Materials needed: Cardboard, ostrich feathers, hot glue gun. Yup, that's it!
Step 1: The cardboard is going to be your handle and what holds the feathers in place. Cut the cardboard into the size and shape you want. Remember though, in this design the cardboard will be folded in half, so whatever shape you choose will need to match it on the other side and do not cut the cardboard in half. I chose a rectangle with rounded corners. Simple!
Step 2: Lay the feathers out on 1 side of the cardboard, in the order or pattern you want. You can use different colored feather and alternate them, get creative. I already have so many more ideas for new fans!
Step 3: Glue, glue, glue. Glue the feathers down into the cardboard to make sure they are nice and secure. I left all the feathers in place and glued them one by one.
Step 4: Fold the other half of the cardboard over the ends. I then put the glue gun tip in between the feathers and squirted some glue to seal the areas closed.Step 5: Decorate the handle. I painted my black (with nail polish) and hot glued crystals in a simple design. I actually recommend painting the inside cardboard too before you lay the feathers down. I think it will make it look more polished. I didn't realise this until I was done. Again, get creative here, used fabric or stencil, different colors, monogram them!
Step 6: Enjoy!
This is such a cost effective way to make very custom beautiful feather fans. You can use any kind of feathers, design, colors, there are so many possibilities. These look beautiful in pictures and on stage.
Have fun!!!!!
xoxo
Dangerous Delilah
your fans are fabulous! thanks for the instructions -- i've been chewing on fan act ideas lately...
ReplyDelete-Lezzie:)
Love it! Thanks! Baby Blue
ReplyDeleteHi Delilah!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this!
as I mentioned to you, I am working on my 1st fan act for the April DNA show.
would you be so kind as to post the name of the shop you got your feathers at?
Ciao, Bella Baby!
xo, Red Delicious
thanks! im about to make mine as soon as i exchange. i think i'm going to use wood and make a larger handle because my feathers are big! your fans look so great and are aymazing on stage as well! you are the quintessential glamour girl!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I've been toying with the idea of playing with fans but didn't want to shell out the cash to buy them.... =)
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for sharing this! I was looking at purchasing them as a permanent prop to keep for photo shoots, but seeing the price of a complete set put me off. Was wondering how to go about making these, and now I know! Thanks so much! x
ReplyDeletebrilliant idea! ive been dancing solo for just over a year and have been desperate to do a fan dance but could not afford the prices! i can get 35 large ostrich feathers for £50, so i plan to start making them asap! thanks again! xx
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see the fans you've made!
DeleteBy far the best how to i have come across! Photos speak louder than words and are less confusing. Boy do my dancers have a big suprise in store! Thanks so much Delilah!
ReplyDeleteTrinity
Thank you! I hate when how to's don't help. I'm glad mine did. I'd love to see what you've made! xo
Deletereally good tip, much more accessible price, have just made my own they look really good! Thanks xxxx
ReplyDeleteTotally! Making them yourself brings the cost way waay down. I'd love to see the fans you've made yourself! xoxo
DeleteThank you so much! I made my first set today, and a little girl told her mother I probably sold them in the French Quarter! (I was in Cafe Floras in New Orleans making them, lol). I also made a matching headdress using the suggestion Jo Weldon lists in her handbook, which was using a sun visor. Genius! I would love to post pics, but I can't figure out how..
ReplyDelete-Malika
Where do you get your feathers?
ReplyDeletefancyfeather.com check them out!
Deletehttp://fancyfeather.com offers feathers, fans, fan kits! Their colors and service are amazing!
ReplyDelete