Fan Fair.

The shop is up and running again at full speed, and working on a number of different projects. The accessories department researched with the designer on fan making, and considered several techniques before settling on what might make the ladies happy.

There is a great deal of information on the internet, particularly Pinterest, on how to make folding fans. While the shop stocked up on glue, the designer made a selection of papers and patterns to print off to form the leafs. She also found lots of ribbons and trim for an 18th Century look. Since these were prototype fans, no one suggested painting Rococo scenes on the leafs. Later maybe?

The buyer was sent out to find something to use for the sticks, or staves, and settled on some wax removing sticks for the first experiments. These proved to be the right size, but split as soon as an attempt was made to drill a hole in them. The bigger sticks she found are actually skewers and do allow for drilling. They should be a good scale for Adelaide or can be shortened for the others. The Dremel tool will come in handy should the designer wish to shape the bottom end of the skewers.

All the folded fan techniques practiced were successful, but the folds themselves were usually too big. They are the right length for the 20 inch ladies to use, but bulky to hold.  Still, they are very pretty, and the next tries will be made with smaller folds. The can be closed and tied with a ribbon.

The larger fan above can be fluttered using the reverse side too.

Another technique involved stringing staves together rather than folding a leaf. A heavier cardstock was used for these. This style can open and close. The bottom end of the fan could be a little narrower, making it easier for the ladies to hold.

The designer liked this fan so much she decorated it right away, using metallic Sharpie pens and a button. You will see some more Sharpie decoration on the other fans too.  An old pair of serrated scissors, used to cut knits, created a happy accident, giving a decorative edge to the staves. The buyer is now on the look out for some scrapbooking scissors. And paper.

The most effective of the prototypes was a folded fan using the smaller sticks and glued to remain open. The sticks are enclosed by a second layer of paper. The ribbons cover up the sticks layered at the bottom.

The reverse side can be used as well.

It is a bit small for Adelaide, but she wanted to try it out.

The next attempts in fan production will use some nice chintz fabric in the shop stock and appropriate scrapbooking paper, set up on the larger skewer sticks. Decorative guards for the fans will be added as well. Overall, the ladies are happy with the choices and hope to see more fans in the offing.

Please let us know if you try your hand at making some fans. We'd love to hear from you. As always, your comments and support are much appreciated. 

Adieu.