Inspired by the boa tail costume in the Moulin Rouge movie, these were done for Lucy Luxe. Built on 24 24″ boa staves with 40″ all ostrich boas that were beautifully custom ombre dyed Fancy Feather.
Moulin Rouge
Category: Fan Type
Upgrade from bamboo
Really glad I got to help Miss Mina Murray with this lovely upgrade!
She had a set on bamboo for many, many years. They were a lovely row of single long plumes that were worth saving. As ostrich feathers age, they tend to get softer and silkier in their texture and movement. We moved them over to the top row of a set with 13 12″ staves and added a fresh lower plume in white from Fancy Feather.
The new set is a touch heavier, but much more durable for the long performance life ahead for this upgrade!
Web front plates
Lydia Wilts is the spider that’ll be hanging out on this web!
Package matches STANDARD 2 plus the front plate on DonnaTouch.com/ostrich
The fans feature 24 regular 12″ with a double layer of 18-24″ black plumes from Fancy Feather. The front plate is in bengal silver.
Bright yellow boas
This set is 24 6ply boas on 24 24″ staves. They were a miss ply order that were redyed so they are a bit of a steal if the color is for you. They are fright lemon yellow and the base to golden rod tips. Because of the thinner ply, I tried a wrapping technique so these are double sided fluff! I’m going to be working through setting up the specs of this build to my packages because I’m such a fan!
Raquel ombre
This set, left in Las Vegas with Raquel Reed, was an achievement in ombre with plumes! Thanks to Raquel for her patience as we worked through the dye, staves and assembly to achieve this design.
Each fan in this set features 7 3-prong staves (with the inside stem lengthened) in satin white, 21 25″+ and 14 18-24″ premium triple dip plumes expertly picked and dyed at Rainbow Feathers.
If you dream in ombre, it’s important to first accept that feathers aren’t ever going to be as seamless as a gradient print or fabric dip. Feathers are natural products making them beautifully unpredictable. Look closely and you’ll notice every part of the feather picks up dye differently. While boas are dipped and soaked in dye at different points, the fluff and overlap helps to even out the sections. With plumes, there isn’t the same luxury! So every feather must be hand dipped, dipped again and dipped again (with multiple steps in between each dip) to achieve this ombre look. Layering then becomes important, overlapping the feathers in ways that even out the ombre and create the end effect. And yes… ombre does add a lot to the cost of a project, but considering the time and expertise needed to achieve an ombre on plumes, I’d say it’s a bargain!
Cherry ombre
You have to see these in person to really appreciate their color and complexity. I brought them to Las Vegas and they stole @its.cherry.babyyyy’s heart.
The set features 14 12″ staves in flag red, top row and half inside row of premium wide 25″ plumes ombre dyed (from lower bright red to dark red tops) and shorter bright red front row. These were expertly picked and dyed at #RainbowFeathers.
Fantasia Ostrich
Check out Charlie Quinn Starling to see photos from her incredible photoshoot in her adorable costume for this upcoming act!
These are built on 24 24″ staves and use 34″ all ostrich boas beautifully tip dyed Fancy Feather.
White with silver
These fluffy clouds with silver staves soared all the way to Belgium landing with Colette Collerette.
Two sets of an upgraded Standard 3 (donnatouch.com/ostrich) with each fan featuring 14 12″ staves in Bengal Silver with double row of 18-24″ wide plumes in bleached white (brighter than natural white) from The Feather Place. Both arrived safe packed nicely in a large case!
Goth butterfly
This set of goth butterfly wings (as I nicknamed them) are ready to flutter on out! The gunmetal dye is complex with some strong lavender undertones. I’ve been wanting to do this color combination for a while!
This is built on the specs of PACKAGE 4 on DonnaTouch.com/ostrich
Each fan features 12 12″ staves in satin black, 12 front layer drabs sized 16-19″ in black and 24 plumes sized 18-24″ with the top row gunmetal and the inside row lilac from Fancy Feather
https://youtube.com/shorts/67KFY3IeHgs?feature=share
Level Up in black
I made these and a white set specifically to show off the size difference of the level up staves.
