USArtQuest Blog

Okay gals, don’t say you don’t know what I’m talking about. Of course you do, if you’re…say over 40. So, when Joyce at USArtQuest came into the office sporting a piece of cardstock, vigorously fanning herself, I knew what was up.  She said, “Sue, couldn’t you make one of these out of Mica Tiles?”  I thought a moment and said, “Sure!”  Besides, I’ve always wanted something pretty enough to keep next to my chair in the living room. And just think, it helps save on electricity! (Admit it, you know you’ve stood in front of the open freezer door, too.)

Begin with a single large Grand Effect Mica Tile. Cleave the mica to become transparent, firm and slightly flexible. (That means there will be mica left over for another project or a larger fan.)  I used a cutting board to cut the mica into wedge-shaped pieces. (The word Mica that you see is left over from another project. Since it was an etched word, that means you can etch the fan pieces too if you want pattern. Simply trace a design with a sharp tool.)Once cut, I used a pie pan edge to give me a nice curve. Use a Sharpie marker and use scissors to cut the shapes.

You can punch a hole into each piece individually, or stack them and do them all at once. I have a Craftsman Dremel and Dremel Drill Press stand that I love. As you can see, it makes quick work of holes in most any material, including mica.

Insert a pretty brad and open it up. This will hold everything together while you determine where the next holes will be drilled.

Notice I put a hole about 1/2 way up the Tile and on either side of each Tile.  This photo shows only the first holes, until I determined that they needed to be on both sides (see finished photo).  Use fishline or cord to weave them through the holes. Take your time to determine which holes get an ‘up threading’ or ‘down threading’.  I settled on tieing a knot at each hole and putting a drop of Perfect Paper Adhesive on the knot to prevent it from untying.

I made a pretty fob of cord, beads and charms, and ‘unattached’ the brad, ran the cord and satin ribbon hook through the brad and reinserted it.  Curl the ribbon tail to the backside. Insert it into the brad before opening the prongs. Fold the tail of the ribbon hook around to the back and use a drop of adhesive to cover the back of the prongs.

Cool!