Paper fans are a classic craft that never goes out of style! This simple project teaches kids the art of accordion folding while creating something they can actually use on hot days. All you need is some colored paper, craft sticks, and about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for keeping little hands busy during summer break, and the best part? They’ll have a working fan to show off when they’re done!
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The accordion folding technique might seem tricky at first, but once kids get the hang of it, they’ll want to make fans in every color.
This craft helps develop fine motor skills and teaches patience as they carefully fold and glue each section.
Once finished, kids can personalize their fans with markers, stickers, or glitter to make them extra special.
How to Make the Paper Fan
What you need:
- red color paper
- scissors
- glue
- thread
- two wooden craft sticks
Step by Step Tutorial
Cut a letter sheet (or A4) in half (along the longer side) to create two long rectangles.
Take one of the rectangles, and fold it in half, bringing the two short ends together.
With the paper strill turned the same way, fold it again (bringing the bottom edge to the top).
Fold again.
And once more, if the paper allows it :). This depends on how neatly the folds were made.
Folding this way will leave you with 16 folded sections that are roughly the same size.
Unfold the whole paper.
Now, following the fold lines, have the kids make accordion folds (folding back and forth) along the whole length of the paper.
Repeat the previous steps with the second red rectangle to have two identical accordion-folded pieces.
Glue the two accordion-folded pieces together and allow the glue to set.
Fold the connected pieces in half to create a “bow-like” shape.
Have your child tie a knot firmly around the center of the folded paper using a piece of thread.
Then, trim any excess.
Apply glue to one side of the accordion flap.
Have kids glue the ends together, forming a fan shape.
Then, glue a craft stick to one side of the paper fan, aligning the top of the craft stick with the thread they used to tie the fan.
Then, glue another popsicle stick on the other side similarly.
Let the glue set.
It’s time to open up the paper fan!
Open the fan by holding the craft sticks.
This fun and engaging craft helps children develop their motor skills and offers a practical tool to cool off during spring and summer.
Remember to share your child’s creativity with friends and family by showcasing their beautiful paper fan creations!
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