I have had several request about how to make a windwand. Here is one way, but there are many ways to get the three ribbons attached to something so that they float and move to a song. Using the stick is especially fun for the children because they can snap the ribbons.<grin>
Click here to se How to make a windwand
Here are some other posts that talk about windwands.
here as an activity for younger children
here as a general guide about how to use windwands, and a video of different patterns you might want to use
Laura Bickmore
oh hey! so would 5/8″ ribbon work? Or would you recommend something closer to 1″ with tapping those rivets/ eyelets in?
Sharla Dance
Dear Laura, You could try to get the eyelets into 5/8″ and see what happens. It might work out great.
Heidi Dial
So I have about 40 kids in Jr and Sr, should I make enough for every kid or just some?
Sharla Dance
Dear Heidi, I didn’t have the stamina (or resources) to make all the windwands I needed at one time, so I gathered them over time. I do know that the children that don’t get a turn are wistful, but I have had half the room do the patterns then give their windwand to someone who didn’t have a turn, and we did the pattern again. Yes, make as many windwands as you are able, but if it is not enough for the whole group, do the sharing and turn taking.
Connie
This may be a silly question but…how do you store them so that they don’t get all tangled?
Sharla Dance
Dear Connie,
I put about 5 sticks together and wind the ribbons around them so that the ribbons are flat. They have been stored that way for about 15 years! (Of course, I use them a lot so they are not always like that.)
Laura Bickmore
Sharla! – Sorry to keep on a buggin’ – one last question…. Is your ribbon single faced or double faced??? ^_^ And looking at 5/8″ just seemed too small, so I am going with the 7/8 ribbon. I’m finally going to do this!
Ember Fife
Dear Sister Dance, so I read a comment on another post that you used 1/2 to 3/4 inch ribbon, but here I’m reading you think 5/8/inch might be too small for the eyelets?
Ally
Could you maybe post a picture of a finished windward? I’m having a hard time figuring out some of the instructions.
Jessica
Thank you so much for all your wonderful posts. I’m excited to make my wands. I’ve got all the supplies, but a picture, like Ally suggested, would be SOOOO helpful. Thanks again!!
Jessica
Ok, so i made my wands! Setting the eyelets was a nightmare because the ribbon kept on fraying. But i used swivel eye lobster clasp hooks instead of the fishing hooks and they worked great! Thank you for the wonderful idea and tutorial! I can’t wait to use them.
Sharla Dance
Wonderful!
Lisa Hansen
Can you send me a pic of what yours turned out to be: pianogal0@gmail.com? I’m trying to envision your clasp hooks….
Becca
As an idea for some, my ward beehives offered to make me windwands for one of their 10 hour YW projects! I feel so blessed!
Sharla Dance
I am really smiling at this idea! They are blessing the children in a huge way (as well as you!)
Shawna
I know you must be incredibly busy, but will it be okay if I request a video of a windward being made?
that would help me tremendously, and I think many of us!! lol….