The Fan
This is basically the same paper fan that everyone has made at some time or another with sheets of writing paper. It is very easy to make.
As with all these instructions, try to start with a relatively clean, crisp bill. It will make the process easier. All folds should be sharply creased. It helps to go over the fold with a fingernail on a flat, hard surface.
Start by folding about the width of the white border on one end of the bill.
Keep folding back and forth, with each fold the same width. Consistency
really improves overall appearence.
For clarity, this is an end view showing what I mean by folding back and
forth.
Once you've finished the entire length of the bill, pinch one end and bend
it over as shown. This will keep the 'handle' end closed quite nicely.
All that's left is to spread the folds out on one side. Just like ordinary
paper fans, the outside edge is all curved over in one direction to give it
a little stiffness.
Some notes:
Keeping the back-and-forth folds even and parallel is key to having it look nice.
The smaller the individual back-and-forth folds, the more dramatic the effect.