Summer DIY: Paper fan that spins

Summer is right around the corner which means it’s time for a lot of outdoor activities. So I have been thinking about simple activities for my toddler. Since he is an active child and loves to run around, I figured a paper fan that spins could be a good toy. I remember playing with spinning fans with my friends during my childhood and it used to be so much fun. The best part is that we can easily make it at home with things that are commonly available at our homes. So let’s get started.

You will need:

1. Four sheets of colored card paper ( I chose yellow, orange,green,blue)
2. One paper clip
3. Two paper straws
4. Scissor
5. Glue

Steps:

1. Cut out a 8cm square from each sheet of paper. 
2. Fold the square diagonaly as shown above. 
3. Cut the square along the fold to get two triangle pieces. Thus you will have 8 triangular pieces. 
4. Draw two circles on one of the original sheet of papers using a coin and cut them out. You can also use two colors for these circle if you wish. 
5. So now you should have 8 triangles and two small circles.
6. Take one triangle fold it into half ( I have chosen the blue one to start with) and then glue half of one edge as shown in the figure.
7. Take one of the circles and paste the glued edge of the triangle as shown above. The aim is to paste all the triangles on to this circle along its circumference. 
8. Take another triangle (preferably another color) and glue the edge with the biggest angle ( same as the previous triangle only difference being this time onwards you glue the complete edge). Once glued stick this triangle partially on top of the previous one like in the figure above. We are going anti clockwise. 
9. Repeat step 8 until all the 8 triangles have been stuck. One important thing to note will be that one half of the last triangle (in my case the orange one) needs to be brought behind the first triangle (in my case the blue one). 
10. Now comes the fun part i.e. giving it the shape for its aero dynamic function. Glue the open edge of each triangle. And one by one bring the glued edge to the center of the circle and stick it. You might need to put some glue at the center as well so the edges stick properly. Once done press down the center of the circle until everything sticks properly. 
11. Glue the center and stick the second circle on it. 
12. Straighten the paper clip on one end and cover the other bent end with tape as shown above. 
13. Insert the open end of the paper clip through the center of the fan. 
14. Cut a 3cm long piece of a straw and place it over the clip.
15. Insert the rest of the paper clip through the second paper straw at a distance of around 1.5cm from the top of the straw. 
16. Bend the remaining end  of the paper clip to secure it in place. And you are done ! 🙂

The little man eagerly inspecting his new summer toy. It took me hardly 30 min to make this paper fan including my toddlers interruption/help. This could easily be a good craft activity for kids during the summer.