Art of making fans

Date : Sat. 26 Jan.2008, Time 3pm.-5p.m. (or thereafter)

Venue : Han’s Cafe & Cake-House, 1 Pickering Street (where we had SHC Jan 17, 2008 monthly gathering).

I shall be pleased to show you how to make fans for Lunar New Year decorations.  As some of you have seen the samples I brought to our last gathering, these fans make attractive wall, door and flower arrangements (centre pieces of art work) to beautify your homes for the coming CNY.  If you are interested, pls register your response to this post by Thurs. 24 Jan,2008.  As we are using the facilities at the cafe, pls do order snacks/tea/coffee or whatever makan to help Han’s management generate some business.

Pls bring the following material : 1 pair of scissors, stapler/staples, a couple of rubber bands, and most importantly 26 pieces of Ang Pows.

  •  My mobile number : 96322081

June Chin

Author: junechin

UPDATED - 28.03.2021

75 thoughts on “Art of making fans”

  1. June, very nice of you. I finally know the person who showed me the beautiful ang-pow fans. Enjoy the demo.

    By the way, I removed your residential phone number from this Post.

    Terence Seah

  3. Dear June, so sweet of you. I’m not good with such but with your patience, sure can! so, hope no urgent biz meeting… I’ll be there.

  6. June, I am interested but will not be available this weekend…. so sad :(

    Wei wei Andrew, good that you are learning perhaps you teach me later ok ? even after CNY…I can wait.

    June, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

    Cheers,

    Susan

  7. This sounds like fun. I will trot over after my IT class. Do the ang pows have to be of the same size? Do we have to put money in the ang pows? Hee hee, just joking.

  12. When you folks will move away from the medieval and modernise it i.e. make angpow fans powered by bio-diesel, I’ll be there to learn too……….

  14. Hi Mary/Joy : Rectangular ang pows are the ideal size. They should be of the same design and as colourful in order to make it vivid and outstanding. You’re welcome to fill up with cash which can be taken up for old folks home.
    Tim : Can you simplify your reply by responding your interest. I’m not smart enough to read your riddles. So coming or not lah?? And don’t be funny, I am serious in my artwork.

    June Chin

  15. Hi June

    Hope you have a great time onboard Royal Caribbean cruise last month.

    I would love to learn the art of making fan from you and listen to some of your pirate stories.

    Cya!

    cheers
    Rene

  17. Hi June,

    I will join your fan making session after my IT workshop. At the same time I can have my afternoon tea at Hans and possibly dinner too. Sounds like a delightful Saturday afternoon rendezvous. I see two of my friends who normally make $$$ on a Saturday are coming to make fans too,very interesting!

    June, Thanks for sharing your artwork. See you!

  18. Hi June,

    Like to learn this art from you. But i can only come in later due to prior commitment.
    Will you still take me in? Can’t reach you thru phone…

    Tks/Rgds
    Joyce

  19. Hello all,

    Nothing to do this Sat, I will join you all to make fans to deco my home & office. Btw, does any body know how to make fish from “ang pow papers”? I would like to make also, “nian nian you yu”.

    Ah Nee

  21. Hi June

    Pls count me for the Sat. fun making sessions.
    Thanks in advance for the sharing session. As a new member, I look forward to meeting the other members.

    WBR
    Alicia Soh

  27. Cheng, no need to ask lah, sure Lina will teach all the participants to make the fish.

    Lina right? Btw, how many “ang pows” are required for one fish?

    My two sons will be surprised when they see the house full of fans and fishes. Anyone has more to share.

  28. Hi #25,26,27,

    So suddenly I become teacher too. Very easy, just 1 ang pow for 1 fish and it looks real ‘cos it is 3 dimensional, only cannot swim. Only stapler and ang pow required. See you guys.

  29. Hi Charles,

    You want to come and learn the art of making fan? June will teach you how to make fan and I will teach you how to make fishes. Don’t just attend investment talk and walk only. Everything must learn.

    All materials provided and lunch too! So good a deal how can you miss. Hope to see you at Hans at 3p.m.

  33. Dear June,
    Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon. I had such a lot of fun making the lovely fan. Your instructions and patient guidance is very much appreciated. I used to make such stuff years back and you have awakened my interest again. I wish we could get together and make some more pretty things for the Chinese New Year, but I guess there really isn’t much time left, so we’ll have to wait till after that.

