here is something mesmerising about watching the wind become visible.
The Kraul Whirlwind Weather Vane Kit transforms an invisible breeze into a great sweep of colour and movement, with beautiful rainbow cotton sails that begin turning even when the air seems barely to be moving.
Once built, the Whirlwind spans an impressive 80 cm, creating a striking feature for a garden, balcony or terrace. Fix the mast securely to a post, fence or railing and the wind does the rest. As the breeze changes, the Whirlwind responds, allowing you to see from a distance both where the wind is coming from and something of its strength by the speed of its movement.
It is part weather instrument, part engineering project and part moving garden sculpture.
The construction itself is intended for capable older makers. Wooden components and beautifully sewn rainbow sails gradually become a large working wind wheel, making the finished result feel all the more satisfying because it has been assembled by hand.
Then comes the real pleasure: waiting for that first breath of air.
A gentle breeze begins to catch one sail, then another, until the whole wheel comes alive in a whirl of colour. On brighter days the rainbow sails seem almost to paint circles against the sky; on quieter days their slow movement makes even the faintest change in the air suddenly noticeable.
It is a beautiful way to encourage an awareness of wind, weather, movement and the natural element of air, without reducing the experience to a classroom experiment.
Kraul has always been particularly good at this: taking something in nature that cannot easily be held or seen and creating a beautifully simple object through which children and adults can experience it for themselves.
And because the finished Whirlwind is so large and visually striking, it is not something children simply finish building and put away. It becomes part of the garden, changing from one day to the next with the weather.
What You Can Discover
• How even a very light breeze can create movement
• Changes in wind direction
• Differences in wind strength
• How sail surfaces catch moving air
• Rotation and cause and effect
• Practical construction and engineering
• Observation of everyday weather
• The changing character of wind through the seasons
Product Details
• Large wooden garden wind wheel and weather vane construction kit
• Beautiful rainbow coloured sewn sails
• Suitable for the garden, balcony or terrace
• Can be fixed by its mast to a suitable post, fence or railing
• Moves even in a light breeze
• Indicates changes in wind direction and relative strength through its movement
• Finished diameter: approximately 80 cm
• Recommended assembly age: 14 years+
Explore the Power of the Wind
If the Whirlwind sparks an interest in what moving air can do, discover the Kraul Sail Windmill. While the Whirlwind makes the movement and direction of the wind beautifully visible, Kraul's Sail Windmill goes a step further, using its rotation and gearing to drive other mechanisms.
For another way to experiment with moving air, try the Kraul Kári Sailing Boat, where the same invisible force catches a sail and carries a handmade wooden boat across the water.
Kraul Toys & Experiment Kits
Kraul is a family run German toy maker creating wonderfully inventive toys and experiment kits that help children discover how nature and technology really work.
Inspired by the elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire, Kraul toys encourage children to build, observe, experiment and find things out for themselves. From wind wheels, boats and cable cars to water power, optics, magnetism and mechanics, each design makes an idea tangible through hands on discovery.
With roots in Waldorf education and a deep connection to the natural world, Kraul creates toys that invite children to experience a phenomenon rather than simply being told how it works.
Discover the full Kraul Toys & Experiment Kits collection at Magic Forest Shop.
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