DIY Paper Fan Craft for Kids: Cherry Blossom Hand Fan
One sheet of paper, a handful of popsicle sticks, and a little pink paint — this cherry blossom paper fan is the sweetest spring craft, and it actually fans.
There is something about a paper fan that never gets old — the fold, the flick, the very serious fanning of absolutely nothing. We made this cherry blossom version with accordion-folded paper and popsicle sticks, then painted the blossoms on with pink and brown acrylic. It opens, it closes, and it looks like spring.
What you need
- White paper or light cardstock — one sheet per fan
- Popsicle sticks — 7–8 per fan
- Pink and tan acrylic paint — we used Apple Barrel
- Cotton swabs + string — bundled into a blossom stamper
- Glue gun and glue sticks, scissors, pencil and string for tracing the arc
How to make the paper fan
Step 1: Cut the fan shape
Tie a pencil to a length of string, pin the string end down, and swing a big arc across the paper — then cut it out. Trace a small curve at the narrow end (a tape roll works as a template) and snip that out too. This gives you the classic fan wedge.
Step 2: Paint the cherry blossoms
Paint a brown branch sweeping across the paper, then stamp on the blossoms in pink. The trick: bundle a few cotton swabs together with string to make a blossom stamper — it prints perfect little flower clusters, and it is a great job for small hands. Let the paint dry.
Step 3: Glue on the sticks
Flip the painted paper over and fan 7–8 popsicle sticks across the back, spreading them from the narrow point like sun rays. Hot-glue each one in place — adults handle the glue gun.
Step 4: Fold and finish
Accordion-fold the paper back and forth around the sticks, creasing firmly between each one, then glue the pinched base together. Open, close, fan — repeat all afternoon.
Tips for making it with kids
- Let kids do the stamping. The bundled cotton-swab stamper makes blossom clusters easy — no brush control needed.
- Adults handle the folds and glue. Crisp accordion folds and the hot glue gun are grown-up jobs; little ones paint.
- Paint before folding. It is much easier to paint the flat sheet first, then fold — just let it dry completely.
- Make a set. One fan comes together quickly once the shape is cut; they make sweet gifts tucked into cards.
What kind of paper works best?
Regular white printer paper works, but light cardstock holds its folds better and stands up to paint without wrinkling.
How do you keep the fan open?
The glued popsicle sticks hold the fan's shape — open it to the width you like and the sticks keep it there.
What age is this craft best for?
Ages 3 and up. Little ones paint the blossoms while an adult folds; older kids can do the whole thing themselves.