Make Japanese Fans
Japanese fans are beautiful creations with function. They are an ancient Japanese art. You can have fun teaching your kids make these Japanese fans and keep the whole family a little cooler. You can also have a lot of fun creating your very own Japanese fan by choosing the colors, patterns and designs. You can experiment with different ways to make your Japanese fan and find the best way for you. Begin with these simple steps to creating your very own Japanese fan.
Instructions
1. Assemble the fan bones. Find the middle of the bamboo sticks width wise and mark 1 inch from one end. This will be the point at which the fan pivots when opened and closed.
2. Use the needle to create holes where you marked the middle of the bamboo sticks.
3. Use the 2-inch head pin to thread through the holes you have just made. Gather the bamboo together as if the fan was in the closed position.
4. If you want the bones of the fan to be a different color, or to be decorated, now is the time. Take out the head pin and sand them down with the fine sandpaper and paint if so desired.
5. Thread the head pin back through the holes. Use the needle nose pliers to twist the other end of the head pin closed just enough to allow for pivoting, but keeping it tight. Use scissors to cut off any extra wire.
6. Spread the paper out and set the bamboo down on the paper. Make sure the bamboo bones are spaced out evenly. Use the tape to secure the bones to the paper.
7. Mark the paper a 1/2 inch above the top of the bones and 1 inch on each side. Cut the bottom and the top of the paper in an arc.
8. Remove the bones carefully to paint or draw on the paper to add a design to the fan. If you paint it make sure it is completely dry before finishing.
9. Use the glue to permanently attach the bones to the paper. Allow the glue to dry completely.
10. Start at one end and begin folding the fan by bringing the first bone to the second and folding the paper in. Continue in this manner, taking your time folding the paper. Once finished cut any paper that is not needed. You now have your own Japanese fan!
