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!
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Simple and Breezy DIY Uchiwa Fans | A Curated Selection of Quick-Make Ideas (1–10)
Skeleton uchiwa (transparent handheld fan)
Introducing a see-through, skeleton-style uchiwa fan! Prepare a fan with only the frame, and cut off the inner ribs in the fan’s blade area as well.
Get a transparent sheet, such as from a rigid card case, cut it to the fan’s shape, and attach it to the frame with double-sided tape.
Then decorate as you like—add stickers, or apply lace or ribbons along the edges—and you’re done! Since it’s a transparent fan, we recommend keeping decorations minimal for a simple, stylish look rather than sticking on too many things.
cloth uchiwa (fabric handheld fan)
Let me introduce fabric uchiwa handheld fans that have a gentle, soft feel! First, remove the original paper from a fan so you’re left with just the frame, or prepare a frame-only fan purchased for crafting.
Pick a fabric with a pattern you like and cut two pieces to the size of the fan.
You’ll attach one piece to each side of the fan; when gluing, I recommend using decoupage medium.
When coating the whole surface, slightly thin the decoupage medium; for the final reinforcement along the edges, apply it undiluted.
It could also be fun to use different fabrics on the front and back!
Calligraphy art uchiwa (handheld fan)
Let me introduce you to calligraphy-art uchiwa (hand fans) that can look cool or cute depending on what you write! First, use a brush to write characters on paper in any style you like.
The key to stylish brush lettering is to set aside the “correct” form of kanji for the moment and express yourself freely.
Vary thin and thick strokes and combine them well as you write.
Once you’re done, cut the paper into the fan shape and attach it to the fan’s frame—finished! Don’t feel limited to black ink for your pen color—use any colors you like, try ones with glitter, or whatever suits your taste.
Simple and Breezy Handmade Uchiwa Fans | A Curated Selection of Quick-Make Ideas (11–20)
miniature uchiwa (traditional Japanese hand fan)
Introducing miniature uchiwa fans—perfect for a summer vacation craft! Cut a craft band into pieces about 4 cm long.
Stick a thin strip of masking tape about one-third of the way from one end of the craft band.
Then, make slits along the band’s ridges up to the taped section.
Spread these cut sections outward to form the ribs of the fan.
Next, create the fan surface to match the size of the rib frame.
Cut both the base cardstock and the washi or origami paper you’ll glue on top into a half-circle shape like a fan.
Finally, glue everything together with white glue or paste and you’re done! For extra durability, we recommend adding a small piece of masking tape to reinforce the joint between the fan surface and the ribs.
Morning glory collage fan
This is a summery uchiwa fan decorated with morning glories.
Prepare a plain fan and draw the morning glory vines on it.
Make the flowers and leaves by cutting them from tissue paper.
Cut a star-shaped hole in the center of each flower.
You can use origami or construction paper, but tissue paper has a slight translucence that gives a uniquely cool, breezy look when finished, so it’s recommended.
Paste the tissue-paper morning glories and leaves onto the fan with the drawn vines, using glue thinned with water.
The key is to place them so the vine drawing doesn’t overlap the open center of the flowers.
Once it’s thoroughly dry, it’s complete!
Mini uchiwa with marble-painted patterns
Would you like to try making a handmade uchiwa fan that captures the feeling of summer? This method uses marbles to create patterns on the fan, so it’s also great for craft activities in adult day services! Dissolve paint in a paper cup, add a marble, and coat it evenly with color.
Next, place drawing paper in a tray, then roll the paint-covered marble over the paper to add color.
You can layer two or three colors if you like! Prepare two sheets of the painted paper cut into the shape of a fan.
Finally, glue the two sheets together with a split craft band along the edge, and you’re done! The lines made by the rolling marble are unique and result in a stylish uchiwa.
A fan made of hemp and lace
Let’s make a cool, elegant uchiwa fan using linen and lace! Prepare a fan frame with only the ribs, then cut linen fabric and lace into the fan’s sector shape and use decoupage medium to adhere them to both sides.
After attaching one side, let it dry once, and only after it’s dry, attach the other side.
When both sides are fully dry, place a weight on top for about 2–3 days to reinforce the fan’s shape, which may have warped from the medium.
Once the shape is set, it’s done! The lace’s translucence and the pleasant feel of the linen are wonderfully summery and lovely.