Painted fans

[mala_14]

Now that I know they have arrived at their destination, I can post about these here. I made these a couple of weeks ago for some dear friends, Angela and Bethany, who have been my roommates both times I've been to CoCo and who lost their beloved puppies this past year. I wanted to repay them for past kindnesses and make something that would be a memento for their pets.

So these started as some plain silk Chinese fans that I got on eBay. They're kind of too big for historical stuff (13" sticks), but I figured that better too big than too small for fans and keeping cool. I have (of course) a whole Pinterest board of 18th century fans that helped me with the design. The pictures of the dogs were printed out from their Facebook photo albums. Then I drew everything on in pencil and traced the dog outlines using the window (which gave my arms a good workout!) also in pencil. I used Jacquard Textile Color and Lumiere by Jacquard (in Bright Gold) fabric paints. I started by filling in all the design stuff in colour.


Then I added all the gold accents, which really made everything pop.


I saved the dog portraits for last. They were the part I was most worried about because I really wanted them to look like the actual dogs. Luckily, my dad has a great eye for animals and was super helpful in nailing the little details, like the angle of a nose or where a highlight should be.


The finished fans:


These were a lot of fun to make and I am happy to report that they were well-received. Painting on the folded surface caused some difficulties. And sometimes my lines weren't always as fine or as consistent as I would have liked. I did have a very tiny brush, which worked well. And the whole thing was good practice for when I finally get around to making that painted dress this winter.

Speaking of dresses, I need to get back to work on my sheer bustle dress! I need to gather and to apply all the ruffles that I made yesterday.

Comments

[danabren]

Those are beautiful and considerate.

[mala_14]

Thanks! :)

[marianme]

The dogs are so good. Big fans go with big dresses or wide skirts. Can’t remember how big, but 18th century and 1850s have big fans and narrow dress time periods like Regency and 19teens have small fans.

[mala_14]

Thank you! That's really interesting about the size of fans corresponding to size of dresses. I looked at the measurements of a bunch of 18th c. fans and they tend to be around 10"-11".

[chocolatepot]

Wow, those are amazing! I can't believe you hand-painted those, they're perfect.

[mala_14]

Thanks! I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. :)

[elizabeth_mn]

Wow! Awesome job! I am super impressed with your painting skills.

[mala_14]

Thank you! :) I've always been into drawing and painting, but sewing has sort of taken over the past few years. It's nice to get back into it on occasion.

[wandabvictorian.wordpress.com]

wow! Those look great!

[mala_14]

Thanks! :)

[koshka_the_cat]

So beautiful, and such a lovely gift!

[mala_14]

Thank you! Ang and Bethany are so great, they deserve nice things!

[howlgirl]

Those are AMAZING.

[mala_14]

Thank you! :D

[theladyrebecca]

Wow, those are amazing! You have an incredible eye for detail - the dogs look so realistic! And what a sweet gift for them. :)

[mala_14]

Thanks Rebecca! I can't take all the credit with the dogs, though. My dad had to point out a lot of things to help me get them right. :)

[padawansguide]

<3 <3 <3 That was so sweet of you, and wow, you are a talented artist! These are gorgeous!

I wonder if I could commission you to do one of Willow for me!

[mala_14]

Thank you!

I would love to do one of Willow! Maybe over the winter?

[padawansguide]

That would be awesome!! Thank you!

[mala_14]

Ok, great! I'll contact you when my schedule is a bit less hectic and we can sort out details. :)

[padawansguide]

Thank you! <3

[starlightmasque]

I love them so SO much!!! I can't even tell you how dear they are-- I hand carried them to CoCo and back on the plane, lol. I showed everyone I could and everyone went crazy for them-- You have a built-in business, if you want it! So many people wanted one, too, and asked if you took custom orders. The fans performed beautifully and made a nice big wind, kept me cool on the dance floor! They got a lot of use at CoCo, and they still look brand new, so they held up to A LOT of fanning and ogling and being shown off to everyone. I can never thank you enough for such a lovely and thoughtful gift! It's just perfection!

[mala_14]

:D I'm SO happy and relieved that you love them! (I was kind of worried, but I knew that you'd appreciate the sentiment at the very least.) Glad to hear that they held up so well, too! I'm considering getting some more of the fan blanks and maybe doing orders. I really enjoyed the process and a few extra dollars wouldn't go amiss. Yours were totally a labour of love, though! <3<3<3

[starlightmasque]

I'm STUNNED you'd ever think I wouldn't love it to the depth of my soul! It has everything I love!

A fan! Check!
18th century! check!
My colors! check!
My sweet baby Helo dog I miss like crazy! check!
Hand-painted by someone super talented! check!
A thoughtful loving gift from someone who obviously loves me! check!

Yes, start thinking about taking commissions, people WANT THESE BAD! <3

[mala_14]

:D :D :D Just nerves! I'd never painted dog portraits before and was like, "What if she gets it and wonders why there's a random dog on it?!" lol And yeah, I totally colour-coordinated these for you and B. :) I super love you! <3

[starlightmasque]

We super love you too!!