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How to Make Chinese Folding Fans

How to Make Chinese Folding Fans thumbnail
Folding paper to create pleats is the first step in creating a Chinese fan.

Chinese fans have been a symbol of culture and prosperity since the ancient times, according to the Hand Fan website. Originally, fans were made of feathers and through time paper fans became more popular. The Han Dynasty from 202 B.C. to 204 A.D. brought fans to the forefront of Chinese culture. Aristocrats and scholars used fans to show their cultural superiority and intellectual abilities. Create your own fan at home with some simple materials. Elevate the design by decorating the fan with traditional Chinese symbols, cherry blossoms, dragons or zodiac animals.

Things You'll Need

  • Fax or computer paper
  • Rubber stamps
  • Ink pads
  • Two wide Popsicle sticks
  • White craft glue
  • Clear tape
  • Rubber band
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Instructions

    • 1

      Press rubber stamps into their ink pads and press designs onto the flat computer paper. Choose symbols that reflect Chinese culture for an authentic feel.

    • 2

      Turn the paper so that one short side faces you. Fold the edge of the paper away from you about 1/2 inch. Crease firmly. Starting with the crease, fold the paper in the opposite direction from the initial fold. Continue to fold the paper, alternating directions to create a series of pleats in the paper.

    • 3

      Turn the paper so that the decorated side faces up. Glue a Popsicle stick to the outermost fold on the left side of the paper. The end of the stick should extend an inch or so beyond the end of the paper at the top. Repeat on the right side.

    • 4

      Gather the folds together so that the fan is fully closed. Pinch the paper together at the bottom end to form a point. Place tape around the edges of the point to secure the papers together.

    • 5

      Bring the Popsicle sticks down to meet at the bottom. Pinch the Popsicle together to hold the fan open. Close the fan by taking the Popsicles up to meet at the top. Secure with a rubber band to hold closed when not in use.

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References

  • Photo Credit palme en éventail image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com

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