Paper fans are not only festive but also fun and easy to make! Earlier this year, we started seeing this paper folding technique used in many different ways. From pretty photography backdrops to hanging mobiles to ornaments…the uses for these little fans are endless. The best part? You can make them any size you want to fit your specific needs. We’ve made them small in order to use them as place cards, adding a little pizazz to our tabletop decor. – Bailey and Emma of Antiquaria

The paper pattern and colors you use can yield so many different looks, making it easy to customize them to the theme of your event! Plus, the texture of the fan really makes a statement as guests approach the table!

Step One: To make the small fans, you will need to cut a sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ text paper into two equal parts (we used our Lucy Floral Patterned Paper). The final size of each sheet will be 8.5″ x 5.5.” You will need three 8.5″ x 5.5″ sheets per fan.

Step Two: Lay the paper on a scoreboard oriented in a landscape fashion. Make score marks every half inch. We love our scoreboard, but if you don’t have one handy that’s fine too! Simply fold the paper every half inch until you get the result in step three.

Step Three: Once the paper is scored, fold along the lines, altering directions each time, to get the accordion effect shown.

Step Four: Fold the paper in half length-wise and tape the center seam together using a tape gun or double sided tape. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for the other two pieces.

Step Five: Once you have your three fan components, you will tape all of them together to form the final round fan.

Step Six: To make the place cards, we calligraphed our guests’ names in gold ink on 2.5″ round labels. If you’d prefer, you can use a font to typeset the names and print them on the round labels using the template download found here.

Step Seven: The final detail is to stick the round label onto the center of the little fan that you made. Repeat for each guest and see your table come to life!

Materials

Lucy Patterned Paper in text weight

Self healing mat, ruler, and craft knife

Scoreboard – optional but great to have

Tape Gun or Double Sided Tape

2.5″ Round Labels in Superfine Soft White

Pen and Ink or Home Printer

Photo Credits: Antiquaria