    I am also keen to take up your suggestion of doing some painting although I have no skill whatsoever in that. With your assistance, I hope to produce something artistic, ;-).

    You are indeed a very patient and capable teacher. Thank you again. :-)

  34. We had so much fun making the Chinese New Year fans this afternoon at Hans Cafe.

    At my table were :-

    a) Dennis not the menace who was the teacher’s pet and gifted student,

    b) Eileen who so kindly gave a ride to Jie, Christina, Gingko, Peng Peng and myself from Henderson after our IT class,

    c) Jie who was Doris Day and who kept taunting Dennis by chanting “Teacher’s pet…, teacher’s pet” whenever June came around to see if we have gotten ourselves into any messy situation,

    d) and myself who managed to make a not so lopsided fan with 26 ang pows that were of different designs and sizes when we were supposed to use 26 identical ang pows.

    Thanks to June we will all have nicely decorated homes for Chinese New Year.

    Gong xi gong xi to one and all…

  35. Hi June,

    Thanks for teaching us and the patience on how to make the ang pow fans. I had a thoroughly good time.

    Hopefully you will be able to teach us more. Maybe, after the CNY, Caroline will allow you/us make something for the D&D decorations. It will then be a club member p0articipation.

    As usual ….just a thought……….Jie

  36. Hi June,

    It’s so fun and happening at the Hans’ Cafe yesterday afternoon. Every one was enjoying making the nicest fans under your patience instructions. Beside making fans, we also making a lot of noise, non-stop talking….I really like this kind of gathering and am looking forward to another session of the Art of making lantern…guess have to wait for next year…. :)

    Ah Nee

  37. Hi June,

    Like Ah Nee, I enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It is one of the more fun things I have done as a SHCian.

  38. Dear June, smsed u last nite… is your mobile# correct? Thanks, June it was an afternoon well spent.

    #36, agree with Ah Nee, we, definitely have had a great afternn!

    June was patient, her instructions simple, we were attentive and eager to make 1 of our 1st if not beautiful decorative CNY items. The look of the fan is deceivingly easy! Deft fingers, skill, patience besides good tools and a little help from one another goes well to put all the 26 hong baos together to look beautiful as a fan!

    There was laughter, fun poking… yea, talk… talk… talk amidst June’s… children… children… which, we were least mindful of.
    And Of course, we had food & drinks!

    Dear June, could you teach us the lantern making sooner? next year?…so far away and perhaps our deft hands might not be as nimble liao. heehee

  40. Hi June,

    Heard so much about the “ang pow fan-making” demonstration. I like to encourage you, and everybody with skills and hobbies to share their interests with other SHCians.

    Thank you for making this effort.

    Terence Seah

  41. Hi June, a big Thank You! Broke a couple of nails, stapler refused to work, unpicked, unpicked… but no matter. It was a fun afternoon. Thanks for your time and sharing the art. Most of all, thank you TEACHER for ordering me to get back to my seat which made CatherineY and Veronique and myself burst out laughing. It’s been a LOOOOONG time since I heard that and it reminded me of elementary school when teacher punished her student straying away from her seat and being talkative…

  42. Hi June

    Thanks for the wonderful afternoon and also for allowing me to learn the art of making fan from ang pow chua. I really enjoyed doing it and also the company of our fellow members.

    Joy: u made my head swelled when u said i m a “gifted student”. Must buy u a drink.

    Eileen: Thanks 4 the sweet & sour sweets.

    Jie: Thanks 4 serenading the song “Teacher’s Pet” 2 all 3 of us.

    Cheers, Dennis

  43. Dennis…wow!.u so clever ah?..become teacher’s pet?…hhmmm,even in danz class…u r one of the best!
    so u c Charles…its not only for girls afterall..guys can be talented if they try…I guess its not yr cuppa tea lah rite?

  44. Dear June

    I would like to learn from you if not I was travelling.

    I enjoy creative arts as well. Next round, would join you to learn.

    Cheers, Andrew

  45. Hi Guys & Gals (you are all teacher’s pets!) And thank you for such positive feedbacks. I want to assure you that I’ve enjoyed myself as much in teaching as you in learning the skills and showing so much enthusiasm and interest.

