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!
How To Make A Dragonfly Out Of Ceiling Fan Blades...
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.
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Join the conversation
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Theresa Zethon Sep 26, 2018
Now THAT is cute as a bug!!
I love it!
Finally some productive way to use up those old fan blades!
Thank you for sharing!!
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DeeAnn Cecchetti (Yard Artist)on Feb 13, 2019
I 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)on Mar 10, 2020
I 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!
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.