Hand Fan Crafting Guide For Traditional Weddings

Hand fans are a great way to add a personal touch to your traditional wedding. They can be used as a fun prop in wedding photos or as a practical favour for your guests to keep them cool during the ceremony and reception. Making your own hand fans for your wedding is a simple DIY project that can be done on a budget. All you need are some basic supplies like paper, fan handles, glue, and decorations such as ribbon or twine. You can even print your own designs or messages on the fans to make them extra special. With a little time and creativity, you can create elegant and functional hand fans that your guests will love!

Choosing the right paper

Paper Type and Weight:

• Sturdy paper types such as index card stock, file folder, or poster board are good choices for hand fans. These options provide a strong base and ensure the fans are durable.
• For folded paper fans, opt for lightweight paper such as wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. This makes it easier to create accordion-style folds.
• The weight of the paper is also an important factor. For two-sided fans, use paper weighing between 65lb and 80lb, especially if you plan to print on a home inkjet printer.
• If you're creating one-sided fans, it's best to order from a professional printer and request paper weighing at least 110lb. This will give your fans a more luxurious feel.

Paper Colour and Design:

• Choose a paper colour that complements your wedding theme or colour palette. You can opt for plain paper or select fun, vibrant colours to add a playful touch to your fans.
• Consider printing graphics, messages, or the wedding program on the paper before assembling the fans. This adds a personalised and festive touch to your wedding favours.
• If you're printing on the paper, ensure that the paper you choose is compatible with your printer to avoid any smudging or ink bleeding. Test printing on a few sheets before committing to a large quantity.

Paper Size and Shape:

• The size of the paper will depend on the desired size of your hand fans. Typically, fans range from 5" x 7" to 8.5" x 11" when folded.
• You can also cut the paper into different shapes, such as circles or flowers, to create uniquely shaped fans. However, if you're making a large number of fans, it's advisable to keep the shape simple for ease of assembly.

Remember to consider the climate and purpose of the fans. If it's for a warm outdoor wedding, opt for thicker paper or chipboard, as mentioned in one source, to ensure the fans are functional and can withstand multiple uses.

Folding the paper

If you are using a pre-printed design, fold the paper in half and crease it before adding the glue. This way, you won't have to worry about the glue sticking or drying before lining up the edges. If you are working with thicker paper, use a bone folder to smooth out the crease. Line up the corners and use the bone folder to create a neat fold.

For a simple fan, fold each piece of paper in half. If you want to make a folded paper fan, use lightweight paper and fold the paper accordion-style. You can then glue the stick to the base of the folds.

If you are using a paper scoring board, use a scoring tool to mark and score the centre of the paper. This will help you create a perfect fold. Once you have scored the paper, fold it in half.

If you want to round the corners of your fans, use a corner paper punch on all four corners of the folded card stock.

Using glue or double-sided tape

Preparation:

Before you begin, gather your materials. You will need fan handles, which can be made of wood or chipboard, and the fan base, which can be made of paper, cardstock, or fabric. If you prefer using glue, choose a strong adhesive such as a glue pen or spray adhesive. For those opting for double-sided tape, select the flat, clear variety rather than the foam type.

Attaching the Fan Handles:

If using glue, apply a generous amount to one side of the fan handle, especially where it will come into contact with the fan base. Firmly press the handle onto the fan base, ensuring it is straight and well-centred. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.

If using double-sided tape, cut a piece of tape to fit the width of the fan handle. Remove the protective backing and carefully place the tape onto the fan handle, centring it lengthwise. Gently lower the handle onto the fan base, making sure it is straight. Once the handle is in the desired position, apply pressure to ensure the tape adheres well.

Finishing Touches:

Whether you use glue or tape, it is important to let the adhesive set completely before moving on. You can decorate the fans with ribbons, bows, or other embellishments. If you wish to round the corners of your fans, use a corner paper punch to create a soft, rounded edge. Your hand fans are now ready to be used and admired by your wedding guests!

Adding decorations

Choosing your Materials:

• Paper: Select a sturdy paper such as index card stock, file folder, or chipboard. You can also use lightweight paper like wrapping or scrapbook paper if you prefer a more delicate look.
• Fabric: Choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colours. This could be silk, lace, or a simple cotton print.
• Handles: Wooden fan handles are a popular choice and come in various shapes, such as wavy or straight. You can also find handles made from other materials, like bamboo or plastic.
• Embellishments: Ribbons, twine, bows, and corner punches are all great ways to add extra detail to your fans. You can also use stamps, stickers, or other craft supplies to decorate the handles or the fan surface.

Assembly and Decoration:

• Printing: If you plan to print designs, messages, or graphics on your fans, do this before assembly. Use a home printer or take your design to a local print shop.
• Folding: Fold your paper in half, or for a more intricate design, try an accordion fold. You can also round the corners of your fans with a corner punch for a softer look.
• Adhesives: Use spray adhesive, double-sided tape, or glue to attach the fan handles. Be careful with glue, as it may leak through the paper and cause stains.
• Embellishments: Add your chosen ribbons, twine, or bows to the handles. You can also stamp or write personalised messages on the handles.
• Sewing (optional): If you're feeling adventurous, try sewing the edges of your fans for a more durable finish. However, be cautious when sewing through the handles, as it may damage your sewing machine.

Remember, the key is to be creative and have fun! Personalise your hand fans to match your wedding theme and style. They can be a beautiful and functional addition to your special day.

Finishing touches

Now that your fan is assembled, you can add some final flourishes to make it stand out. If you're using paper, you can round the corners with a corner punch for a softer look. You can also add some ribbon or twine to the handle for a decorative touch. If you're feeling creative, come up with your own embellishments to personalize your fans.

If you're using fabric for your fans, you can add some ribbon to the handle or sew the edges of the fabric for a neat finish. You can also use decorative paper, such as scrapbook paper, instead of fabric. Play around with different materials and techniques to create a unique and elegant hand fan for your traditional wedding.

For a more natural look, opt for wooden fan handles. You can find these at most craft stores or online. If you want to add a pop of color, you can paint the wooden handles or decorate them with stickers or other embellishments.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different materials and designs. Hand fans are a great way to add a personal touch to your traditional wedding, and your guests will appreciate the effort you put into making them. Happy crafting!

Frequently asked questions