    May you have continuous pleasure in admiring the art you have acquired for now and forever.

    Gong Xi Fa Xai!

    June

  47. June,
    You have inspired me to make 4 more fans! Everyone who saw it wanted one. I enjoyed making them and would have continued if my fingers were not getting sore.
    Thank you again and Gong Xi Fa Cai to you too!

  48. Now that Terence has made the call at #40, anyone interested in origami? I have been involved in origami as a serious art form for a long time. Might be able to hold informal classes for SHCians sometime later, if there is sufficient interest.

    Ron Koh

  49. Banks, look here……………so now you know why aunties are queuing up for ang pows and, no matter how many times you replenish yr stock, you’re always short of angpows to give away and now, with RonK’s origami, hahahaha, SHC is gonna powkaliao all the angpows…………………

    And kids, no more “gongxi fa cao, hong pow na lai” but “gongxi fa cai, hong san na lai” bcos hang cheng chin pai……….

  50. Tim @ #49:

    Oi, I am an ang pau friendly person: no ang paus are abused, damaged or injured in origami. And we do not use dangerous weapons and substances like staplers, scissors, glue and paint either. :o)

    Ron Koh

  51. Ron Koh,
    Origami from ang pow packets? I have never done that before. Sounds interesting. I used to do origami with origami papers of all types for my girls when they were still young.
    If you want to teach, I am interested to learn. After all, we will hopefully be grandparents one day ;-) and may need to entertain our grandkids with origami too.

  52. June, my fan flattened after the Chinatown trip. Sob! Sob! It’s all Ah Nee’s fault…..invited me to Chinatown.

    Ah Nee, that’s what ex colleague is for ……….a punching bag :)

  54. Eleanor, its was so crowded at Chinatown, most probably your fan must have flattened by the pushing crowd! not me lah…ha…ha…ha…. Yesterday I made two fans for my office deco and every one said, wow! so nice, you so clever huh….. :)
    To make up for it, I shall make one for you lor, guess you don’t have the time to make. I call you when its ready, ok :)

    Ah Nee

  55. Looks like I had missed all the fun in June’s fan-making class and shall now wait patiently for Ron Koh’s origami session. Can we avoid the week-ends?

  56. Congrats, RonK, you’re SHC’s “Find of the Year”, the Protector of the destitute, ravaged Ang Pow papers.

    So, we’ll use newspapers at yr origami classes, and I shall make a F12 fighter jet which can fire missiles…..ang pow missles (see, your protected will turn aggressor under yr protection).

    MaryC, why wait so long long to entertain yr grandchildren when you can make a horse then ride the sunset at sungei api api on it. How lorman(canto)-tic.

    Eleanor, you hv to be the chaikong type of person to walk thru chinatown this time of year unscathed. He wd not hv buttoned up so that his shirt gets to swing at people coming near him, waving his fans to hit heads, and laughing all the way for no reason.

    Obviously, you didnt do anything of the above.

    Try it again after ANee has passed you a new fan.

    SHC cameramen, be on standby, one for SHC blog-head………..

  57. Hi, all who responded at #51, #53, #55 and #56: thanks for responding, and please allow me to clarify a few points:

    1) I do not use ang paus in origami – ang paus have nothing to fear from me. :o)

    2) We will be using mainly origami paper – square sheets that come prepacked. Of course, we can use other kinds of paper, e.g. gift wrappers, newspapers, junk mail (start collecting these, folks!), chai tau kway wrappers (no kidding), etc. Depending on what we want to fold.

    3) I need to clear some personal matters before I will be in a position to begin classes. As such, my earlier announcement was intended as a ‘feeler’ – the classes will not begin any time soon. Will post again when I am in a better position to begin.

    4) Weekends can be avoided, if it suites the majority. Anyone with proposals for venues? If a venue with overhead projection facilities is available, that would be great.

    5) I plan to begin from the beginning, which means that in the early stages, there will be ‘things’ you will learn that can be shared with/taught to (prospective) grandchildren, people with ten thumbs and no fingers, slightly senile, etc.

