Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for adding unique, handcrafted touches to outdoor spaces. Today, we’re diving into the world of DIY wind spinners – a project that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Imagine the gentle whirring of a colorful wind spinner gracing your garden, porch, or even your child’s play area. Not only will it add a touch of whimsy and movement, but it also acts as a natural deterrent for pests and birds. Plus, there’s something truly satisfying about crafting something with your own two hands. So, are you ready to unleash your creativity and craft a stunning wind spinner that’ll be the envy of your neighborhood? Let’s get started!

Gathering Your Supplies

Before we embark on this crafting journey, let’s gather our tools and materials. Don’t worry, I’ve put together a handy list for you:

For Sublimation:

Sublimation Printer: I used a converted Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Inkjet Printer.
Sublimation Ink
Sublimation Paper
8-Inch Sublimation Wind Spinner Blanks 3D Aluminum

For Infusible Ink:

Cricut Pattern Infusible Ink Sheets: I love the rainbow watercolor splash!
A Cutting Machine: I used the Cricut Maker 3 with a Fine-Point Blade (any Cricut Maker or Explore will work!).
Cricut Green StandardGrip Mat, 12″ x 12″ -OR- Cricut Blue LightGrip Mat, 12″ x 12″
Cricut Brayer
Tweezers
Weeding Tool

For Both Methods:

Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine (9 in x 9 in)
Cricut EasyPress Mat 12 in x 12 in
Heat Resistant Tape
Heat Resistant Gloves
Box Fan
Lint Roller
Cricut Metal Ruler
Pencil
White Butcher Paper
12 x 12 white cardstock
Display Motor with Remote (optional)
UV Resistant Clear Coat Spray (optional)

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Designs (Choose Your Favorite!):

Design #525 – My free autumn PNG design files (available in my free resource library – get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this post)
Tree of Life SVG file (for Infusible Ink)

Creating Your Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have our tools and materials ready, let’s transform these blank canvases into eye-catching wind spinners!

Step 1: Preparing Your Design

Choosing Your Design: You can use the designs from my free resource library, create your own, or opt for a stunning Tree of Life design using Infusible Ink transfer sheets.
Sizing for Success: Measure your wind spinner blank to ensure your design fits perfectly. For 8″ spinners, I recommend 8.25″ designs to cover the entire surface.
Printing Your Design: Print two copies of your design on high-quality sublimation paper – remember, we’re decorating both sides of our wind spinner!

Step 2: Bringing Your Design to Life with Sublimation

Prepping Your Workspace: Ventilation is key! Open a window or turn on a fan to ensure proper airflow.
Safety First: We’ll be working with high temperatures, so wearing heat-resistant gloves is crucial.
Preheating Your EasyPress: Set your EasyPress to 360°F (192°C) and 120 seconds.
Preparing Your Wind Spinner Blank: Remove the protective coating from both sides of the blank and use a lint roller to remove any dust or debris.
Securing Your Design: Place your sublimation print face up and position the blank face down on top. Secure the edges with heat-resistant tape to prevent any shifting or ghosting.
Centering Your Design: Use a pencil and ruler to mark the center of your print on both the top and side margins, ensuring perfect placement.
Creating a Protective Layer: Place a clean sheet of white cardstock on your heat mat (we don’t want to accidentally sublimate our mat!), followed by your taped blank, and a sheet of butcher paper on top.
Pressing Time: Carefully position your EasyPress on top of the butcher paper, press the ‘C’ button to start the timer, and apply medium pressure without sliding or moving.
Cooling and Peeling: Once the timer beeps, lift the EasyPress straight up and allow the spinner to cool for a minute before carefully removing the tape and print.
Repeating for the Other Side: Repeat these steps to sublimate the same design onto the back of your wind spinner blank.

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Step 3: Infusing Your Design with Infusible Ink

Uploading and Sizing Your Design: Upload your chosen SVG file (like the Tree of Life) to Cricut Design Space and size it to 8.25″.
Cutting Your Design: Select “Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet” as your material and set the pressure to “more.” Place your sheet on a StandardGrip Mat, secure it with a brayer, and load it into your Cricut. Remember to mirror your design before cutting!
Weeding Your Design: After cutting, gently peel away the excess Infusible Ink, leaving only your design on the carrier sheet.
Preparing Your Blank: Cover your heat mat with white cardstock and center your wind spinner blank on top.
Applying the Design: Carefully place your weeded Infusible Ink design onto the blank, using heat-resistant tape to secure the edges.
Pressing Your Design: Set your EasyPress to 360°F (192°C) for 120 seconds and apply light pressure (Infusible Ink requires lighter pressure than sublimation).
Cooling and Revealing: Allow the spinner to cool for a minute before removing the tape and carrier sheet to reveal your stunning design.

Step 4: Shaping Your Wind Spinner

Safety First: The edges of the metal can be sharp, so wear gloves to protect your hands.
Creating the Curves: Stabilize the spinner’s bottom point on a table and gently bend the outermost ring inward at a 45-degree angle. Repeat this process for each ring, bending them slightly less as you move towards the center.
Flipping and Repeating: Rotate the spinner and repeat the bending process on the other side, ensuring the rings are evenly spaced.

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Step 5: Adding a Motor (Optional)

If you’d like your wind spinner to twirl indoors, you can easily attach a small battery-operated motor.
Simply remove the swivel clip from the spinner and attach the motor’s clip to the top hole. Set your motor to a speed of 10 rotations per minute for a gentle, mesmerizing spin.

Step 6: Show Off Your Creation!

Congratulations on creating a personalized work of art! Now it’s time to hang your wind spinner in your favorite spot and enjoy the mesmerizing movement and vibrant colors. Whether you choose to display it outdoors or indoors, your DIY wind spinner is sure to become a conversation starter and a source of joy for years to come!

Expert Tips from Robert Kline Art

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your DIY wind spinner project is a resounding success:

Choosing Your Materials: Opt for high-quality sublimation blanks and inks for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Handling with Care: Avoid touching the surface of your blanks as much as possible to prevent transferring oils that could interfere with the sublimation process.
Perfecting Your Pressing Technique: Even pressure and a steady hand are crucial for preventing ghosting or uneven transfers.
Protecting Your Design: If you plan on displaying your wind spinner in direct sunlight, applying a UV-resistant clear coat will help prevent fading and keep your design looking its best.

Sharing Your Creations

I can’t wait to see the unique and beautiful wind spinners you create! Share your masterpieces with me on social media using #RobertKlineArt. And don’t forget to explore the Robert Kline Art website for more inspiring craft ideas and unique handmade gifts. Happy crafting!

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