Looking for a really easy, crafty make for the holiday season? I’ve been making wallpaper circle fans for many years now. I first wrote about them in 2016 and they were made out of pretty wallpaper; perfect for a summer party. But DIY paper fan decorations are also fantastic for Christmas too!
These round paper fan party decorations can be made with coloured craft paper or wrapping paper, but my favourite kind of material to make them with is left over wallpaper.
It’s a bit tougher to cut than some thinner papers, but I love the patterns. The ones I made from the left over wallpaper that we used in our downstairs loo look amazing all clustered together.
Quick View of What You'll Find on This Page
How to Make Paper Fan Decorations
Making the paper fan decorations is so simple.
I’m sharing a slightly different method than before; this uses just one piece of paper — rather than four — and string to secure the centres, rather than glue.
It’s a great craft to get the kids involved in too.
Plus, if you use scrap pieces of wallpaper, it’s a great way to reuse and recycle.
Make DIY Paper Fan Decorations
Make these DIY paper fan decorations out of scrap wallpaper. Perfect for the holiday season and a great way to reuse and recycle.
Materials
- Paper (wallpaper, craft paper or wrapping paper will all work well)
- String
- Glue
- Paperclips
Tools
- Scissors
- Glue Gun (optional)
Instructions
- Cut a rectangle of paper, making sure the length is approximately double the measurement of the width.
- Begin to fold the paper, concertina style, every couple of cm. Fold the paper backwards and forwards until you reach the end of the rectangle. If there's any overlap, just cut it off with your scissors.
- Hold the concertinaed paper and fold it in half, so the ends meet.
- At this point, you can shape the ends of the paper. You can cut them at an angle which will make a star, or curve the cut which will make a flower shape.
- Next, take a length of string and tie around the middle. This will be the hanger for the paper fan decoration.
- Lay the string flat along the middle of the paper, so it hangs off one end.
- Then cover the surface area of the paper with glue and fold the two edges together, sandwiching the string between.
- Press down firmly and hold until the glue has set.
- Open the circle fan up and secure the other side with paperclips at the back of the fan, so the paperclips aren't visible from the front..
At this stage, if you want a more permanent paper fan decoration, you can use glue to secure the other side of the circle fan, rather than paperclips.
- Hang up your DIY paper fan decorations and enjoy!
How to Hang Paper Fan Wall Decorations
As these DIY decorative paper wall fans have integral strings, it makes them much easier to hang.
I tend to use self adhesive hooks; stick them to the wall then hang the circle fan decorations on them.
They look amazing when all grouped together; especially if you’ve made different sizes and have created them in various patterns or colours.
All of mine have been created using offcuts of William Morris wallpaper.
But — equally — the circle fans also look lovely when they’re placed on a shelf or mantle.
I like to display mine in our kitchen, above the AGA.
A Little Visual Guide Showing How to Make The Circle Fans
I created a little film showing how to make circle paper fans. Sometimes it’s easier to see someone do it rather than read about it! I hope it helps!
I’d love to see if you make any yourself. Drop me a message if you do.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
They are so charming!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Thanks so much Danielle :)
Beautiful!!
Thank you so much! :)