So out of interest, how many of you carry a parasol and fan. If so what type do you carry, Feather, Lace or paper? Also if you have a good link for such things that would be awesome. I bought a parasol made of lace similar to this one on ebay but I am not sure I like it or if if looks good for a lady of the court. (http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/0/6/7/4/9/5/webimg/123828703_tp.jpg). I also have a black lace fan that I got a few years ago but really would prefer a feather fan that would look good with my dress.
Any suggestions on where to get them or how to make them (Get stuff to make fans)?
I love the Renaissance Tailor's fan tutorials (http://www.vertetsable.com/demos_fans.htm), particularly the flag fan and the folding fan.
How accurate do you have to be? The lace fans and parasols might have a Victorian touch to them that you might not want.
On the old forums, somebody had a link to some *fab* paper parasols that didn't look overtly Asian. I hope I saved it! (Gem scurries off to hunt that down....)
Woot! I saved it. Here it is: Thai parasols. (http://oriental-decor.com/colored-umbrellas.php)
Here is another location to get parasols that are more period if you care.
http://www.margaretroedesigns.com/parasols.html She also has a link from there to a history of the parasol if you want to read it.
Hobby Lobby has some paper pararsols on clearance! Our queen bought all of her ladies a new parasol for $2 each. Of course, I had already bought three for myself... ;D
Lady Delaney, I just purchased the lovieliest fan from this shop at Scarby:
http://www.featherfans.net/
If you have a swatch of your gown she can incorporate it into a custom fan for you as well. Some are made with a firm feather like turkey(?) set behind the ostrich plumes. It's meant to provide a better, firmer, breeze. Mine is just lots of ostrich. I think they're prettier and it make all the breeze I need.
This is where I've picked up a few parasols. I especially like the Thai parasols but they do tend to be a little heavier. I have one hat is nylon, but in general I find I like the look of paper.
http://asianideas.com/paper.html
I've seen ladies carry lace parasols, though it seems the "norm" is an asian one at faire.
Quote from: Master James on May 28, 2008, 03:15:13 PM
Here is another location to get parasols that are more period if you care.
http://www.margaretroedesigns.com/parasols.html She also has a link from there to a history of the parasol if you want to read it.
Woot! Now I'm glad I picked up the parasol I got at RPFS last month - same design, with a plain unbleached heavy cotton muslin cover, including a case, for $45. :) I will admit, I love the durability of the cloth parasols!
Dragon Wings also makes feather fans and parasols:
http://www.dragonwings.net/CatalogHomePage.htm
That is the one thing I really disliked about the "Oriental" styled parasols is they are paper, and paper gets ruined if it rains. Rains can come all of a sudden, thus ruining the parasol. Plus I really dislike the Oriental designs on the majority of them. Considering that Marco Polo had visitied the orient and trade with the orient was happening during Tudor and Elizabethian times, It would be possible to have oriental style parasols.
I did manage to find 1 waterproof paper parasol rather cheap at $12.00 on line. http://www.lunabazaar.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=27 (http://www.lunabazaar.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=27)
Here's a page from the link I edited into my reply earlier. I have one of these...the flame parasol. Never had the chance to try it out in the rain. They have a great look to them. More substantial than the rather flimsy china style.
http://asianideas.com/copapa.html
Quote from: Anna Iram on May 28, 2008, 03:38:19 PM
Lady Delaney, I just purchased the lovieliest fan from this shop at Scarby:
http://www.featherfans.net/
If you have a swatch of your gown she can incorporate it into a custom fan for you as well. Some are made with a firm feather like turkey(?) set behind the ostrich plumes. It's meant to provide a better, firmer, breeze. Mine is just lots of ostrich. I think they're prettier and it make all the breeze I need.
I second this one! :-*
question, can you use scotch gaurd or something similar on paper parasols? I've seen it used on tissues and was just wondering if anyone had tried it..
I have an asian-style fabric parasol that I got on ebay. I used it in the rain at MNRF last year and although it bled red dye all over, it did keep me dry. I could have sold it many times that day.
Here's a pic of me using it: http://www.uncommongatherings.com/images/costume/Peg1.JPG (http://www.uncommongatherings.com/images/costume/Peg1.JPG)
As for fans, I've made my own feather fan from ostrich feathers, a bamboo rice paddle, some mill work trim pieces and gold paint-with LOTS of hot glue. http://www.uncommongatherings.com/images/costume/fan.jpg (http://www.uncommongatherings.com/images/costume/fan.jpg) I also like the palm leave fans that are about $1 at party supply stores.
