How to Make a Spanish Lace Folding Fan
Spanish fans have a long and storied history. During the 19th and 20th centuries, young Spanish women were accompanied to balls by a chaperone who kept a careful eye on their interactions with potential suitors. The young women used their fans as a from of secret communication without attracting the attention of their chaperone. For example, fanning gently across the breast meant, "I'm available." Spanish fans have a leaf at the top, made of fabric or paper, and a lower guard made of wood.
Things You'll Need
- 8 craft sticks
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Stain
- Paintbrush
- Bolt
- Washer
- Nut
- Paper
- Pen
- Scissors
- Lace
- Sewing machine
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Drill a hole in the end of each of your craft sticks. The size of the hole depends on the size of your craft sticks. Leave enough room around the hole to keep the end of the stick stable, at least 1/8 inch.
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2
Stain your craft sticks in a color complementing your lace. For example, a natural wood grain stain complements a bright red lace. Staining protects the wood and increases the life span of the fan.
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3
Stack the sticks on top of each other, lining up the holes. Put your bolt through the holes and secure it with your washer and nut. The size of your bolt depends on the size of the hole and the thickness of your stacked sticks.
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4
Spread the sticks out into a fan shape. Put a piece of paper across the sticks and draw the pattern of the fan with an arc across the top and halfway down the fan. Leave enough space around the edges of the pattern for a hem.
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5
Cut the lace for the leaf of the fan using the pattern. Sew a hemline around the edges of the pattern so the lace won't fray. Apply a strip of glue vertically to the center of each craft stick and halfway down. Press the lace down on the glue with the hem facing the glue.
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Tips & Warnings
Craft sticks are available in craft stores. Find a lightweight stick, such as balsam. Choose bright-colored fabrics. An alternative to fabric is paper decorated with scenes of Spanish life.
References
- Photo Credit George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
