This mondo set recently landed with @wintersinclair! Able to use it with or without the front plate layered on my handled V- staves. Can’t wait to see how the vintage flowers come to life with her painting and stoning. This set is max size, swish and lux look!
One been getting a lot of new inquiries for structures with alternative grips lately, so sharing these as an example. Moving the center of the fan and still allowing them to collapse or come apart for travel has always been an issue. I mean you can just bolt on a front plate handle, but it isn’t always great for the weight distribution and facilitating movement. So this is one really good option that mimics a flow fan, but note the components and disassembly.
@valerieveils was actually an early adopter of my front plate idea on her ostrich fans. So you might recognize a bit of this motif, however this more structural, rather than purely decorative, plate is getting added onto her pheasant fans. These recently landed to her, so watch her page for when they hit the stage!
I’m not very good about posting my process, not because I’m secretive, I just rarely think to capture the work in flight! So here is a little look behind the curtain.
For this design, I worked with my partner @katrina.inprogress. Basically I draw her boxes of where my structural needs should land (in this case the handle sizes, stave coverage and max size) and she whips up two incredible sketches. Finalizing one, I @cricut test cut, do final zhuzhing and prep the file for cutting. I use a range of metal thicknesses and types depending on the application. This one obviously needed to be a bit denser to hold up as a handle, but without being too heavy. After it’s cut, it’s off to @coating.specialties_3311. Thankfully we aren’t still doing that in the garage here at home!
Doing custom isn’t a complicated process, but really relies on good design conversations and the partners I have that help bring these projects to life.
Bright, EXCITE! These fans are sure to bring joy to every stage they grace with @booger_boobs!
Set of 2 fans each with 12 12″ staves with two layers of red hot and inside layer of hot violet.
@freyawest brought over a set that wasn’t getting much use. From sad in the bag, we did a conversion to the 8″ staves to get these a bit more dense, fluffy and lighter. The color combo is just so fun!
When Rainbow Feathers Las Vegas asked if I’d be interested in blacklight reactive feathers, my immediate reply was gimme, gimme, GIMME! Limited to these colors at the moment, I hope to test other brights with the specialty dye. But any plume fan configuration can be upgraded to use this dye.
Thesw sets are 28 single layer staves, bright color pop and 28 25″ plumes. Built by @jahireen in my Chicago studio.
Sometimes dreams are best in shades of grey. This gorgeous vision became fluffy reality for @jean_heart5678!
Boas by @fancyfeathercom and on my aluminum staves. Set matches package Boa Large Dip Dye on DonnaTouch.com/ostrich
This simply stunning emerald set just landed with @aylaylay_ in Canada!
Boas by @fancyfeathercom and on my aluminum staves. Set matches package Boa Large Dip Dye on DonnaTouch.com/ostrich
Fans are an expression on stage and these done for @chloethecocaine have significant meaning. Chloe started working on this concept with her mum, the last one before her passing.
I particularly love roses (my garden is full of them) because they seem to explode with all the beauty the world can make, but have thorns that can literally slice you open. They are the greatest metaphor for the lives we live. Happy to have been able to help create these in honor of someone so special to Chloe.
Chloe credits @missmaplerose and @frankiefictitious for their help and inspiration.
This piece took a team to create.
@katrina.inprogress created the vector. @coating.specialties_3311 did the powder coating.
@donna.touch made the vinyl templates, V-staves and assembly.
@letterslinesanddesigns_jross laid down the incredible airbrush work.
How did I forget to post this gorgeous set done for @absinthique?! I am slightly superstitious and don’t post until projects safely make it to their performer. These went all the way to Germany, arrived safely and life got busy. But they are a fabulous color combo with my gold decos and burgundy feathers. Flapper girl dreams!
I wasn’t surprised how fast this unique set sold from my stories. Even as quick as they go, they always seem to always find their right performer!
I coated the 20″ staves in copper for a rush order that then went a different direction. To salvage them, I asked @fancyfeathercom to do a copper ombre. Those colors are really difficult, so it was a good test. The result was this warm, lovely sepia stunner of a set! It’s a stress when projects fall through, but great when they inspire other cool things.
Ready to tickle the keys with @jessicasunset? This upgraded set is a refresh for one of her signature acts.
Each fan uses 7 of my 3-prong staves with 5 18-24″ plumes from @fancyfeathercom. The plates were tricky, but thanks to @coating.specialties_3311 for enlisting the help of a pinstriper for the fine painted on detail!
This bright set for @pinky_peacock packs a pink punch! Thanks to @fancyfeathercom for their work on the triple dip ombre.
A special set for @indianabonesburlesque is blooming! This daisy is quite the statement on the level up staves and 3 layers of plumes.
These fans for @bloodycrystalburlesque are oozing with drama! Black paired with a custom burgundy from @fancyfeathercom really is a winning fluffy combination.
Set of 2 fans each with 14 12″ staves, 14 front layer wings sized 18-20″, 14 plumes sized 18-24″ and 14 plumes sized 24-27″ in LILAC (feathers from @FancyFeathercom)
Keeping the boa party going, these big fluffs just landed with @broody_valentino!
Set of 2 fans each with 12 24″ staves and 12 40″ 8 ply ostrich only dyed Dark Purple from @FancyFeathercom
Set of 2 fans each with 12 24″ staves and 12 40″ 8 ply ostrich only dyed Peach from @FancyFeathercom
We took another opportunity to show off our skills with this fan art accessory left with the @ditavonteese @glamonatrix_official tour! It was our exquisite business card!
