Countless children over the years have been taught in school to make a simple paper fan. In its simplest form, a paper fan can consist of a simple sheet, but there are many variations. Folded paper fans, overlapping sheets, decorated paper held up by sticks can be plain or embellished to reflect your personal style.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Making a Simple Paper Fan
Step 1. Place a 21cm by 28cm sheet of paper, wallpaper or gift wrap or card face down on your work surface
You can use a larger sheet, but this size is the easiest to work with. Place the paper vertically, i.e. higher than it is wide.
Practice with plain or scrap paper to learn. You can later move on to more valuable cards once you have mastered the technique
Step 2. Draw light lines to fold the paper
Using a pencil and ruler, draw 2 to 2.5 cm vertical lines. They must go straight from the bottom to the top of the sheet.
For larger wall fans, move the lines in proportion to the size of the paper. Smaller fans may have smaller folds
Step 3. Fold the paper like an accordion
Fold along the first row, bringing the right side of the paper towards you. Use a ruler to press the fold hard. You should get a "peak".
Step 4. Fold along the next line
You should fold the paper in the opposite direction from the first fold, pressing with the ruler. You should get a "valley".
Step 5. Continue folding the sheet back and forth
You will begin to see peaks and valleys, which should be alternating.
Step 6. Grab the bottom of the paper
Fold it with your fingers, with the vertical folds facing up. The sheet becomes a fan.
Step 7. Secure the bottom of the folded strip with tape
- Alternatively, you can glue each fold to the next. Put the glue where you are holding the fan.
- If you are using glue, let it dry completely before opening the fan.
Step 8. Unfold the folds at the top of the fan
Now you can use it or decorate it.
Method 2 of 4: Making a Paddle Fan
Step 1. Cut a piece of heavy card stock of your favorite shape
You can leave it square, cut it in the shape of a circle, spike or heart.
Step 2. Place the card face down on the table
The side of the fan that will remain hidden should be facing you.
Step 3. Spread glue over the top half of a wooden stick
Make sure the glue doesn't get on the part of the stick that will extend out of the card.
Step 4. Attach the stick filled with glue to the back of the card on the table
Make sure that a good portion of the stick extends out of the paper to get a good handle.
Step 5. Cut another piece of construction paper the same as the first one and glue it to the back of the fan if you like
This will hide the stick creating a sturdy two-sided fan. Make sure you spread the glue on the back of the handle, as well as on the corners of the card.
Step 6. Let the glue dry completely
Once it's dry, you can use your fan or decorate it.
Method 3 of 4: Make a Straight Paper Fan from Sticks
Step 1. Prepare what you need
You need a drill, a dozen sticks, paint and brush (optional), a photograph (optional), a utility knife, glue, water, and embroidery floss.
Step 2. Make a small hole about 5mm in the bottom of all sticks
Make sure the holes are the same height on all sticks.
Be careful while using the electric drill. Wear protective eyewear and work on a flat surface
Step 3. Make another hole about 2.5 cm from the other end of each stick
This will be the top of the fan and will open more than the base.
Step 4. Paint the sticks with acrylic or gouache paint (optional)
Let it dry completely.
You may find that some colors, especially red, will need 2 or even 3 coats
Step 5. Place the sticks side by side and measure their length and width
Make sure they are touching and that there are no gaps between them.
Step 6. Prepare the image
Enlarge a photograph, use wrapping paper, or cut a photo from a magazine to stick size. Make sure that the image is exactly the same size as the sticks placed side by side.
Step 7. Place the photo on the sticks
The image should fit completely on the sticks; if they remain visible at the edges, you should enlarge the image or crop a new one; if the photo advances from the edges, you need to shorten it.
Step 8. Gently draw lines on the photo
Use a utility knife to make light marks along the edges of the sticks.
Step 9. Flip the photo over and number the spaces
This way you can put them back in order after cutting them. Make sure you write the numbers on the back of the photo and not on the image itself.
Step 10. Cut the photo into strips
Use the ruler to make sure the cuts are neat and straight. Hold the ruler firmly by pressing it against the line to be cut and slide the cutter along the edge of the ruler, pressing enough to cut the photo.
Be very careful when using the utility knife
Step 11. Prepare the adhesive
In a small container, mix equal parts of vinyl glue and water.
Step 12. Apply the photo strips to the sticks
You will need to brush the glue mixture onto the back of each stripe in the image. Center the strip on a stick, and spread a thin layer of glue on one side of the stick and on the back of the image. Repeat this for the remaining strips and sticks, then let them dry completely.
Step 13. Put the sticks together with the holes aligned
You can check if the image is recomposed correctly by spreading the sticks again to see if they are in order.
Step 14. Thread a ribbon through the holes you made in the bottom of the sticks
Tie a knot to secure the fan.
Step 15. Thread a ribbon across the top of the fan
Spread the top of the sticks so that they are side by side and tie a knot in the thread while the fan is open.
Step 16. Secure the nodes
Add a dot of glue to the knots and let them dry completely before opening and closing your fan.
Method 4 of 4: Decorate the Fan
Step 1. Paint the fan
You can use gouache or acrylic paint to decorate the sticks or paper. Note that if you paint the paper, it is easier to do it before you close the fan. Let it dry completely before using the fan.
Step 2. Attach decorations
Using glue or double-sided tape, attach pieces of tape, lace, buttons, feathers, stickers or beads. Make sure you don't add heavy elements, as they may tear the fan.
Step 3. Shape the fan
You can easily make your fan take a new shape by making a few simple cuts. While the paper is accordion folded, cut the top or sides of the folds (make small cuts). When you open the fan, you will see small cuts along the folds.
Warnings
Always be careful when using the electric drill or cutting with the utility knife.
