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Make a Ribbon Wind Sock

Create a Breeze Catcher

Jun 1, 2009 Susan Caplan

Gather ribbon from previous projects or purchase a couple of spools of ribbon, and decorate a plastic lid. That's all it takes to create art that moves in the wind.

In under an hour, you can create a ribbon breeze catcher to hang outdoors. These are simple enough to create that kids can make several to give as gifts or to decorate the yard for your next party.

Materials to Create a Recycled Craft Project

You will need a plastic lid. Look to empty coffee cans, cottage cheese containers, etc. for a lid. The larger the lid, the larger your breeze catcher will be. If you only have small plastic lids, you could hang several of them a foot or so apart for a festive look. An adult will need to help cut away the center of the lid, leaving the rim. You’ll wrap ribbon around the rim, so don’t worry if the edges are a bit rough.

Next, gather an assortment of ribbon, a half-inch wide or narrower. Select ribbons in favorite, school, or holiday colors. You’ll want at least two colors, but you can use more.

Assembling a Ribbon Wind Sock

If you haven’t already asked an adult to cut a hole in the lid, you’ll need to do that before you can continue.
Cut each piece of ribbon to twenty-four inches in length. Don’t worry if the pieces aren’t the exact same length, the variety will look nice. The amount of ribbon you’ll need will depend on the size of the lid, which is the form for your breeze catcher. Cut a dozen pieces to start and know that you’ll need to cut more.
Fold one piece of ribbon in half. Set the looped end behind the plastic rim.
Take the two tails and slide them through the loop of ribbon so you catch the plastic rim within the loop of ribbon. Tug.
You can knot the ribbon so it can’t slip loose.
Repeat. Add more ribbon around the rim, although you don’t need to cover the entire plastic rim. Space the ribbons over the rim. Too many ribbons will tangle with one another on a windy day.
To make the hanger, tie on a piece of ribbon to opposite sides of the circle. Hang this loop off a hook or post.
Wait for a breeze!

Ideas for Decorating with Your Ribbon Breeze Catcher

Hang outside a door or window so you can see how breezy it is when you are indoors.
Set your ribbon windsock inside a window that is kept open on warm days to let in a breeze.
Hang several around the area where you are holding a party.
Attach a small one to the outside of a present so you are giving a second gift to the recipient.
Suggest mom, dad, or your grandparents add a small breeze catcher to a car antenna so they avoid misplacing their car in large parking lots. They will need to add some wire to hold it in place.

With some colorful ribbon and a little time, you can turn the lid of a container into a moving piece of art to hang outdoors.

The copyright of the article Make a Ribbon Wind Sock in Kids Crafts is owned by Susan Caplan. Permission to republish Make a Ribbon Wind Sock in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Breeze Catcher in Action