Easy DIY paper fan decorations inspired by sun palm leaves
Paper fan decorations for Christmas trees have been around for centuries and were especially popular during Victorian times. They used to make paper fan medallions for their trees as well. Right now I’m not really into the Victorian look. That doesn’t mean that I dislike it but I’d rather put my own twist on the paper fan look which I revealed in my Christmas home tour yesterday and today I want to show you how I made them and what paper I used. The colors are so pretty.
Easy DIY paper fan decorations inspired by sun palm leaves
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Paper Christmas decorations are affordable and super easy to make which is always something I strive for because I like to change things up every year without breaking the bank.
Materials needed
- paper, card stock or wrapping paper – I used this pretty pack of card stock in pastels and neutral colors
- craft scissors
- clear tape
Video tutorial
Make sure you watch my video tutorial to see exactly what my hands are doing. Use the triangle on the image to turn on the video. If you are on a phone or tablet, hold the device sideways for better viewing. If the video doesn’t load for you then you can also watch it on my YouTube channel.
How to make a paper fan that looks like a dried palm leaf
Step 1: Fold the paper accordion-style
Start by folding the card stock/piece of paper accordion-style with your fingers.
You can use the ends of the scissors to flatten the even card stock creases.
Finish the paper fan folds and don’t worry about it being very even folds. It’s ok to be off a little bit.
Step 2: Fold the paper fan in half
Fold the paper fan in half, which can be a little tricky if you are using the cardstock since the center is thick.
Step 3: Glue the fan center together
I used clear tape to glue the center together. That way the fan looks even.
Step 4: Cut the ends of the fan
I used small craft scissors to cut palm leaf details into the paper fan. The ends should look like uneven points just like you would find in nature.
And you are done!
Finished paper fan decorations
I only made one size but you could definitely make these in different sizes. Possibly larger fans at the bottom of the tree and smaller fans towards the top.
I really love how the finished paper fan decorations look hanging in our flocked Christmas tree. They aren’t exact palm leaf replicas but hint at it just enough.
RELATED: I used the same colored cardstock paper to make origami diamond ornamnets which is another great idea and completely different look.
I really love the colors that came in the paper package too because they really go with my color scheme but didn’t use all of them. I left the darker browns and greens alone and only used the lighter colors.
Below you can see the colors used for the DIY paper fans much better when the lights aren’t lit on the tree. For the tree top, I used two fans glued together.
And below you can see the ivory fan ornaments with my easy starfish ornaments and the glass icicles again.
Like I showed you yesterday the fans look really nice on gifts too. You can also check out my DIY macrame ornaments to add to your tree and gifts.
Check out my other Christmas ornaments blog posts like my gingerbread Christmas ornaments, poster board snowflakes with free snowflake svg file for your Cricut, easy honeycomb ornament, foldable 3D stars, and favorite wooden German Christmas ornaments.
Tschüß,
How to make paper fan decorations for your Christmas tree
Find out how you can make affordable, easy and elegant paper fan decorations that look like pastel sun palm leaves for your Christmas tree.
Materials
- paper, card stock, or wrapping paper in pastels and neutral colors
- clear tape
Tools
- craft scissors
Instructions
- Fold the paper accordion-style
Start by folding the card stock/piece of paper accordion-style with your fingers.
You can use the ends of the scissors to flatten the even card stock creases.
Finish the paper fan folds and don't worry about it being very even folds. It's ok to be off a little bit. - Fold the paper fan in half
Fold the paper fan in half, which can be a little tricky if you are using the cardstock since the center is thick. - Glue the fan center together
I used clear tape to glue the center together. That way the fan looks even. - Cut the ends of the fan
I used small craft scissors to cut palm leaf details into the paper fan. The ends should look like uneven points just like you would find in nature.
Notes
- simply stick the paper fans into the Christmas tree where there are gaps, the branches will hold them up
- you can also use the paper fan decorations as gift toppers
I am so obsessed with your decor this year- it’s incredible! I need to up my craft game next year.. like craft at all… ha!
Thanks Cassie, I wish we could craft together.
I love this idea and your macrame ornaments are stunning too.
Thanks so much Marty. I’ve been crafting so much this year.
You always come up with the best ornaments! These are fabulous.
Hi Gretchen! Thanks so! I hope you are doing well. This year has been crazy
All of your holiday decor is absolutely lovely! You’ve inspired me to get crafty, especially with what I can do with the grandchildren.
Thank you so much for sharing your “gift”. Happiest Holidays to you and yours!!
Happy Holidays to you too and thank you so much! Enjoy crafting with your grandchildren
Thank you. Life doesn’t get much better (or messier 🙂 than crafting with the grandchildren! We’ll have fun doing yours and they’ll love taking them home.
That’s wonderful!