This post is sponsored by Jan and Jul and some links may be affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop using the links. There is NO extra cost to you. The opinions and photos are of Sew Bright Creation’s. 

Beat the heat with this kids summer craft!

Where are my crafty moms at? I know crafting isn’t everyone’s thing, but I promise you that this kids summer craft is SUPER easy! I’ve done all the figuring out for you, so just follow my easy step by step instructions below and boom, your kids just got a new fun craft and hours of entertaining with the fan when they’re done. I don’t know about you, but I call this a #MOMWIN!

What are you waiting for? Let’s get going!

Supplies needed to make this kids summer craft:

The following supplies are for the watermelon frutti fan. 

  • Construction paper (3 pink, 1 green)
  • 2 wood junior tongue depressors (regular size or wood popsicle sticks would work too. I’ve linked the regular size below because they were most affordable, I got mine at our local drugstore)
  • Paper cutter or scissors 
  • Glue stick
  • Hot glue
  • String and drill bit (optional)

Let’s get started – kids summer craft

Cut 2, 1″ strips of green construction paper, on the long edge. We are going to making 3 of these, so you can go ahead and cut all 6 strips now if you want.

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

Use a glue stick to attach one green strip to each side of the pink construction paper.

Fold the pink paper in half, as shown in the next photo. This fold just helps later on when you attached it all together.

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

Use a Sharpie or black felt pen to draw watermelon seeds. We made it fun and drew heart shaped seeds. My daughter also loved helping with this part. 

Fold the paper, about 1″ as shown in the next photo. Alternate folding towards the front and back to resemble an accordion. Keep folding until you reach the end. If you have too large of a piece at the end, just trim it with the paper cutter or scissors.

REPEAT THESE STEPS TO MAKE 2 MORE (3 in total)!!

 

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

We’re almost done this kids summer craft!

When you have 3 accordion – like pieces of paper, fold and glue them together with the glue stick. First, fold each one in half (along the fold you made at the very beginning) and then glue each together.

 

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

Using the hot glue gun, attach the tongue depressor to either end of the fan. Make sure that the end sticking out, is at the green edge of the fan. I also added a bit of extra hot glue to the centre of the fan to make it a bit stronger.

NOTE: if you’re wanting to add string to the tongue depressors, ensure to drill holes in them prior to gluing. 

Attach a piece of string or yarn to the tongue depressors. Make sure it is long enough so the fan can open properly. 

 

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

Kids summer craft to beat the heat + a few more tips!

There you go! You’ve got a frutti fan to keep cool this summer!

I’m going to keep these fans in our backpack because I know my daughter will love playing with it the next time we are out in the heat! 

The kids are both sun ready with their Jan and Jul Adventure Sun Hats, Jan and Jul Polarized Sunglasses and my little guy is ready for dipping his toes in the water to stay cool, while wearing his Jan and Jul Knit Shoes. The shoes are washable, which is what we need in this house. Have you seen how dirty my kid gets on the daily? 

The daily stuff is shared  on my Instagram stories @sewbrightcreations.

 

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

I love how the Jan and Jul hats have such great sun coverage, are adjustable around the head circumference and have chin straps! They really have thought of everything!

kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations
kids summer craft - how to make a paper fan - sew bright creations

I hope you enjoyed this kids summer craft! Let me know if you give it a try!

xo Jackie, Northern BC Mom & DIYer

Shop this post …

Here are some of the tools and supplies I used for this project plus the kid’s outfit details <<some links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you shop by clicking on my links. Your support is always greatly appreciated!>>

Click HERE for more of my Amazon Favourites!

Let's connect! Sign up to get your FREE productivity guide & weekly emails full of creative ideas.

* indicates required