Crafting African Wedding Fans: A Guide To Making Your Own

African wedding fans are a beautiful addition to any wedding, whether used by the bride, bridesmaids, or guests. These fans come in a variety of colours and styles, including ostrich feathers, natural feathers, and even eco-friendly options. They can be purchased from online retailers or handmade, and are sure to add a unique and authentic cultural touch to your special day.

Choosing the right materials

Type of Fan

The type of fan you decide to make will dictate the materials you need. If you opt for a folding fan, you will require a fabric such as Ankara or Kente cloth, often made from cotton, and a set of bamboo or plastic ribs. For a feather fan, you will need natural feathers, preferably ostrich feathers, and a handle made from materials like plastic, leather, or bamboo.

Colour and Design

African wedding fans are known for their vibrant colours and intricate designs. When choosing your materials, consider the colour scheme and any patterns or motifs you wish to incorporate. You can select fabrics and feathers that complement the wedding attire or choose from a variety of colours, including blue, red, pink, green, purple, white, black, and yellow.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of your fan will also influence your material choices. If you prefer a larger fan, ensure you have enough fabric or feathers to create a full and elegant spread. For a semi-circle or circular fan, consider how the shape will affect the placement and arrangement of the materials.

Durability and Comfort

It is important to select materials that are durable and comfortable, especially if the fan is intended for frequent use. Feathers should be soft and flexible, while fabrics should be of good quality to prevent fraying or tearing. For handles, choose materials like leather or bamboo, which offer a comfortable grip and withstand prolonged use.

Customisation

If you plan to customise your fan with additional details, choose materials that complement any embellishments you wish to add. For instance, you may want to adorn your fan with sequins, stones, beads, or tassels. Ensure that any added materials enhance the overall design without compromising the fan's functionality.

Remember to take into account the purpose of the fan, whether it is for the bride, bridesmaids, or wedding guests, as this will help guide your material choices to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing African wedding fan.

Dying and disinfecting the feathers

Before dying your feathers, it is important to clean and disinfect them. If you have picked up your feathers outdoors, they may be carrying parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Here are some ways to sanitise your feathers:

Freezing

Place your feathers in a freezer set at zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) for at least 48 hours. Take them out for a day, and then repeat the freezing process for another 48 hours. This will kill any bugs.

Mothballs

Place a handful of mothballs in a zip-lock bag or Tupperware container. Add the feathers, seal the container, and leave it outside for at least 24 hours. Make sure the mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene as an ingredient to effectively kill any parasites.

Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide

Create a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Soak the feathers in this solution for at least 30 minutes to kill any bacteria and viruses. The higher the concentration of these chemicals, the better.

Boiling Water

If the quills of your feathers look dirty, you can sanitise them by placing them in a shallow pot of boiling water for a few minutes. This will kill any germs present.

Soap and Water

Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish or laundry detergent. Gently swish the feathers through the solution, avoiding any scrubbing that could damage them. Rinse the feathers in clean water, then lay them out flat on paper towels to air dry, or use a blow dryer on its lowest setting.

Once your feathers are clean and disinfected, you can begin the dying process. Here are some methods to dye your feathers:

Fabric Dye

Mix 1/4 cup of liquid dye or 1 tablespoon of powdered dye with 1 quart of hot water (around 60 degrees Celsius). Place the feathers in the dye bath, ensuring they are fully submerged, and leave them until they reach the desired shade. Then, remove the feathers, rinse them with cool water, and let them air dry.

Food Colouring

Mix 2 parts hot water (60 degrees Celsius) with 1 part vinegar in a container. Add 1 drop of food colouring at a time until you reach the desired shade. Follow the same process as with the fabric dye.

Powdered Drink Mix

Mix 1 packet of powdered drink mix (such as Kool-Aid) with 1 cup of hot water (60 degrees Celsius). You can adjust the colour by adding more water or drink mix as needed. Dye your feathers using the same process as above.

Adding sequins and other decorations

Choosing the Right Sequins

First, decide on the type of sequins you want to use. There are many different colours, sizes, and shapes available, so take some time to browse and choose the ones that best match your fan's colour and style. You can opt for a single colour or mix and match a few different shades for a more vibrant look.

Planning the Design

Before you start gluing, it's a good idea to plan out your design. Decide where you want to place the sequins and any other decorations. You can create patterns, borders, or even spell out words with your sequins. If you're feeling creative, sketch out a few different designs on paper first so you can visualise how it will look.

Attaching the Sequins

Once you have your design planned, it's time to attach the sequins. Using a strong fabric glue, carefully apply a small amount to the back of each sequin and press it into place on the fan. Work in small sections to avoid glueing the fan shut or creating a messy finish. If you're using larger sequins, you may want to invest in a glue gun to ensure a secure hold.

Adding Other Decorations

In addition to sequins, you can incorporate other decorative elements such as beads, rhinestones, or feathers. Beads and rhinestones can be glued alongside the sequins to add extra sparkle and dimension. Feathers can be glued or sewn onto the edges of the fan for a soft, luxurious finish. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try incorporating some colourful ribbon or trim.

Finishing Touches

After you've attached all your decorations, it's important to let the glue dry completely. Once it's dry, carefully review your work and make any necessary touch-ups. If you see any gaps or missing sequins, fill them in, and ensure all decorations are securely attached. Finally, give your fan a gentle shake to remove any excess glue or loose sequins.

Sizing and weight

When creating a custom-sized fan, it is important to consider the length and width of the fan when open, as well as the length of the handle and the radius of the semicircle that the fan creates when open. The size of the fan will also depend on the material used; for example, a fan made with ostrich feathers will have a different size and weight than a fan made with peacock feathers.

In general, African wedding fans range in size from mini to medium, with some larger options available. A typical open fan measures approximately 45 cm by 50 cm, and the weight of the fan can vary from 150 to 250 grams. The weight is influenced by the materials used, with feathers and plastic being common components.

When creating an African wedding fan, it is important to consider the balance between size and weight. A larger fan may be more effective at creating airflow but could be too heavy and cumbersome to hold comfortably for extended periods. On the other hand, a smaller and lighter fan may be more convenient and portable but may not provide as much airflow.

Ultimately, the sizing and weight of the African wedding fan should be based on the user's preferences and the intended use of the fan, ensuring that it is comfortable to hold and effective at creating a gentle breeze.

Shipping options

When it comes to shipping options for African wedding fans, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to plan and allow enough time for shipping, especially if the fans are being made to order. Some sellers on Etsy and Amazon offer expedited shipping options for an additional fee, which can be useful if you need the fans urgently.

Both Etsy and Amazon provide estimated delivery dates for their products, so you can choose the option that best suits your timeline. For example, some sellers on Etsy offer "fast shipping" or "next-day shipping" for certain products. It is always a good idea to check the seller's location, as this can impact the shipping time and cost.

Additionally, some sellers offer free shipping for certain products, which can be a great way to save money, especially when ordering multiple fans. It is worth noting that free shipping options may have longer delivery times, so be sure to check the estimated delivery date before placing your order.

When ordering a large quantity of fans, such as for a wedding, it is important to consider the shipping cost and how it may vary depending on the weight and size of the order. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to place multiple smaller orders rather than one large order, or to look for sellers who offer discounted shipping rates for bulk purchases.

Finally, for international orders, it is important to consider customs and import fees, which can add to the overall cost of the fans. These fees vary depending on the country of import and the value of the goods, so be sure to research this beforehand to avoid unexpected costs.

Frequently asked questions