Folded paper fans are one of the simplest origami creations, perfect for passing the time or for making simple but elegant decorations to be used as a cadeau for guests, place cards or to wrap a gift. Also use them as doll and plush ornaments, or make a larger sized fan to cool off during the summer. Since they are not difficult to make, they make a perfect project for young and old alike during dull rainy days.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Charter
Step 1. Decide the size of the paper to determine the size of the fan
If you are using a square sheet, the fan will be about 2/3 the length of its sides. If you start from a rectangle, it will be about 2/3 of the height of the rectangle long.
The origami paper, which is 15cm x 15cm, is suitable for beginners, but you can also use a larger piece if you want a longer fan
Step 2. Choose your card design
You can use origami paper, which has a decorated or shiny side (the front), or any other piece of paper.
If you do not use origami paper, it is advisable to decorate a "front" side with paints, markers, colored pencils, before starting to fold
Step 3. If you are using a square sheet, fold a quarter from top to bottom
To begin, the front must face in front of you. Fold it so that the corners of the crease match the sides of the square, then squeeze the paper from the center out.
- Open and use scissors to cut along the fold. At this point you will have a rectangular piece of paper.
- If you are using a rectangular sheet, skip this step.
Part 2 of 3: Fold the Fan
Step 1. Turn the paper over
It should be facing back to front (with the undecorated side facing you).
Step 2. Fold one third of the paper along the top edge
Line up the corners to make sure the crease is straight, then squeeze from the center out. You will need to fold inward, which is the back of the card against itself. In the art of origami it is called "valley fold".
Step 3. Fold the paper in half vertically and then unfold it
Line up the corners and squeeze from the center to create an even valley fold, then open the fold again. You should now have got a neat vertical crease in the center.
Step 4. Fold the two vertical flaps towards the center crease
This way the flaps will come together in the center. It is called "window fold".
Step 5. Continue making vertical window folds
Fold the two vertical flaps two more times, or until you have two flaps folded inwards, about 1 cm wide. Make sure you always make straight, neat folds.
Step 6. Unfold the vertical folds
At this point you will have several vertical folds.
Step 7. Turn the paper 90 degrees
Now the folds will be arranged horizontally.
Step 8. Make a valley fold along the bottom fold
Starting at the bottom, fold the horizontal edge upwards.
Step 9. Fold the bottom edge out along the next crease
This type of fold is called "mountain fold".
Step 10. Repeat alternating downstream and upstream folds horizontally, along the rest of the horizontal folds
This series of folds resembles an accordion.
Part 3 of 3: Making the Handle
Step 1. Cut a piece of wool, thread, or cord to the appropriate length for the fan (approximately 15cm will work)
Choose a color that matches the paper.
Step 2. Secure the handle with the wire
Grab the thinnest part of the fan, the one that has not been double folded, just below the fold shown in the second point of the second part of the article. Wrap the wool, thread, or string around it several times. Knot and cut the remaining part as you like.
Step 3. Attach the fan to a gift box, add it to a doll's accessories, use it as a place card or find another creative use
Now that you've seen how easy this project is, you can make as many paper fans as you want.
Advice
- Fold the sheet on a flat, stable surface; it will be easier and the folds will be more precise and tidy.
- You can embellish your creation by using decorative rubber stamps on the paper before folding it, or stencils to trace a design along the areas that will become the top and center of the fan once completed.
- Use a pair of scissors to create some decoration on the accordion-shaped folded sheet. As with paper dolls, the openwork cutouts create a lacy, abstract pattern when the fan is opened.