Each fan features 14 14″ staves in satin black with triple layer 18-24″ (84 total) plumes in black from @fancyfeathercom
https://youtube.com/shorts/-8i4MADBoWM?feature=share
Level Up in white
I made these and a white set specifically to show off the size difference of the level up staves.
PACKAGE MATCHES LEVEL UP (with 28 additional feathers) 3 ON DonnaTouch.com/ostrich
Each fan features 14 14″ staves in satin white with 3 or 4 18-24″ (98 total) plumes in natural white from @fancyfeathercom
https://youtube.com/shorts/MT1Zw4QWMVQ?feature=share
Emerald upgrade
This upgrade was done for Layna Emerald. We added two flute staves to the existing set with 80 feathers, recoated all the staves in gold bar and then I rebuilt them using 150 sidetails (40 27-35″ and 110 35″+ side tails) in color #47 from @happinesscathy. That’s 240 total across this set!
Flirt in white
FLIRT SIZE with full plumes (matches to an upgraded Flirt 2). Each fan features 12 8″ staves in almond with front 18-24″ and top 25″ row plumes in white (natural white and not bleach white) from Fancy Feather
3-prong sample
This set is built across 12 of my 3-prong staves using 25″+ tip dyed feathers from Fancy Feather. I had ordered these on a whim early last year and it turned into an adventure to create new staves to accommodate them.
Silver conversion
The first set to ship in 2022 is this conversion for Angelica Lavalier which couldn’t be a more fitting start to the new year!
If you have feather fans on staves that have broken, hinder your performance or need a refresh, consider a conversion. Breaking up with acrylic can be the right step to take to salvage your beautiful feathers and advance your capabilities.
Deco fountain
Commissioned by Eva Devore, these just arrived to her in Australia!
Pulling from deco inspiration, the custom, articulating stave set (in Gold Bar) was designed by Katrina. I tested the structure, laid out the attachment points to accommodate (140 zebra 30-40″ in color #41 zJones) and assembled. I know Eva has plans to embellish these further!
This project took several months from design, testing, cutting, coating, feathering, assembling and shipping. It’s a one-of-a-kind, meaning this is Eva’s design and it will not be recreated for any other performer!
Upgrade for Ruby
Enjoy this rebuilt upgrade done for Ruby Mimosa!
Her orginal set with ringneck feathers. Well I acquired those back from her (future cool project with them coming soon), we added two flute staves, recoated all the staves in fireside copper and then I rebuilt them using 180 sidetails (90 27-35″ and 90 35″+ side tails) in color #89 from @happinesscathy. These are ready to hit the stage in an even bigger way for years to come!
Custom peach
Touring performer, promoter, performer and PR extraordinaire Shelby Doll reached out with a fan emergency… her fans were ruined while on the road and she needed a set shipped to her next stop! While I don’t usually have a lot of stock at the house, I had recently done an extra set of solid peach when testing colors with Rainbow Feathers. The color worked for her and I was able to ship them as fast as I could build them!
The set features 14 8″ staves in vintage peche, top row of premium wide 25″ plumes and shorter solid in the lower custom peach. These were expertly picked and dyed at Rainbow Feathers.
Violet
Each fan for this set featured 12 12″ staves in galaxy purple with a front drab, 12 25″ and 8 18-24″ plumes in violet from @fancyfeathercom. It’s like a smidge less than a full triple, but really nice density!
Orange ombre
Ombre orange beauties done for the vibrant Kasey Kupcake!
Kasey requested a set that was dynamic with an ombre from light to dark and featured her signature color. There are so many variables and since I’m still inventing new styles with dye patterns, attachment layering and stave options, sometimes (even for me) it’s difficult to predict just how things are going to turn out. For this project, I took a risk and just built what I knew would be beautiful and (luckily) Kasey agreed. To be honest… I was so thrilled with the result, I wouldn’t have been sad if they had to stay mine.
