Handcrafted Paper Fans

August 1, 2010

Perfect for hot weather entertaining, our handmade paper fans are both stylish and functional. Create your own with our simple step-by-step instructions, then use them at your next celebration or as a sweet decorative touch indoors.

How to Make a Paper Fan
To get started, simply download and print our fan templates, then gather these materials and follow our easy instructions to assemble:

Materials
Cardstock, 8.5” x 11”
Scissors
Scrapbook paper, color(s) of your choice
Pencil
Craft stick
Hot glue gun
Glue stick

Instructions

Choose your favorite fan template, then download and print it out on cardstock. Use scissors to cut out along the solid lines.
Lay the scrapbook paper pattern-side down on a flat, clean work surface, then use a pencil to trace the templates onto the paper twice. Cut each shape out along the traced lines.
Place one fan shape pattern-side down on the work surface, then position the craft stick vertically so that the top half is on the paper and the bottom half hangs off. Use the hot glue gun to secure the stick to the paper.
With your glue stick, adhere the second fan shape, pattern-side up, on top of the first fan shape. Use your finger to gently smooth away any creases.

Tip: For a playful touch, use different scrapbook papers for your fans. We love to adorn one side with a delicate floral pattern and the other with a cheerful solid color, like yellow or turquoise.

Entertaining with Paper Fans
When hosting guests outdoors, give them a smart way to stay cool. Here are some of our favorite ways to utilize them:

Tell friends and family about your party with paper fan invitations. Choose solid colored scrapbook paper, then write all of the important details on your fans before gluing anything together.
To create charming place settings, begin with a colorful plate, add a paper fan and then top with a blossom from your garden. For more table setting ideas, read our article Pretty Place Settings: End of Summer.
For a creative centerpiece, fill a wide-necked vase with sand or small pebbles, then arrange fans into a beautiful bouquet.
As guests arrive, offer them a refreshing glass of sweet tea with muddled mint and a paper fan. For a child's party, set out crayons or markers so the kids can personalize their fans.

Ways to Use Paper Fans Indoors
Bring your paper fans indoors to refresh any room in a snap. Consider these bright ideas:

Brighten up your entryway with a fun fan wreath. With the craft sticks pointed towards the center, layer 15-20 fans to create a circle shape, then secure with hot glue.
When the kitchen heats up, always have a fan within reach. Before you glue together the paper, use a hot glue gun to attach a magnet to the craft stick so you can hang it on the fridge.
To add cheer to any space, hang paper fan garlands across the tops of doorways and windows. Assemble your fan, skipping step 3, then punch a hole on each side. Use twine or yarn to string them together.
Transform your fans into cute custom coasters. Minimize the template before you print it, then follow our easy instructions, skipping step 3. We also recommend adding a layer or two of heavy cardstock between the sheets of scrapbook paper.

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