Summer Fans

Fans are one of the simplest and oldest forms of keeping cool. We have no prehistoric evidence, but it is very likely cultures from prehistoric man on have used some form of a fan to chase flies away and to keep cool. A fan is also often used to fan a fire to help the fire to flame higher.

The fan originated in the hot tropical countries. We know ancient Egypt had fans because there were very ornate ones found in King Tut's tomb. These fancy feather fans and more common palm fiber fans matched the ones shown in Egyptian paintings on tomb walls. The more ordinary fans were used for everyday purposes.

Greek and Roman ladies had fans made of lotus leaves or peacock feathers. These fans did not fold or close, but were in a fixed position and held by a handle.

The first feather fans used in Europe were made from the whole wing of a bird, such as ducks, chickens or pheasants. Ladies would have the wings set into a holder made of wood or metal. As time went on and trade routes were opened, the fans became more ornate and used more colorful feathers, such as peacock and ostrich.

The folding fan was first used in the Far East, probably in Japan and then China. It eventually was introduced to the Mediterranean areas where it was hot enough to need fans frequently. The folding fans were made of either paper or silk stretched over wooden sticks. Eventually, they almost replaced the feather fan.

The sticks of the European fans were elaborately carved and decorated. They were made of ivory, mother-of-pearl, horn, wood, and tortoise shell, while the fan leaves were made of vellum and paper, which were both hand painted and printed.

We are going to learn how to make our own fans so we can keep cool this summer.

We will start with a very basic design. You can then use your own interests or imagination to decide how to decorate yours.

Summer Fan

Adult supervision advised. The corrugated plastic can be very sharp if cut to a point. Keep the edges on your fan rounded.

Supplies:

Corrugated plastic (the color will be determined by your design choice.)

Paint or markers

Extremely sharp scissors (You may need an adult's assistance.)

Popsicle stick

Pen or pencil

5" circular item to use for a pattern (margarine lid)

Tacky glue

Directions:

Use the circular pattern to trace a circle on the corrugated plastic.

Cut out the circle with extremely sharp scissors.

Turn the corrugated cardboard circle so the 'ribs' are going up and down. Cut a small way up on the inside of the circle to allow room for the popsicle stick.

Put Tacky Glue on the popsicle stick and insert it into the cut space on your circle.

Paint or draw on your design.

Allow glue to dry overnight.

Design ideas:

Baseball - draw stitching lines on the circle and add your favorite players number. Use team colors for the plastic and markers.

Smiley Face - Use yellow plastic and black markers to draw a big smiley face.

A favorite cartoon character's face - Use appropriate colors.

A balloon, a sun or moon, a flower - use any color you like.

You can find 24" x 18" sheets of corrugated plastic at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby. If you are doing a group project it will be cheaper from a signage store.

Corrugated plastic is made by several manufacturers. It is known as Stratocore, Coroplast, Corr-x, Plasticor, Hi Cor, and Coroflute along with other names.

Some places that sell it online:

http://www.champion-artmate.com/products...

https://wcp-nm-ssl.qwknetllc.com/osc/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=173

http://www.dickblick.com/zz132/00/

http://www.djhobby.com/ Search for stratocore