Make these quick hand fans in minutes using a traditional wood clothespin and some heavy scrapbook paper. Wrap a little ribbon or twine around them and you have a beautiful way to cool off! You can make a dozen of these for parties or even lovely gifts in any colors or design you like. Just follow the simple instructions below. If you like, these check out our more modern Free Emoji Fan Printables and Instructions.
Supplies for Hand Fans
- 12″ x 12″ two sided cardstock scrapbook paper (cut down to 12×9) Craft stores sell this by the sheet!
- Yard, Cording or Thin Ribbon (for wrapping)
- Traditional Wood Clothespins
- Glue gun
- Thick ruler, butter knife or Bone Folding Tool
Assembly
Fold over along the width at approximately 1/2″ folds. Use something flat to press each one down.
Press one of the paper fan into the clothespin about half way into the opening. If you press it too far down it will make the span of the fan smaller. You want enough stuck in to make it sturdy. 2″ is a good estimate.
Depending on how small you were able to make your folds they might stick out on the sides of the clothespin. You can trim if desired to make them flush with the wood for wrapping.
Wrap your string, yarn, cord or ribbon around the pin. Overlap one end to hold it in place then put a dab of hot glue on the other end. Cover as much as you like. We did ours down to where the clothespin tapers. You can also paint your clothespin ahead of time in bright colors before wrapping. Or just paint them and be done! However, the wrapping helps keep the fan in place.
Make color coordinating fans that easy enough even even kids can make them.
Wow! These look amazing and so easy to make. I’m going to make one today. Thanks for your tutorial .
You’re so welcome Sparkles! Good luck!