How to Make Paper Hand Fans

modern fan, paper hand fans

Believe it or not Spring is here and summer will be larking around the corner. So why not learn to create your own paper hand fans to keep cool and even use it as an accessory. They are easy to make and you can take them just about everywhere. Paper hand fans are resourceful and you can customize homemade ones to your liking. Many cultures have embraced the beauty and usefulness of hand fans as fashion statements and to fight off the heat. Hand fans have played so many roles proving its usages are a culture in its own right. Here are examples of beautiful hand fans around the world and how they've influenced history:

Egyptian Hand Fan

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Some historians believe that hand fans originated in Egypt. Egyptian hand fans were utilized in religious functions and identified the royal ones. Howard Carter found extravagant fans in King Tut’s tomb. The fans were made with ostrich feathers and had a golden handle. Tomb illustrations also showed fans being used in "the courts of nobility". Needless to say these fans represented high status and wealth though they were used for its essential purpose of providing a breeze in the heat.

Japanese Hand Fan

[caption id="attachment_6882" align="aligncenter" width="290"]japanese hand fan, paper hand fans Japanese Hand Fan[/caption]

Japanese hand fans symbolize a person’s birth and the blades represent the various paths he or she may take in life. Hand fans are given to people on their birthdays to celebrate life. Colors, animals, and plants are also significant in the Japanese culture. For example, a red and white hand fan signifies luck. One butterfly refers to a self-absorbed woman while two butterflies signify a couple who is happily married. Though hand fans are mostly used to stay cool, it also possesses multiple uses from warding off evil, acknowledging someone’s superior status, providing shade during a religious event, to using them in Japanese theater. The word “harisen” is the Japanese word for paper fan. Harisens are seen in current day graphic novels and cartoons which is used as a weapon or humorously slapping characters for being dumb .

Chinese Hand Fan

[caption id="attachment_6883" align="aligncenter" width="290"]chinese paper fan, paper hand fans Chinese Hand Fan[/caption]

Chinese hand fans’ original function was to hide from the sun but over the years people began to use them for other purposes. People began to decorate them with paintings and poems making them a new form of expressive art, gifts, and decor. Hand fans showed society what social class a person was under. Rules instructed who could own certain hand fans. "That hand fan was so last season!" Similar to current day fashion trends, only the latest hand fans could be worn during the specific seasons. Artists and other fashionable citizens began to show off their creative sides by customizing original designs and poems on their fans. Upperclassmen would not be caught without their hand fans.

Spanish Hand Fan

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Spanish fans have been recognized for their beauty and sophistication for many years. Some hand fans have illustrations of Spanish culture giving us a glimpse of their lives . Spanish women have used them to go with their outfits, dance Flamenco, and even to communicate with their partners or potential suitors. Hand fans have their own language and young women were taught how to have complete conversations without uttering a single word. There was a secret language the fans were able to carry between lovers to ensure their chaperons would not know what they were secretly saying to one another. Drawing the fan across one's cheek means "I love you" while twirling the fan in the right hand means "I love another". It was extremely complex and even men had to learn its meanings in the pursuit of attracting a mate. This is one of our favorite paper hand fans.

[caption id="attachment_6931" align="aligncenter" width="290"]victorian hand fan, paper hand fans Victorian Hand Fan[/caption]

The function of Victorian hand fans were very similar to the Spanish hand fans. Victorians also used hand fans to communicate with the opposite sex and have private conversations in public settings. Shutting an open fan slowly means "I promise to marry you" and fanning slowly translates into "I am married".  If anyone were to catch on the a couple's conversation, there were also movements signaling each other to lay low or to stop their fan exchanges. This was a delicate and classy way for people to express their romantic feelings across a crowded room. Some people believe we have lost our mystery and politeness while dating and have traded it in with being too blunt. What do you think? Should society readopt more discreet ways to communicate with each other?

Celebrities with Hand Fans

[caption id="attachment_6960" align="aligncenter" width="281"]paper hand fans Katy Perry with "Air Conditioning" paper fan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6959" align="aligncenter" width="271"]Shakira performing with hand fan, paper hand fans Shakira performing with hand fan[/caption]

Today paper hand fans are still being worn. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Shakira, and even Steve Tyler have been seen sporting hand fans! I think paper hand fans are beautiful and expressive. You can use them to advocate going green like Katy Perry or use them for performances like Shakira. I was amazed to learn of what a huge role hand fans played in different cultures and how much it still does in pop culture.

Let's Make Our Own!

What You'll Need

Sheet of Paper

String

Step #1: 

orange paper

Take one sheet of paper. You may use more than one sheet of paper if you want to make a bigger fan

Step #2: 

folding orange paper

Fold pleats into sheet of paper at the ends. Pleats should be about 1/2 inch wide

Step #3: 

Completed DIY paper hand fan

Tie string at the bottom to secure your fan

Cool off!

How to Make Paper Hand Fans: A Fun and Creative DIY Project


Learning how to make paper hand fans is a great way to add a personal touch to any event or celebration. Whether you're planning a wedding, a birthday party, or simply want to stay cool during the hot summer months, making your own paper hand fans can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only are paper hand fans easy to make, but they also provide a unique and stylish accessory that can be customized to match any theme or color scheme. With just a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can create beautiful paper hand fans that are sure to impress your guests.


The Benefits of Making Your Own Paper Hand Fans


One of the main benefits of making your own paper hand fans is the ability to customize them to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you want to match the fans to a specific color scheme or add personalized details such as monograms or patterns, making your own paper hand fans allows for endless creative possibilities. Additionally, making paper hand fans can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing pre-made fans, especially if you need a large quantity for an event. By making your own paper hand fans, you can also ensure that they are made from high-quality materials and are built to last.


Use Cases for Paper Hand Fans


Paper hand fans can be used in a variety of settings and for a wide range of purposes. They are commonly used as wedding favors, providing guests with a practical and stylish way to stay cool during the ceremony and reception. Paper hand fans can also be used as decorative elements for parties, outdoor events, or as a unique accessory for everyday use. Additionally, paper hand fans can be a thoughtful and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic fans, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious individuals.


Alternatives to Traditional Paper Hand Fans


While traditional paper hand fans are a popular choice, there are also alternative materials and designs that can be used to create unique and personalized fans. For example, fabric hand fans can provide a more durable and long-lasting option, while wooden hand fans offer a classic and elegant aesthetic. Additionally, there are also electronic hand fans available that provide a modern and high-tech alternative to traditional paper fans.


Tips for Making and Using Paper Hand Fans


When making paper hand fans, it's important to choose high-quality paper that is durable and can withstand frequent use. Consider using decorative paper or adding embellishments such as ribbons or tassels to enhance the visual appeal of the fans. When using paper hand fans, be sure to open and close them gently to avoid damaging the folds or creases. Additionally, store paper hand fans in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming warped or damaged over time.


Get Creative with Paper Hand Fans


There are countless ways to get creative with paper hand fans, from experimenting with different colors and patterns to adding personalized details such as monograms or custom artwork. Consider using paper hand fans as a canvas for your creativity, and don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to designing and using them. Whether you're making paper hand fans for a special event or simply want to add a unique and stylish accessory to your everyday life, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating and using paper hand fans.


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