Happy JULY! (I know. I shit my pants this morning too. How is it actually July already?!?!) This year is FLYING by! ANYWAYS, I am super stoked because this coming weekend is 4th of July weekend - one of my absolute favorite holidays. I mean, I love all the holidays - but I especially love the 4th! What's not to love about the ultimate summer celebration dedicated to America?! Food on the grill, cold drink in hand, beach / pool lounging, fireworks, sunshine, the list goes on... !
Lately I have been really into making pretty drinks / making my drinks look pretty! Everyone is probably familiar with the classic "drink umbrella." I love putting them in my drinks throughout summertime, but I wanted something a bit more *MERICA* (and less tropical vacay) for the 4th - so I decided to make drink pinwheels!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- red / white / blue paper
- markers / pens
- ruler
- xacto knife / scissors
- toothpicks
- scotch tape
- bone folder (optional)
- some all-American music to keep you company! ;)
WHAT TO DO:
First, you'll want to measure out a bunch of 1.5 x 1.5 inch squares and cut them out of your red / white / blue paper. I used some red / blue index cards I had laying around because they were striped on one side already, but you can use any kind of paper - just make sure that it isn't too thick / stiff to make hard creases.
Next, you need to fold each square to create four triangular divisions.
Use your xacto knife / scissors to cut along each of the 4 folds, but DO NOT cut all the way through to the center (or you'll end up with 4 separate pieces).
Fold every other corner to the center and make hard creases. (use bonefolder if you'd like)
See photo below for folding guidelines:
Now it's time to decorate your pinwheels!
Be careful if you use Sharpies - as they will likely bleed through the paper.
Here are some that I made quickly if you need ideas on how to decorate yours:
Use scotch tape to attach toothpicks to the backside of your pinwheels.
I found it was easier to fold before decorating, but you could decorate your squares before cutting and folding too. Likewise, I found it easier to tape the toothpick on after decorating - but you could tape it on before decorating as well. If you are super lazy (or trying to make a large amount of these and find yourself pressed for time), you could also forego decorating all together - they are still quite a festive drink addition as just a solid (R/W/B) color!
They don't actually spin because they're so small (and ain't nobody got time to screw in an actual fastener) - so I guess they're technically *faux* pinwheels .. haha. You could totally glue on a little button or bead to the centers to make them look more "complete" if you want - but I think the folds alone get the idea across. Decorate them using different colors and use them throughout summer! PS: They probably also make adorable pastry toppers (cupcakes, pie, etc.)!
If you try this, I'd love to see it! Feel free to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @amyventures or let me know how it goes in the comments section below! :)
I'll be sharing a star-spangled smoothie recipe in the next day or 2 that pairs perfectly with these cute little drink pinwheels - stay tuned!