Paper Plate Hand Fan
Paper fans are beautiful and traditional decorations often used during Chinese celebrations, such as Chinese New Year. Not only do they add a touch of festive charm to any setting, but they’re also a fantastic craft activity to introduce children to the rich cultural traditions of the holiday. Plus, they’re super simple to make, which makes them ideal for little ones in the classroom or at home!
Crafting these fans can be a great way to encourage creativity and fine motor skills. Children can experiment with colours, patterns, and designs that reflect the festive spirit of Chinese New Year. The red and gold often used during the holiday symbolise luck and prosperity, making this a fun and meaningful project.
Read on to learn how to create a Chinese New Year-inspired paper plate hand fan with your children.
What you’ll need:
- Paper plate
- Craft sticks
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Scissors
- Glue
- Decorations of your choice
Step 1
Cut a paper plate in half. Start by taking a paper plate and cutting it evenly in half. These will form the base of your fan. Cutting a full plate into halves helps little hands manage the size, making it easier to wave around once completed.
Step 2
Using any colour of your choice, paint both sides of the paper plate. Traditional Chinese New Year colours like red and gold are popular choices as they symbolise good fortune and prosperity. Feel free to paint the craft sticks too if you wish! Let everything dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3
Now it’s time to get creative! Add your choice of decorations to the painted paper plate. Sequins, glitter, and stickers can add a sparkly touch, while Chinese symbols or stencils can give a more traditional look. Encourage children to explore different patterns and designs that remind them of Chinese New Year. Let the decorations dry before assembling the fan.
Step 4
Apply glue to the top of two craft sticks, then attach one to each end of the flat edge of the plate, creating a handle for the fan. Hold the sticks in place until the glue is secure or use a pin to keep them steady while drying.
Step 5
Once everything is dry, your hand fan is ready to use! Kids can wave them around during storytime, parades, or simply display them as festive decorations around the classroom or home. It’s a fun way for children to take pride in their creation and learn a bit about the celebration.
We’ve got lots more lovely inspirational craft ideas for festivals and celebrations on our blog. Whether you’re planning activities for Lunar New Year, Diwali, or Easter, we’ve got you covered! Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram and tag us in your creations—we’d love to see what you and your little ones come up with!