There are so many school students who have been taught to make a simple paper fan over the years. In its simplest form, a paper fan can be made from just a single sheet of paper. There are also various variations. Folded paper fans, stacked paper fans, and decorative photo fans can all be elegantly simple, or full of embellishments to reflect your personal taste.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Making a Simple Paper Fan
Step 1. Place a 21.6 x 27.9 cm sheet of paper, wallpaper, or cardboard face down on the table
You can use a larger paper size, but this size paper will be easier to find and make into a fan. Point the position of the paper lengthwise, so that it looks up, not wide.
Practice with plain white paper or scrap paper when you start studying. You can then replace it with decorative paper once you have mastered the technique
Step 2. Draw a thin crease line on your paper
Using a pencil and ruler, draw vertical lines 2 to 2.5 cm apart. This line must be made straight extending from the bottom to the top of the paper.
To make a larger fan, change the spacing between the lines according to the paper size. Smaller fans can be made with smaller folds as well, so the result looks more detailed
Step 3. Fold the paper along the lines
Fold in the first line, bringing the right side of the paper toward you. Use a folding tool (bone folder) to firmly press the folds of paper. Now you should get a peak.
Step 4. Fold on the next line
Fold in the opposite direction to the first fold, pressing the crease with the folding tool. You should now have a hollow in the paper, or a valley.
Step 5. Continue folding your paper back and forth
You will start to see the hollows and tops of the paper. The position of the two will appear to alternate between mountains and valleys of paper.
Step 6. Unite the bottom of the paper
You have to hold the joint together with your fingers, while the vertical fold of the paper opens upwards. Leave the paper fan open.
Step 7. Tie the bottom of the folded sheet of paper with strong tape
Or alternatively, you can glue each fold to the next with glue. Apply glue along the bottom of the paper you are joining together.
If you are using glue, allow it to dry completely before opening the fan
Step 8. Unfold at the top of the paper
You can now use paper or decorate it.
Method 2 of 4: Making a Paddle Fan
Step 1. Cut a piece of thick cardboard into the shape you want
You can cut it into a square, circle, curved at the bottom and tapered at the top so that it resembles a spade, or into a heart shape.
Step 2. Place the paper face down on the table
The side of the fan that you are hiding should be facing up towards you.
Step 3. Apply glue to the top half of the large log
Be sure to keep the glue away from the part of the rod that will stick out of the cardboard sheet.
Step 4. Glue the sticks that have been smeared with glue to the back of the cardboard on your table
Make sure that a section of the stem sticks out of the paper so that you can grip the fan.
Step 5. Cut another piece of cardboard of the same shape and glue it to the back of your fan, if desired
This layer will hide the logs and create a more powerful double layer fan. Be sure to apply glue to the back of the handle, as well as the entire edge of the fan.
Step 6. Let the glue dry completely
Once dry, you can use a fan or decorate it.
Method 3 of 4: Making a Decorative Photo Fan
Step 1. Prepare the materials needed
You'll need a drill, a dozen sticks, paint and brush (optional), a photo (optional), a craft knife, glue, water, and embroidery floss.
Step 2. Drill a small hole with a drill about 0.6 cm from the bottom end of your dowel
Make these holes in all the logs. Make sure all the holes are made at the same point on the log.
Be careful when punching holes with a drill. Wear eye protection and work on a flat surface
Step 3. Make another hole in the log, about 2.5 cm from the other end
This hole will be the top of your fan and will be wider than the bottom.
Step 4. Paint the logs with acrylic or oil paint (optional)
Allow it to dry completely.
You may find that some colors, especially red, require 2 or even 3 coats of paint
Step 5. Place the logs side by side and measure the length and width
Make sure all the logs are touching each other, with no gaps in between.
Step 6. Prepare your photos
Enlarge a photo, or crop an image from a magazine to the size of the log. Make sure the image you use is the exact same size as the stick when it touches.
Step 7. Place the photo on top of the log
The size of this photo must exactly match the size of the log. If the logs are still visible from the sides, you'll need to enlarge or replace them with a larger photo. If your photo hangs past the side of the log, then you will need to trim it.
Step 8. Trace the lines over the photo gently
Use a craft knife to gently scrape the photo along the side of each log.
Step 9. Flip the photo and number each space
This will help determine the order of the photos after they are cropped. Make sure to write the numbers on the back of the photo, and not on the part of the picture.
Step 10. Cut the photo into small sheets
Use a craft knife to make sure your cuts are neat and straight. Hold the ruler tightly along the cut line, and slice the knife at the end of the ruler, pressing firmly so the photo can be cropped.
Be careful when using a craft knife
Step 11. Prepare your adhesive
In a small bowl, mix glue and water in equal proportions.
Step 12. Lay the photo sheet onto the log
You will need to apply the glue mixture to the back of each photo sheet. Place the photo sheet in the center of the log, and apply a thin layer of the glue mixture all over the sides of the log and photo. Repeat this step for all the logs and photo sheets. Let it dry completely.
Step 13. Stack the logs in order with the holes in the same position
You can check to make sure the photo sheets are in correct order, by putting all the logs back to see the order.
Step 14. Attach the thread to the bottom of the fan
Tie the knot with embroidered thread or 0.3 cm ribbon. Thread the thread through the hole 0.6 cm from the end of the dowel. Tie a knot to secure the bottom of the fan.
Step 15. Attach the thread to the top of the fan
Open the fan so the logs are next to each other, and tie a knot with twine while the fan is still open.
Step 16. Tighten the knot
Add a little glue to the knot, and let it dry completely before opening and closing your fan.
Method 4 of 4: Decorating the Fan
Step 1. Color the fan
You can use oil or acrylic paints to decorate your wood or paper fan. As a side note, if you are coloring paper, it will be easier to color it before you fold it. Allow your paper or fan stick to dry completely before using it.
Step 2. Glue the decorations
Using glue or double-edged tape, attach small ribbons, lace, buttons, feathers, stickers, or beads. Be sure not to glue anything heavy, as this could damage your fan.
Step 3. Shape the fan
You can easily change the shape of your fan by cutting it. While your paper is still folded, trim off the top or sides. Make small cuts, and when you open your fan, you'll see tiny holes all over the folds of paper.
Warning
Always be careful when using a drill, or cutting with a craft knife.