This handfan features custom dyed plumes from @fancyfeathercom, one of my bow handles that was encrusted by @boldburlesquepasties. This adorable prop is sure to tickle a lot of fancies!
Learning that @dirtymartininyc was on the @ditavonteese @glamonatrix_official tour, we took the opportunity to present her with some fan, fan art!
This handfan features custom dyed plumes from @fancyfeathercom, my 8″ staves and the martini plate that was encrusted by @boldburlesquepasties. The show was AMAZING and it was a treat to say thank Dirty Martini in person for all she is to burlesque!
Show ❤️ to your old fans and feathers! @misscattywompass did with this conversion and upgrade!
Taking the lower emerald and purple feathers from a set on acrylics, we added a row of fresh forest green plumes from @fancyfeathercom. Assembled on my aluminum staves, these are bigger, lighter and more durable for years on the stage.
If you’ve been in touch with me about feathers in a particular color, you would’ve received “the talk.” When it comes to feathers, achieving a solid color is not possible. Feathers are naturally very reflective and toss a range of color no matter what.
This set (matches Boa Petite Solid on DonnaTouch.com/ostrich) done for @bellablueforever is @fancyfeathercom TEAL. As you can see, it’s the ultimate shape shifter!
Dark mysterious with a pop of color for @glampira_666!
I really like using the black to gunmetal as a gradient. And the dark colors really sets off the pop of violet on the inside. Feathers from @fancyfeathercom mounted on my 24 of my 12″ staves.
This set was imagined by @thejensenloren as a unique fan take on a venus fly trap!
The emerald and red plumes are from @fancyfeathercom, the venery reeves from @thefeatherplace and at the core are my 3-prong staves. The movement on these is light and swift. Perfect for attracting and devouring any audience!
This color — custom for @jolie.lolita — is even more lovely in person!
Jolie sent a color swatch that @fancyfeathercom used to match for the custom dye batch. The feathers are lovely, the color is delicate and the staves will help this set float in stage!
Really enjoyed doing this set for @sallybdash!
Sally had inherited a double layer set from a special friend and wanted to get them refurbished to be able to take them back to the stage in their honor. The feathers weren’t perfect and the dye sun faded in places, but still good shape. We popped off the feathers, added a new for of fresh plumes, had the whole batch redyed at @fancyfeathercom and mounted on my higher quality staves. These are ready again for the stage!
Another past project — refurbish + conversion — done for @madelinesinclaire!
This set has new life for years on the stage! Starting with an old set of pink, well loved ostrich and marabou boas, we were able to pop them off and send them back to @fancyfeathercom for a wash and stunning ombre dye. These were then mounted on 24 of my 20″ staves. I at first wasn’t confident these would turn out as good as they did, but goes to show quality feathers are always worth a second chance!
Another amazing set of boa fans that went to @catbolitho in the land down under!
Set of 2 fans each with 12 24″ staves and 12 40″ 8 ply ostrich only ombre dyed from light blue to white from Fancy Feather
Unique aqua mint
Periodically I have staves done that the color just isn’t a great match with the feathers. It’s too difficult to recoat them, so I put them aside to just do custom matches with the feathers. These sets feature 24 12″ staves and a triple layer of 18-24″ plumes custom dyed to match with @fancyfeathercom
Unique true blue (a bit less purple than the photo capture)
Periodically I have staves done that the color just isn’t a great match with the feathers. It’s too difficult to recoat them, so I put them aside to just do custom matches with the feathers. These sets feature 24 12″ staves and a triple layer of 18-24″ plumes custom dyed to match with @fancyfeathercom
Unique midnight blue (a bit darker than the photo capture)
Periodically I have staves done that the color just isn’t a great match with the feathers. It’s too difficult to recoat them, so I put them aside to just do custom matches with the feathers. These sets feature 24 12″ staves and a triple layer of 18-24″ plumes custom dyed to match with @fancyfeathercom
Refurbished set with lovely large plumes! Blue is a little brighter in person, lots of depth and variation in the dye. Really makes them look like denim! Set is a double layer across 14 12″ staves.
Set of 2 fans each with 12 12″ staves and 12 front layer wings sized 18-20″ and 24 plumes sized 18-24″ in LIME/EMERALD (feathers from @FancyFeathercom)
Set of 2 fans each with 12 8″ staves and 12 front layer wings sized 18-20″ and 12 plumes sized 18-24″ in MINT (feathers from @FancyFeathercom)
Set of 2 fans each with 12 8″ staves and 24 plumes sized 18-24″ in FUSCHIA (feathers from @FancyFeathercom)
Set of 2 fans each with 14 12″ staves, 14 front layer wings sized 18-20″ and 14 plumes sized 18-24″ in JADE
Set of 2 fans each with 12 20″ staves and 12 36″ 8 ply ostrich only boas in MINT
Pretty purple done as a test that was not quite right for a past project. This set features 28 12″ staves with a double layer of fluffy 18-24″ premium plumes from #RainbowFeathers.
Set of 2 fans each with 14 12″ staves, 14 front layer wings sized 18-20″, 14 plumes sized 18-24″ and 14 plumes sized 24-27″ in AQUA
Set of 2 fans each with 12 12″ staves and 24 plumes sized 18-24″ in NAVY
NOTE – Feathers are shapeshifters when it comes to color as they are actually very reflective to light. These are appearing brighter in the photos, but are a very dark navy).
