Keeping Cool: Easy Card Pocket Fans | Family Economics

By Cathe

In this August heat, how many times have you found yourself slightly overheated and rummaging for an item to fan yourself?  If this has happened to you at least once, you’re in need of something to help you stay cool during the month. 

Here’s a simple craft for making fun pocket fans to keep in a purse, backpack or car glove-box.

Materials:

•    Playing cards (same or mixed image), flash cards, or cardstock printed with your own graphics or photos (cut to the same size as playing cards). Stacks of eight work best. However, depending on the thickness of the cards or cardstock you use, you may be able to use up to 10.

•    Small scrap cardstock piece. This can be the same size as your playing cards or slightly larger, depending on your preference for the size of your fan.

•    1/4 inch hole punch

•    3/16 inch grommets and grommet pliers

•    Scissors

Directions:

•    Taking the stack of eight to 10 cards, hole punch the bottom left corner of each card using the previous card punched as a template for the hole placement. This will ensure the same hole size and location on each card.

•    Taking the piece of scrap cardstock, hole punch the bottom left corner of it and trim out a circle around it that is slightly larger than the holes you placed in your card stack. This paper disc will allow free movement of the cards once fastened together.

•    Place the cardstock at the bottom of the stack of cards, making sure all the holes on each piece align.

•    Using grommet pliers, squeeze grommet into the hole of the stacked cards and paper disc.

•    Last step - fan out to keep cool!

These little fans also make great fun for fidgety children. What are some creative items you use to keep cool during the summer?