Halloween Count Down Spin Wheel

Extra large, two layer panel with top hang hole

has a "window" that shows the days until Halloween

(or October's date) as a count off.

Vintage pumpkin in witch hat is created by

layering base "flesh" (cream) colored

with black and orange layers on top.

Numbers are mounted on finger-notched inner wheel.

Brad fastener joins layers.

Finished size measures 15.5" wide x 14" tall

(panels are cut and joined to size; 12x12 mat required).

ASSEMBLY:

1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A plaque base (four shapes that combine)

B accent plaque (four shapes that combine)

C script poem words

D top hanger reinforcements

E wheel

F wheel reinforcement build up (2)

G numbers 1 thru 30

Also cut the pumpkin decoration shapes.

Hat has a "flesh" beige or taupe layer, black layer, orange buckle shapes (3)

Pumpkin has a "flesh" beige or taupe layer, black layer, orange front layer that includes a small separate shape along the bottom edge.

2. Prepare the base and base accent plaque shapes to join. The edges of each that come together do not line up but are intended to provide a glue-up non-match for better strength and assembling.

One way to accomplish the layering is to use "removable" tape or equivalent to connect the two plaque assemblies. Attach tape to the front  of the accent plaque, and the back of the base plaque.

3. Apply a thorough application of adhesive to the accent plaque backside, then position, centered, over the base plaque. 

There will be a narrow offset margin all around the accent plaque.

4. Assemble the two reinforcing hanger shapes into one unit. NOTE that the hanger is flipped or reversed so that the face side will be visibly on the back side of the project.


5. Position and attach the hanger at the top back side of the plaque base shape.

6. Attach the two "build up" reinforcement shapes on the front side of the wheel shape.

These circles will provide a spacing buffer between the plaque and the wheel so that the spinning action will not scrape the numbers and potentially pop them off.

7. Position the wheel assembly behind the plaque assembly and line up the center punch holes.

Insert and attach a brad through the punch hole.

NOTE that the brad will be covered by the pumpkin decoration, and may fall near the hat/pumpkin "seam". Use the smallest profile brad that will be strong enough to keep the layers attached.

8. Position and attach the pumpkin head layers, lining up the beige and black layers exactly. Attach the orange layer with the center top edges lined up. The other edges may offset to provide the shadow of the design.

Position and attach the separate orange lower shape, lining up the mouth opening edges along the top, and leaving gaps at edges.

9. Position and attach the black hat layer over the beige base layer, with all outer edges lined up.

Position and attach the hat band left and right sections. NOTE that band ends will match up with hat edges to help with positioning. Center and attach the buckle between.

10. Make a "dry run" to see where the pumpkin shape(s) and the poem phrase word cutouts will be positioned on the plaque front. Once adjusted, glue in place.

Here, I have used the phrase cutout arrangement (I kept the arrangement shown when the cut file opens to cut the words, then saved the "waste" shape as a positioning guide) to allow me to  see where the word edges will fall, adjust as needed, then position the pumpkin accordingly.

(NOTE that the "begins?" word shape remains to be placed to the upper right of the hat.)

11. Prepare to position and attach the numbers onto the wheel, through the "window" opening.

First, place ringer tip into one of the wheel edge notches and turn the wheel to the lowest possible position where the window lower edge extension acts as the "stop".

Hold that position without moving . . . 

. . . then position and attach the first number.

The sample will be a "count down the days until Halloween, as the verse suggests. For this arrangement, "30" is the first number.

As an alternate arrangement, October's date can be counted off by placing the "1" as the first number.

12. Next, place fingertip in the next highest notch on the wheel . . . 

. . . once again, turn the wheel to the lowest position that the finger-in-the-notch will allow.

Hold that position without movement . . . 

. . . then position and attach the next number.

For the "count down" to Halloween arrangement, this second number is "29".

For the October date arrangement, this second number would be "2".

Continue the process of turning wheel, holding position, attaching next number until all 30 number shapes are in place.

Attach hanging ribbon, and be ready for

a super fun wait until Halloween!