My wedding was outside in the summer. In order to make that a little more comfortable for our guests I made some simple DIY paper fans. Learn how to make a paper fan with my step-by-step instructions.
How to Make a Paper Fan
Hosting an outdoor event in the heat of summer? DIY paper fans are an easy project to make sure your guests stay as cool as they can. Make as many or as few fans as you need.
Choose your color of index paper and fan handles to coordinate with your event. You print a message or graphics on the paper before making the fans to make your event even more festive!
Materials
- 110 lb weight index paper, as many sheets as you need fans
- Wooden fan handles, again, as many as you need fans
- Spray 77 adhesive
Tools
- Hard rubber paper brayer, can use a rolling pin
Instructions
- Here are the supplies you need to make these easy DIY paper fans. Each piece of paper was folded in half. I wanted mine plain, but you can go for fun colors.
- Next, apply Spray 77 and let that set for a couple of minutes.
- Once the adhesive is tacky, place one stick on one half of the sheet and fold the paper over. I used a hard rubber brayer to press the paper together.
- For the final touch was a corner cutter I picked up at a craft store. This rounded the corners beautifully!
- I left my fans plan and will leave boxes of crayons for our guests to decorate their fans as they wish. We will have many children in attendance at our wedding, and we hope this will be a nice distraction during the long day.
If you wanted to print something on the fans, it wouldn't be difficult. Index paper goes through most printers well, or take to your local copy shop. You can personalize for your wedding or occasion.
Here are the fans, ready to get their corners rounded and to be decorated by our guests!
Recommended Products
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3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue, Low VOC, Paper, Cardboard, Fabric, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Net Wt 18 oz -
Fiskars 3-in-1 Corner Punches (Heritage) 1 pcs sku# 1844135MA -
100 Sticks - Wavy 8 Inch Jumbo Wood Fan Handles Wedding Fan Sticks (Natural) -
Speedball 4121 Deluxe Hard Rubber Brayer - 80 Durometer Roller With Wire Frame - 4 Inches -
Recollections White Heavyweight Cardstock Paper, 8.5" X 11" - 100 Sheets
What paper is best for paper fans?
You’ll want to use a sturdy paper to make a paper fan. I used file folder, but index card stock would be perfect, too. Or cut up poster board.
If you want to make a folded paper fan, use a light weight paper like wrapping or scrapbook paper. Fold the paper accordion style and glue the stick to the base of the folds. Hold the folds in place at the bottom with several rounds of string. Make sure to glue the string and fan well.
Can I make different shapes?
Yes! You can cut your paper in different shapes. Cut into a circle and make a paper fan circle! Or try making a paper fan flower! DIY paper fans can be any shape or size.
If you are making a lot, like I was for my wedding, you probably want to keep the shape simple.
Check out all of our paper crafting ideas on Create Whimsy.
