Simple and breezy handmade fans | A curated selection of ideas you can whip up in no time!
Japan’s summers are getting hotter and more uncomfortable with each passing year.
There are plenty of exciting things like festivals and pools, but many people find the heat alone simply unbearable!
In this article, we’ll introduce DIY ideas for uchiwa (traditional Japanese hand fans), handy items that can help you get through the muggy summer a little more comfortably.
From pieces you can make with familiar materials to stylish designs that look cool and refreshing, we’ll cover a wide range—so be sure to use them as inspiration!
Simple and Breezy DIY Uchiwa Fans | A Curated Selection of Quick-Make Ideas (1–10)
Stained-glass-style fan
Introducing a hand fan that lets you enjoy a vibrant stained-glass look! First, take a fan with only the frame and stick a piece of adhesive film cut to the fan’s shape on one side.
On top of this film, randomly place colored cellophane, transparent origami paper, stickers, and the like however you like.
Once you’ve finished applying the cellophane and other materials, trim off any excess with scissors, then seal it by applying another layer of adhesive film on top—and you’re done! If you color the fan’s ribs black beforehand with a marker, the cellophane colors will pop even more beautifully.
pop-up uchiwa
Let’s make a pop-up fan that can also be folded compactly! Insert paper folded in an accordion into a slit-cut straw, then wrap paper around it from above so the straw is hidden.
To create the handle for the pop-up part, wrap another sheet of paper around the opening where the fan will pop out, and attach a thread to the fan.
Cover the thread with another sheet of paper on top to finish the base.
After that, decorate the stick section as you like.
By pulling the handle downward, the accordion-folded part opens into a circle, forming the shape of a fan.
A small handheld fan made with design paper
Let’s make a mini handheld fan using decorative paper with various patterns! Prepare two circles cut from thick paper, and glue them together with a chopstick sandwiched between them as the handle.
For reinforcement, it’s recommended to add masking tape or similar along the edges.
Next, cut two circles of decorative paper in the same size and attach them to both sides to finish.
It doesn’t have to be paper specifically labeled “decorative paper”—patterned origami works just fine.
You can also use different patterns on each side or add three-dimensional decorations made from origami to make it more original!
pressed-flower uchiwa (paper fan)
Introducing a stylish fan made with pressed flowers! Start with a fan that only has the frame, and attach a fan-shaped sheet of paper with an adhesive surface.
Since you’ll be sticking pressed flowers onto the adhesive side later, use glue to attach the paper to the frame.
Once you decide how to arrange the pressed flowers, place them onto the adhesive surface of the paper attached to the fan.
When you’re done, cover it with a thin transparent washi paper or a clear sheet.
Finally, trim off any excess with scissors, and you’re done! Using summer flowers like morning glories as pressed flowers is also recommended.
Origami fan that opens with a twirl
The “uchiwa” (hand fan) I’m introducing this time is made with origami paper and disposable chopsticks.
First, prepare three sheets of origami paper.
Accordion-fold them, then fold each in half and glue the center.
If you apply glue all the way to the center, it will come out neat.
Once you’ve made three of these parts, glue them together.
Finally, firmly attach the chopsticks to the front and back of the origami with tape, and you’re done.
By getting creative with the patterns, you can also make watermelon, kiwi, and orange designs.
It’s so colorful that you’ll look forward to opening this fan.
origami fan
A cute origami fan to help you enjoy and beat the summer heat! First, prepare three parts by folding origami paper into an accordion and then folding each in half.
Glue each piece so it forms a fan shape, then connect all three pieces together.
Finally, attach a wooden chopstick to the back of the accordion as the handle, and you’re done! For a watermelon fan, use red origami paper, glue on thin strips of green and white paper, and add black dots on the red part before making the accordion folds.
You can also make a sunflower fan with yellow and brown origami paper.
You’ll want to try all kinds of fun motifs!
Clear holder uchiwa (clear file fan)
Let’s make a transparent uchiwa fan easily using a clear file folder! Prepare a fan with only the frame, then cut the clear folder into a fan shape.
If you cut it with the fan placed inside the clear folder, it’s easier to follow the shape.
Next, attach the frame and the clear folder, and for reinforcement, apply masking tape along the edges.
Finally, stick your favorite stickers on both sides or just one side, and you’re done! It’s easy to make, so try it as a summer vacation craft project.