Fans have been cherished by literati and gentlemen since ancient times, often carried in the sleeves, hence the nickname ‘Elegant Sleeve Item’. In ancient times, the act of fanning was not only for cooling but also a silent expression of elegance. For Chinese literati, folding fans were not only a symbol of status but also a reflection of personal cultural interests. The ease of opening and closing a folding fan, using it when open and storing it when closed, represents a carefree and comfortable lifestyle.
Even ordinary people would hang fans in their homes, considering them as treasures that protect the house. A small fan can reflect the richness of traditional culture. There are many types of folding fans, and the hard paper fan is the most practical for creating a breeze. These fans can be used for cooling and also serve as decorations in performances. Friends who love crafts can make beautiful folding fans as gifts, which are also considered works of art. Today, let’s learn how to make an easy and elegant traditional-style small folding fan. This traditional paper fan is simple to make and can be made with just one sheet of paper. Of course, the key is that it’s beautiful, suitable for bookmarks or hanging decorations. Let’s get started!Folding Fan Tutorial: Easy and Elegant Preparation Materials: 1 square piece of paper measuring 15cm. Other sizes are also acceptable, but it’s best not to be less than 15cm, as smaller sizes will result in more delicate fans.
01 Fold the paper horizontally, then fold the left and right sides towards the center, aligning with the previous fold. 02 Next, fold the left and right sides of the paper inwards three more times consecutively. 03 After folding, open the paper to reveal 16 equal sections. 04 Then fold the paper horizontally again, folding it twice consecutively, but in the opposite direction of the previous folds, forming a cross. 05 Fold the top layer of the paper once more, while leaving the bottom layer untouched. 06 Unfold the paper to reveal 16 horizontal folds and 5 vertical folds. 07 Fold the left and right sides of the paper towards the center, aligning with the second fold on each side, leaving a blank space in the middle. 08 Fold the paper back and forth along the previous folds, creating accordion pleats. 09 Fold the paper in half from the middle, apply glue to the center, and press together, ensuring the bottom of the fan is firmly pinched. 10 Finally, attach the tassel to the fan, and there you have it, a beautiful small fan. Isn’t it simple?
