How to Build Decorative Windmills

Draw a polygon on the cardboard sheet measuring 9 inches on the top, 12 inches on the bottom and 20 inches on the other two sides. Cut out this template. Lay the template on the plywood sheet and trace six identical shapes. These will be the sides for the windmill. Trace a hexagon on the cardboard with 9 1/2-inch sides. Cut out this hexagon. This hexagon will be the platform for the top. Draw an X on the plywood with each arm 16 inches long and 2 inches wide. Measure 2 inches from the center of the X and draw a square around the center of the X. Cut out the arms of the X with the square in the center as one piece. Cut the wooden dowel to 12 inches. Cut a 2-inch circle from the plywood.

Drill a hole in the center of the arms large enough for the wooden dowel to be inserted. Drill a hole in the center of the 2-inch circle.

Choose a base color for the body of the windmill. Paint the plywood polygons in the chosen color. These will be the sides of the Dutch style windmill. Paint the blades, dowel and circle white. Set aside to dry completely.

Lay the first plywood polygon on a flat surface. Place another plywood polygon flush with the short side on top so the sides are 1/4-inch apart along the 20-inch seam. Repeat the process with the rest of the wall sections. Secure the plywood in place with pieces of tape laid horizontally across each joint. Set the tower upright and fold the walls together to create the tower. The wood sides should now touch along the seams. Adjust the walls as needed so the tower does not tip or wobble. Trim the bottom as needed so the tower stands securely. Apply glue around the top of the tower and set the hexagon on the glue. Press firmly in place and set aside to dry completely.

Turn the tower upside down and apply wood glue to all seams inside the tower. Set aside. Insert the wooden dowel into the center of the arms. Add glue to hold in place. Set all items aside to until the glue is completely dry.

Paint details on the tower and blades as desired and set aside to dry. Draw a straight line 6 inches long on the top of the tower. Screw one eyelet screw into each end of this line so the eyelets are parallel. Insert the wooden dowel through both eyelets. Glue the small circle on the end of the dowel. The dowel should sit so the arms can turn freely.