How do I make this, no assembly instructions!!!

Question

The items needed for this firefly project are an old table leg, and 4 fan blades, BUT there are no instructions how to assemble it! Does anyone know how to go about securing the blades on the back of this table leg!!!! HELP, my daughter is begging me to make it!!!!

Cyndi · Answer

there are pretty good directions here http://worshippinggodwithallmyart.blogspot.com/2012/05/dragonfly-made-with-ceiling-fan-blades.html

Cyndi · Answer

hope this helps, the directions are brief but easy to follow, basically decorate as you would like but you need some small pieces of wood to level everything up and to screw everything together, and attach a hanger

Melanie N · Answer

OMG, I love thi...and I just found an old table leg - one (what was I gonna do with one??) - up in the basement rafters...and know there are extra fan blades in the closet! Thanks!!

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

I Know, isn't this cool!! Are the wings decupage? (sp)!! I just got back from trash pickin, I am looking for junk ceiling fans!

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

THANK YOU CYNDI!!!! YOU ROCK!!! Follow the link from Cyndi, INSTRUCTIONS!!!!

Miriam Illions · Answer

Tagging @Tammy@Deja Vue Designs - she knows how to make them and may even have a tutorial...

Tammy@Deja Vue Designs · Answer

I do have a tutorial....give me about 45 min...and I'll get you the link

Tammy@Deja Vue Designs · Answer

Here is the link to my hometalk post on making these....you will need to click over to my website for further instructions! Thanks @Miriam I ! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/tutorial-on-my-dragonflies-and-lace-painting-technique-173507

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

Thank you for all the input!! Tammy@Deja Vue, tutorial, = BIG SMILES FROM MY DAUGHTER!!! =)

Wendy M · Answer

Love this! Thanks for sharing.

Ddiane D · Answer

when looking for a table with legs like that, I wouldn't know where to start. I like the table legs on this particular dragonfly

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

I went around the neighborhoods around me the night before trash pick up, and I found a couple old chair's, tables, but no luck on ceiling fan's! Also, check ur local second hand store's (salvation army, goodwill etc.) often they get donations that are broken, and cannot be salvaged, they are more than happy to give them to someone instead of throwing them out!

Ddiane D · Answer

Thanks so much for the help

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

Anytime!

Terri Ball · Answer

I too have been drawn to these whimsical butterflies. I have found 2 short tuts.... now only need supplies.....Here is what I have found: http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/2012/02/yesmore-dragonflies.html http://recreatedesigncompany.com/dragonflies-and-butterflies/ Hope this helps, Good luck

Terri Ball · Answer

Just had a brain spurt.....I wonder if any of the stores (big box, homegood, lumber, etc) have damaged units. Could maybe get a deal on just the blades since they usually just write off the whole unit. By the way, Home Depot and Lowes both sell just fan blades

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

Terry! You are THE MASTER!!!! Everyone, Terry Ball found the original designer of this beautiful Dragon Fly, just follow her link http;//www.lucydesignsonline.com/dragonflies!! There are so many to choose from, I am in my glory!!!! Terry Thank you!

Teri · Answer

I just made one today and posted it on my hometalk page. You can see how I ended up making one.

Colette · Answer

I found instructions for this using ceiling fan panels at http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/2011/07/more-table-leg-dragonflies.html

Frankie Laney · Answer

You know, it would be pretty easy to hang these. Just use some invisible wire, I think it would be fun hanging from the tree....and you could make smaller ones. Oh no, I see where I'm going with this. On the hunt now for supplies!!! Of course, I would be taking down in really bad or windy weather.

Belle · Answer

that might be finial posts too...threaded together. Be creative!

Junkgypsee · Answer

You'll need a drill and a starter hole for the drill bit. I would use two, 2' to 3' bolts in each fan blade.(Depends on the depth of your table leg.) Make a mark on the post and the blades to line them up. You'll have to make starter holes in both before using a drill. 
 OK..now you're ready to put the bolts in. Use the bit size, one size smaller than your bolt and drill 8 holes in the wood and the blades. Now, you can get your bolts, one per blade..do not completely tighten yet...You'll need them to be a bit flexible. Now, start with the next four, going from one to another until you have all of them in. When you have the blades exactly where you want them, it's the time to tighten the blades. That's it!! Good luck to you.

Freda Fleming · Answer

Check your area for Habitat for Humanity ReStores, they usually have fan blades they sell for a dollar or so.

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

Junkgypsee, THANK YOU!!! FINALLY!! =)

Francine C · Answer

Try using Spyder Wire fishing line! It is very strong and very hard to break and very thin. The craft stores are too expensive, just go to the fishing department at Walmart. (I thought that the body of the dragon fly was lug nuts). LOL.

Carolynm · Answer

Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell used blades for just a few dollars, I got 10 used blades for $4.00. Lowes and other home stores sell the table legs. We used screws into the holes left from taking off the hangers that were on the blades. I am just now working on painting my blades and legs, but plan to post them in a few days.

Linda Meyer-Kelly · Answer

Cannot wait to see your creation!!!

Melissa W · Answer

Like this??

Csg82162465 · Answer

I also screwed mine. I painted then covered with 5 coats of marine varnish and the blades still started drooping from moisture. Anyone know what should be used to keep them from falling apart outside?

Mogie · Answer

Upcycle Ceiling Fan Blades into Giant Dragonflies in 5 Easy Steps

https://theownerbuildernetwork.co/upcycle-ceiling-fan-blades-into-giant-dragonflies/

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How do I make this, no assembly instructions!!!

Tutorial on my dragonflies...and Lace painting technique.

Suggested Project Book