How to Make Personalized Paper Fans

Paper fans can be great to use on a hot day. Creating your own paper fan is a fun craft for children in a classroom, at a birthday party, or just hanging out at home on a summer day. Fans are easy to make, and with a little creativity they can be personalized by the individual making the fan. By gathering the necessary supplies and following some simple step-by-step instructions, you will be able to create your own personalized paper fan.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock or construction paper Paint Paintbrush Markers Crayons Glitter Glue Stickers Stapler

Instructions

How to Make Personalized Paper Fans

1. Gather your materials. Supplies you will want to collect include: paper, which can be card stock density or construction paper; crayons; markers; paint; paintbrushes; glitter; glue; stickers; and a stapler. Having an array of art supplies will truly allow participants to add their own creative touch and style to their fans.

2. Decide how to decorate your fan. Keep in mind that it will be folded and gathered, which will affect the look of your design. You may choose to paint the fan one solid color or different-colored stripes that will be represented on each of the folds. You may also choose to paint, draw or color a picture on the fan, such as a picture of a large sun that will still be identifiable when the fan is folded. Another idea is to create a pattern of designs on your fan such as different-colored polka dots, circles or zigzag lines. You could use stickers to decorate the fan. Additionally, you could use glue and glitter to add some eye-catching sparkle to your fan.

3. Have fun decorating. Take your time and enjoy adding your personal touch to your creation.

4. Wait for the fan to dry completely. You may want to write your name on the back of your picture at this point.

5. Make one-inch folds to complete your paper fan. Holding the vertical edge of your paper, fold it in one inch. Press along the crease to make sure it is defined. Keeping the folded piece pressed together, fold the paper underneath one inch. Continue this process folding the paper over and under until the entire piece of paper is made of one-inch folds. Press all the folds together firmly for a moment and release.

6. Staple the bottom of the fan together. Press the folds of your paper together and use the stapler to put two staples on the bottom of the piece of paper. Release the top of the paper. You now have a personalized paper fan.