshooting Pinwheel Problems
Even when made ahead of time, pinwheels are quite durable. But some issues can come up:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pinwheel won’t spin or moves slowly | Check for damage, bend the blades gently, or trim the point |
| Pinwheel is lopsided | Adjust the blade lengths and widths to improve balance |
| Blades are bent or crushed | Smooth out blades with your fingers or use new paper |
| Paper is torn or ripped | Use clear tape to repair small tears |
Conclusion
With some simple preparation and care, pinwheels can easily be constructed 1-3 days prior to an event or party. high-quality paper like cardstock, sufficient drying time for glue and tape, flat storage, and prevention of dirt or moisture are the keys to keeping pinwheels in top condition. The extra work is worthwhile so you can relax and enjoy the fun on the big day!