How to Make Paddle Hand Fans

Electric fans are great for dispelling summer heat and air conditioning is even better. If you're out and about, however, a paddle fan is one of the best ways to keep cool. It doesn't require a plug, costs next to nothing and won't run out of batteries like those hand-held electric fans.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sticks
• Paperboard
• Glue
• Scissors
• Paints
• Paintbrushes
• Other art supplies

1. Cut your paperboard into a fan blade. The most common shape is a rectangle with rounded edges, but a circle, triangle or any other shape should work.

2. Glue a tongue depressor onto each side of the fan blade so that most of it hangs off the edge. Then, glue one in between to reinforce the handle.

3. Cut off the part of the middle stick that hangs below the other two with scissors. File it down with sand paper until it is the same length as the other two sticks.

4. Paint your fan. Many people like to decorate their fans with tropical scenes, birds and other soothing summer scenes. You could also glue a photograph onto your fan, decorate it with beads or do any other artistic project you want with it.

Tips & Warnings

• The thicker the handle, the more stable and durable your fan will be.