It’s wonderful to work with performers that have a great concept for their fans, but it’s great to have room to flex, experiment and achieve something unexpected!
The set features 14 8″ staves in vintage peche, top row of premium wide 25″ triple dip ombre plumes and shorter solid in the lower custom peach. These were expertly picked and dyed at Rainbow Feathers.
Upgraded pheasant
This stellar set was an upgraded rebuild done for Miss Isabelle Marie!
One of my earlier conversions, Isabelle’s orginal set was blue short pheasant and long light pink. If you scroll my insta, you’ll find it! She popped off all her feathers and worked directly with Rainbow Feathers to acquire more long ones and redye the whole batch. I think reassembled the whole set back on her existing flute staves.
Fuchsia fluffy
An upgraded Standard 3, this set features 13 12″ staves and a flair accent stave in Gold Bar and double fuchsia plumes from @fancyfeathercom. The accent stave is encrusted by @boldburlesquepasties (light rose, light rose AB, Indian pink, rose peach crystal, light pink AB, and hot pink rhinestones, pink AB flatback faux pearls, pink paradigm teardrop claw set crystals and killer pink teardrop claw set crystals, and vintage, salvaged earrings and brooches).
Beautiful Beige
An upgraded Standard 8, this set features 13 12″ staves and a flair accent stave is Misty Burgundy and triple beige plumes from @fancyfeathercom. The accent stave is encrusted by @boldburlesquepasties (metallic gold, crystal AB, crystal, and metallic silver rhinestones, gold and white AB flatback faux pearls, and antique, repurposed floral earrings and brooches).
Dark purple delicious
An upgraded Flirt 2, this set features 13 8″ staves and a flair accent stave is Class B Silver and dark purple plumes from @fancyfeathercom. The accent stave is encrusted by @boldburlesquepasties (purple velvet and violet, lavender, amethyst, and periwinkle rhinestones, @varlavavoomluxurycrystal paradise teardrop claw set crystals, wilted rose teardrop claw set crystals, and vintage, repurposed earrings).
Red/black Sidetails
These moody fans just arrived in Canada for Ms Grace Ventura
The fans are on 6 scallop staves in gloss black featuring 70 10-19″ front black and 160 mix of 23-35″+ blood (#24) and wine (#20) red lady am sidetail feathers.
Natural sidetails
These beauties just arrived to Egypt Blaque Knyle!
The fans feature 60 27-35″ and 30 35″+ lady am sidetail feathers not dyed so these are the natural patterning on 6 of my scallop staves in fireside copper. The package is similar to upgraded length of Sidetail 1.
Gold sidetails
These exquisite feathers didn’t come out quite the right color for a project, but they were too gorgeous to send back!
The fans feature 8 scallop staves in gold bar with applique and rhinestone embellishments, 90 27-35″ and 90 35″+ lady am side tails in gold (color #85). The package is similar to upgraded length of Sidetail 9.
Sassy Conversion
Ready to hit the stage again! This set was a standard conversion (just moving feathers over from acrylics to my aluminum staves) done for Sassy von Straddler. Helps that her feathers are really high quality!
Swapped to 24 12″ staves in traffic orange, this set is now lighter, more compact, less damaging to the feathers and bigger (taller all around and more bounce separation between the top and inner back layer). These will be show stoppers for many years to come!
Standard triple
This adorable standard size TRIPLE layer won’t last long. Each fan features 12 12″ staves in misty pink and 36 18-24″ plumes in baby pink from Fancy Feather
Natural Golden
Set features 8 scallop staves in fireside copper, 368 natural tiered level Golden pheasant feathers layered on front an back. Each fan is 30″ at center and 60″ wide. The set took over 12 hours to assemble!
An audaciously colorful bird, Golden feathers have this stunning color, speckles and bright red/ orange flashes depending on the length. Raised as a poultry variety with rich eggs, the feathers are molted several times. This is the first set I’ve done featuring these and there is no reason to ever dye them!
