Are you searching for a way to repurpose an empty protein shake bottle and bring some whim to your garden or patio? Look no further than our charming flamingo wind spinner! With a touch of artistic creativity and a few simple materials, you can craft your very own spinning flamingo that will add life and delight to your outdoor space.
Whether you’re an experienced crafter searching for a new project, a novice looking to upcycle, or a parent seeking a fun activity for your children, this guide offers the inspiration and instructions necessary to create your very own flamingo wind spinner. Join us as we transform trash into treasure. Let your imagination soar as you infuse your garden with the magic of this delightful flamingo.
What You’ll Need for the Flamingo Wind Spinner
- Protein shake bottle. This will function as the flamingo wind spinner body. The link provided is the exact bottle Edgar used for this craft. You can buy these shakes on Amazon, Costco, and most grocery stores offer them as individual bottles. Feel free to try a different bottle; however, the measurements provided are for this specific one.
- PEX pipe. This is Edgar’s new favorite DIY material. It is cheap and easy to work with. The only downside is you need special PEX cutters, but you can easily find them at Home Depot or Amazon.
- Garden sticks or skewer sticks. Edgar chose these specific garden sticks over regular bamboo skewers because moisture did not alter their shape, thus impacting the flamingo’s spinning and bobbing performance. However, standard skewer sticks will also work.
- Double-sided glue dots or adhesive of your choice. A glue gun is a great alternative.
- Paint Edgar tested out a few different types of paint. This specific type in the link was his most successful one. Other paint types he tried either did not give him the desired look, didn’t adhere properly to the bottle’s finish, or flaked off after the paint dried.
- Plastic washers ensure bottle-rina spins freely.
- Head and legs pdf template
- Marker (dry-erase marker preferred)
- Scissors and X-acto knife
- Power drill (or a method to make the holes in the bottle and lid)
- Packaging tape OR laminator
Flamingo Wind Spinner Process
Neck
To begin, take off the label from the protein bottle. Next, drill a hole in the center of the bottle cap that measures less than 0.6 inches. This hole will serve as a holding spot for the pex pipe, which will be the neck of the flamingo. The pex pipe will have a tight enough fit if it is less than 0.6 inches.
To create the neck of the flamingo, start by taking the pex pipe and measuring 5.5 inches. Cut the pex pipe precisely at that point. Then, make a mark at 2 inches and another at 2.5 inches from the 2-inch mark (or 4.5 inches from the same end) on the cut pex pipe. Cut halfway through the pex pipe at each mark, with the cut at the 2-inch point on top and the cut at 2.5 inches at the bottom. Finally, bend both areas. The resulting shape will give the neck a natural curvature, just like a flamingo’s neck.
Next, make a vertical cut at the tip of the pex pipe. This slit will serve as a slot to secure the flamingo’s head.
Body
Next, Edgar shows you where to make the holes for the stick axle. He uses the two reference lines that are already on the bottle. The measurements for these holes are 0.25 inches from the bottom of the bottle’s shoulder and 1.5 inches right of the reference line. Make holes on each side of the bottle at these locations. It’s essential to make holes on both sides of the bottle in the same position to ensure that the flamingo wind spinner functions properly.
Once you’ve drilled the holes, insert a skewer stick to ensure the bottle can spin without any restrictions.
Next, cut out the lower body cavity. The sides of this open space will allow the pivoting motion of the flamingo. The exact dimensions are not crucial at this stage; however, ensure that the area is sufficiently spacious to catch the wind effectively, situated between the holes designated for the skewer stick.
You can create wings from the material cut from the body cavity. This step is optional and unnecessary for the flamingo wind spinner to function properly.
Dual-Axis Hinge and Platform
Now, we need to create the “dual-axis hinge,” which was invented by Edgar specifically for this project. Begin by cutting a 0.75-inch piece of the pex pipe. Next, mark two opposing sides at 0.25 inches from the top and the other two opposing sides at 0.4 inches from the top. Then, drill holes into each mark, ensuring that each hole is level with its opposite hole.
To ensure that the skewer sticks are level with each other and can spin freely, you should test the holes by inserting the skewer sticks.
Next, create a platform for the flamingo approximately 1 inch from the end of the skewer stick. Use a rolled-up glue dot (or your preferred adhesive) and a plastic washer. Once complete, set it aside.
Next, insert a skewer stick into the 0.4 inch placed holes on the dual-axis hinge, and place plastic washers on each side. Then, insert the stick into the previously drilled holes on the flamingo body (from the inside) and ensure the hinge is positioned in the center. Once it is centered, apply the glue dots (or adhesive) on each end of the plastic washer to connect the stick and the bottle. After completing these steps, only the rotational hinge should be in motion.
Legs and Head
Next, print out the legs and head template. Edgar found the X-acto knife much easier to be more precise with the smaller areas; however, scissors will work too. After cutting out the pieces, you can laminate them with packaging tape for a convenient method; however, if you have a laminator feel free to use that instead.
Then trim the surplus tape or material, but don’t cut it too close to the edge to guarantee its ability to withstand various weather conditions. Then put these parts aside.
Insert the Neck and Platform
Next, insert the neck of the flamingo wind spinner into the hole previously made in the bottle lid. Use the end that does not have the head slit. Additionally, ensure that the cut in the neck closest to the bottle lid is facing downwards.
Next, insert the platform stick into the remaining holes of the rotational hinge and ensure the plastic washer touches the hinge.
Adding the “Extras”
To give the flamingo wind spinner better balance and the ability to pivot and bob in the wind, Edgar added weight by gluing three pennies to the bottom.
Next, use your preferred adhesive to attach the wings to the flamingo. Then create a slit at the rear of the flamingo using a knife to attach a tail. Finally, cut off any excess horizontal skewer stick with scissors.
It’s finally time to paint your flamingo wind spinner. Painting is an excellent opportunity to involve your little helper. Edgar recommends acrylic paint, because he had the best results with it. He underwent a trial and error process with his “Bottle-Rina” paint choices. The issue primarily relates to the surface texture of the protein shake bottle.
Additionally, you don’t have to stop at paint either. Add on some rhinestone stickers to give the flamingo some extra flair. Meli had SO MUCH fun applying these to the Bottle-Rina.
Once the paint is dry, you can insert the flamingo head and tail into the slits made earlier. Finally, use the adhesive that you prefer to attach the flamingo legs to the vertical skewer stick.
After your wind spinner is complete, if you notice it is a little too front-heavy, feel free to add a little extra weight to the bottom to help balance it.
For a clear and detailed guide, you can watch Edgar’s DIY video which provides visual step-by-step instructions.
Final Thoughts on the Flamingo Wind Spinner
As can be seen from the video, this whimsical project offers an array of possibilities, from an engaging family activity to a chance to unleash your artistic talents. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter seeking a fresh endeavor or a novice eager to upcycle and beautify your outdoor space, this flamingo wind spinner is the perfect choice. Motivate your little one to engage in the decoration process by turning it into an enjoyable activity that lets them express their artistic side.
We hope you enjoyed this idea and found these instructions helpful. Please share your thoughts, questions, or experience with the flamingo wind spinner in the comment section below. We would love to hear your feedback! Interested in more upcycled garden decor? Check out our Bottle-Rina for another enchanting project! Happy crafting!