    6) In the latter stages, for those who have not fallen by the wayside, I plan to delve deeper into origami as an art form in its own right; origami design, and as a tool in education, therapy, etc. There is a lot more to origami than the kids’ stuff that many people associate origami with. :o)

    7) Some of my origami designs can be viewed at
    http://design.origami.free.fr/bestof/koh/index.htm

    Cheers,

    Ron Koh

  59. Hi Ron Koh,

    Wow! That’s very impressive! I would like to register my interest in your origami “informal class”. Saturday afternoon is most suitable for me.

  60. Missed the fun really looking at all the comments and feedback. I enjoyed making Origami and that’s was a long long time ago. Been so bz lately only to discovered that I’ve missed this interesting activity. Perhaps another opportunities, pls include me. Cheers!

  62. Hi Ron Koh

    I looked at your creations in your website and I am really impressed. When you have time to conduct the class, I would like to learn.

    I think basically people like to create as it gives us a sense of achievement when we have created something with our hands or our minds. It may also be that we are made in the image of our Creator (hee..guess this word won’t cause my comment to end up in moderation mode).

    Joy

  63. Hi Ronald

    Like to meet up with you…..your web-site on Origami is impressive and artistic.

    Do you still within Bedok/East Coast GRC? We can meet in the vicinity for tea/lunch, to catch up with old days and to learn your magic in your postings.

    Cheers, Andrew

  65. Wow Ron Koh!
    I had a look at your website and I’m very interested. You have such a collection of origami designs.
    Ok, I was mistaken about the usage of ang pows for origami and a little relieved. My finger tips were getting stained from doing the fans even though the papers were supposed to be colourfast (I think).
    Please do start a class soon. I’m sure Hans would welcome us as long as we patronise them.
    Thanks for offering to teach us.

  66. hi Ronald

    Suggest that you start a new thread so that it is focussed on Origami and let this be an art of fan making thread, another useful thread.

    Cheers, Andrew

  67. Ron Koh,
    I didn’t realise that you are in the Bedok area (#64 by Andrew). Then perhaps somewhere in the east would be better. What about the study corners in some void decks? They are open to the public, children actually, but I have seen adults using them for reading and board games.
    I know of one in Pasir Ris, but it may be too far for some. I’m sure there are some in the Bedok or Kembangaan areas.
    I’m sure, as long as we don’t make noise and keep the place clean, we will not be turned away.
    It’s just a suggestion.

  68. Thanks, everyone, for your kind comments and interest.

    Andrew @ #64:

    I reside in Simei, East Coast GRC. You can contact me anytime – it will be nice to catch up on old times. I intended to start a separate thread on origami when I am in a better position to teach – Judging by the response I am getting here, I guess I should not wait until then :o)

    Mary Chan @ #67:

    Andrew and I go back a long way, and yes, I am in the east. Thanks for your suggestion of a location, but study corners are open to others, and can be a bit disruptive.

    Ron Koh

  69. Eleanor, “chaikong” (canto) is the fictional mad monk, once a scholar but when he discovers that he possesses magical powers, he decides to use it on the filthy rich bullies. He goes abt teasing with his tattered fan, always so wu zhou lat tak, leh leh feh feh but is very much adored.

    The commoner’s hero.

  70. Hi Ronald

    Then we can meet this Saturday for lunch before I leave for Jkt this Sunday afternoon, back just b4 CNY.

    You are in Simei, I at Tanah Merah, just one MRT station away. Your pick, where we can meet over lunch?

    Both locations have fantastic food and excellent ambience …….if you missed Bedok, come over, can meet at The Tanamera also.

    Cheers, Andrew

  71. Hi, Andrew @ #70:

    Will have to make it sometime after CNY. Quite tied down right now.

    Can email me at the address on my origami website for personal arrangements.

    Cheers,

    Ron Koh

  72. Hi Ron,

    I heard so much abt ur origami works from my wife dat i must join ur class if u intend 2 hav 1. I saw ur marvellous work of art thru ur website. So…dont 4get 2 remember me (sung by the Bee Gee).

    Cheers, Dennis

  73. Hi Nor #43..no teacher’s pet lah and dancing? boleh tahan sahaja. Yes Charles, we men also can do it if we really try. Do u agree?

    Cheers, Dennis not the menace

  74. Hi Eleanor,

    Your CNY Fan is generated last night (NY time), trade date is today, value spot, so I deliver on Sat, 2 Feb when I see you…ha…ha..ha…not a bad deal hor. :)

    Ah Nee

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