White extra fluff
I should’ve taken video of these beautiful ☁️ level fans to show you all the difference photos just don’t capture. You’ll just have to Esira to hopefully catch them in action!
These fans each feature 14 of my 12″ staves in white with a 25″+ top and 18-24″ front premium plumes from Rainbow Feathers. Hand picked, these feathers add to the price but are the ultimate in length, width, fluff and luxury!
Pro tip: keep your white feathers bright by protecting them from the oil and sweat on your hands. Always practice with gloves. Cheap satin or cotton will do!
Shapeshifter web
Flirt size double layer with 26 8″ staves in satin black, two 18-24″ plumes in a dark green-teal custom and black from Rainbow Feathers. The front plate is a new “handle” that simply bolts on and off. Fans collapse as well.
This is the first embellishment project with Bold Burlesque Pasties!
Mint rebuild
Ruby Spencer was an early adopter of my staves having purchased and built on the raw, spray painted versions years ago. I refreshed her set by stripping the paint, powder coating and reassembling in a way that layers the feathers in a better way. They are stage ready again!
Rich for Maggie
Full project done for Maggie McMuffin!
These deco inspired front plate handles by my design partner Katrina to bolt on and the full set of fans. Amazing design that can be dazzled up.
The fans are ivory double plumes from Fancy Feather with natural peacock from The Feather Place on my 8″ staves.
Pro tip! To get peacock to follow the curve of your fan, you need to lightening “curve” each, individual feather stem with a curling iron on low.
Flamimgo
These flamingo wings are ready to take flight with Bizzy LeBois
Built on 28 of my 12″ aluminum staves in pretty pink, Fancy Feather did an amazing job on the two layers of ombre plumes and matching drabs. The dye colors and transitions really help make the layering so crisp and feathered wing like.
Michelle’s Boa Fans
Sally Rand is forever embedded in the iconography of #Chicago. Her fans helped save a World’s Fair and attract millions to our city.
For that reason, it should be no surprise that it was here that Michelle L’amour worked with Fancy Feather to redevelop burlesque fans. Michelle’s Claire de Lune tribute act became one of her most favorite numbers and forever linked her to our fan dancing legacy.
Many years later, my adventures with fan staves also began in Chicago. This spooky weekend, let’s believe that I was visited by the same spirit that inspired Michelle. It was a bit frightening, but a huge honor to convert her from acrylics to my metal staves. Special thanks to Rainbow Feathers for giving them a gentle wash and fluff.
Now on stronger, lighter staves, these boa fans will continue their journey from stage to stage with their most exquisite boa tamer, Michelle L’amour.
Navy double
Flirt size double layer with 24 8″ staves in misty wave blue and two 18-24″ navy plumes from Fancy Feather.
Slime boas
A fave client, Luba sent a couple photos of a spooky dripping lime slime costume she wanted fans to match. My design partner Katrina helped render it in stave form. Fancy Feather provided the boas and did a custom dip dye to match the powder coat color. Then double coated, assembled and shipped out the door.
All seems so simple, right? Luckily things keep coming together so brilliantly, but still learning, learning, learning with every project which makes it all still so exciting!
Custom boa mix
This unique set was done a while back for the Lady Josephine. She directed the color selection of this custom boa twist done by Fancy Feather. They were then mounted on custom staves.
These are built on 24 24″ staves and use 40″ all ostrich boas beautifully custom ombre dyed Fancy Feather.
Golden boa beauties
These golden beauties traveled quite a distance to Angelina Angelic all the way in the Czech Republic I’m thankful for the admiration and trust of my international customers. Such a treat to see my creations go around the world!
These are built on 24 24″ staves and use 40″ all ostrich boas beautifully custom ombre dyed Fancy Feather.
Boa fans are such a huge investment and performance commitment. But a good boa handler is a show stopper! My staves are the strongest, lightest and most durable for these types of fans, and while they are still hefty to wield, you’ll have an easier time and more fun doing it!
