Making Victorian fan ornaments is a beautiful, elegant craft that incorporates paper, ribbon, and lace to create a vintage-inspired decoration. Here’s a simple guide to making your own Victorian fan ornaments:
Materials:
- Decorative cardstock or scrapbook paper (preferably with vintage patterns)
- Lace trim (optional)
- Ribbon (for hanging and decoration)
- Glue (hot glue works well)
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Small embellishments (like beads, pearls, or buttons for added detail)
Steps:
- Cut the Paper:
- Start by cutting a rectangular piece of decorative paper (about 6 inches by 12 inches). You can adjust the size based on how large you want your fan ornament to be.
- Accordion Fold the Paper:
- Begin folding the paper back and forth in an accordion or fan fold, about 1/2 inch wide for each fold. Make sure to keep the folds even for a clean fan shape.
- Shape the Fan:
- After folding the entire length of the paper, fold it in half at the center to form a fan shape. Secure the center with a small dot of glue.
- Add Lace Trim:
- To give the fan a more elegant, Victorian look, add lace trim to the top edge. Cut a strip of lace slightly longer than the folded edge and glue it to the edge of the fan, allowing the lace to peek over the top for a delicate touch.
- Create a Hanging Loop:
- Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the bottom center of the fan. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole and tie it off to create a loop for hanging. You can also tie a small bow at the center for added decoration.
- Decorate with Embellishments:
- Add small pearls, beads, or buttons to the lace or paper for additional flair. You can also glue a small ribbon bow at the base of the fan for a finishing touch.
- Secure the Base:
- To keep the fan open, glue the sides of the paper at the base so it holds its shape. Once the glue dries, your Victorian fan ornament is ready to be hung on the tree.
Optional Variations:
- Double Fans: You can create a more elaborate ornament by making two accordion fans and gluing them together at the base.
- Metallic Paper: For a more festive look, use metallic or glittery paper to make the fan sparkle.
This craft is a lovely way to add vintage charm to your Christmas tree, evoking the elegance of the Victorian era. The materials are affordable, and the process is simple, making it a great project for all ages!