After seeing a picture of dragonflies made out of ceiling fan blades, I had to make one. I had a box in the attic containing four fan blades. I wanted my dragonfly to look like it was made out of ceiling fan blades, so I didn't cut the blades down. I left the fan blade brackets on. I loved the design, so it was a win win!
by Sarah M
How To Make A Dragonfly Out Of Ceiling Fan Blades...
7 Materials
$16.00
3 Hours
Easy
Supplies Needed:
- Spindle
- Top Fence Post
- 4 Ceiling Fan Blades
- Item For The Eyes
- Item For The Antenna
- finial for the tail
- Paint
I wanted to paint the wicker insert a different color than the outer part of the fan blade. I wrapped the blade in newspaper and cut the wicker section out. While the fan blades were drying, I painted the spindle. I forgot to take a picture. Sometimes I get totally involved, and forget to take pictures!
After the spindle was dry. I drilled a hole on top of the spindle where the head would be attached.
For the dragonfly head, I used a top fence post. I painted it the same color as the dragonfly body. After the fence post was dry, A hole was drilled on top of the fence post for the antenna.
I used two white ceiling light caps that I painted yellow for the eyes. Little screws were used for the pupils.
For the Antenna, I used a lamp shade harp off of a old lamp.
The fan blade brackets were attached to the spindle.
At the last minute I decided to use a finial for the tail of the dragonfly.
Since I decided to use a finial for the tail, Two inches were cut off of the spindle so the dragonfly wouldn’t be too long in length for the fence that I was mounting it on.
The finished product! I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Top Hometalk Projects
15 Home Improvement DIY Ideas You'll Want To Copy This Month
3 Creative Eye Catching Rug Projects That No One Else Has!
3 Gorgeous & Easy Projects to Help You Decorate for Fall
Add A Hint Of Farmhouse Style In Your Home With These Ideas
Make Your Kitchen Beautiful With These 15 Inexpensive Ideas
The Best Nautical Home Decor Ideas To Try Right Now
31 Brilliant Ways To Repurpose Everyday Items Into Perfect Organizers
Popular Project Book
Join the conversation
5 of 75 comments
-
![Theresa Zeth]()
Theresa Zethon Sep 26, 2018Now THAT is cute as a bug!!
I love it!
Finally some productive way to use up those old fan blades!
Thank you for sharing!!
![Sarah M]()
Sarah Mon Apr 22, 2020Thank you, Theresa!
-
![DeeAnn Cecchetti (Yard Artist)]()
DeeAnn Cecchetti (Yard Artist)on Feb 13, 2019I love these! I have made about fifty of these but do not use the hardware that comes with the fan blades! I give them all away as gifts. Here are 2 of my red, white and blue ones and one purple one with lots of bling! The photo doesn't do justice! I love to re-purpose, too! Great job on yours! ;-)
![DeeAnn Cecchetti (Yard Artist)]()
DeeAnn Cecchetti (Yard Artist)on Mar 10, 2020I use cheap spray paint for most of it. I paint all the white areas by hand with good exterior paint . I use masking tape to stripe off the red stripes. After paint dries, I use spray Shellac I buy at Mernard's. Of course, keep in mine, our IL. weather is very hard on them. They may last only a few years. Have fun!
Your comment...
Popular Project Book
Have a question about this project?
ANY IDEAS FOR MAKING LADY BUGS? THANKS
Golf balls, flat type rocks or slightly rounded.
How long should the spindle be?
Hello Holly!
I can't remember what spindle size I bought. It all depends on how long you want the body to be. I know I cut several inches off of the spindle so I could attach a finial.