I have a rain-proof Asian parasol I got at Four Winds Faire this year. I believe it was around $20 & since I had been looking for one for almost 2 years, I felt it was well worth it. I carried it at Scarby almost every day we were out there & every time someone (mundanes, playtrons & even cast) asked me where I got it. The lace ones are pretty but I want something that will protect me from the elements if needed.
So...if you want to make a killing at Scarby, sell waterproof Asian parasols. You'll make a mint!
I also carry a fabric covered asian parasol. People are always stopping me to ask from which booth it was purchased. My reply: The China pavillion at EPCOT. ;D
i carried a fan in my bag but it was so cool out i didn't need it this year and the paper parasol i have would not go with my outfit so i left it at home even though i did seriously think of it.
Parasols were first used in Eruope in the very late 16th c. Folding fans came around the same time. Prior to that, ladies wore hoods or sheer, lightweight capes.
Feathered fans are great. Flag fans, if you can find them, are wonderful too. Folding fans are perfectly fine as long as you are not on cast. If you are on cast, I'd ask your director about what is allowed and what isn't. Some faires are more strict than others.
All that being said, I do have a couple of lace parasols that I love. One is black and one is white. The problem I have with parasols is that they are a PAIN to carry around all day. Fans aren't that big of a deal since I can attach those to my girdle or put them in my pocket/purse/basket. However, if you take a parasol, be prepared to carry it around for the next 6 or so hours that you plan on staying at your faire.
I also have a wide vareity of fans. The one the historical minded people seem to like is the "swirly" flag like fan. It's a piece of fabric sewn on to a rod that has a handle and a "top" so the fabric doesn't slip off. I swirl it around like I'm stirring something and the fabric goes around like the blades on a modern fan.
The one everyone seems to love is my circular peacock feathered fan. I can't take the peacock feathered fan anywhere without someone demanding to know where I got it. ;) It's a great fan, it's held up well, and it was only $30 at NCRF.
QuoteAll that being said, I do have a couple of lace parasols that I love. One is black and one is white. The problem I have with parasols is that they are a PAIN to carry around all day. Fans aren't that big of a deal since I can attach those to my girdle or put them in my pocket/purse/basket. However, if you take a parasol, be prepared to carry it around for the next 6 or so hours that you plan on staying at your faire.
While its not period & it might not work with fancier costumes I saw a woman at Scarborough a few weeks ago that had bought a quiver (for arrows) & was keeping her parasol in it. She had had to adjust the strap so it would go on her belt without dragging the ground but it looked fine.
I made a simple little pouch for my smaller parasol. Much like a pouch but longer and I tie it to my belt.
I've also just tied ribbon round the handle of the parasol and tied that to my belt. Then just let it hand down like my fan.
WOW>. one of the best threads I have seen in a long time.! Way to go!
To go along with the subject of fan's I looked this up. I found it rather interesting and it is said a woman with a fan was like a gentleman with a sword. In other words it took much skill to use a fan and to use it to communicate with. While this is taken from Victorian times, I would think a woman of court would have come up with signals and forms of communication with a fan.
http://www.handfanpro.com/Allaboutfans/Lang/language.htm (http://www.handfanpro.com/Allaboutfans/Lang/language.htm)
There are many others, but this on elooked more complete I just seached under fan language
Their great for stealing a kiss from behind too!
Quote from: Lady_Delaney on May 30, 2008, 08:53:58 AM
To go along with the subject of fan's I looked this up. I found it rather interesting and it is said a woman with a fan was like a gentleman with a sword. In other words it took much skill to use a fan and to use it to communicate with. While this is taken from Victorian times, I would think a woman of court would have come up with signals and forms of communication with a fan.
http://www.handfanpro.com/Allaboutfans/Lang/language.htm (http://www.handfanpro.com/Allaboutfans/Lang/language.htm)
There are many others, but this on elooked more complete I just seached under fan language
historically, in Japanese Noh theatre the folding fan is used as the only prop. the way in which it is moved determines what it is, from a sword to a spoon, a hairbrush, all sorts of things.
Quote from: gem on May 28, 2008, 03:06:53 PM
I love the Renaissance Tailor's fan tutorials (http://www.vertetsable.com/demos_fans.htm), particularly the flag fan and the folding fan.
I started making and selling these over the last year. Specifically the folding fans, which ARE based off of historical paintings!
I don't have any up on my site at the moment, but I'll always do custom work for those of you who don't have the time/materials to build your own....
See a picture here...http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2518103515_8a9f5e6130.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2518103515_8a9f5e6130.jpg)
www.threadfaire.com
I always carry a fan of feathers. Usually my white ostrich one which is huge. I like the ostrich feathers best for fans because they seem to provide a better "wind" when used.. I've tried a few others and my friends have others, but I say ostrich is the best....
As for parasols, I have 4, 3 are paper asian style, but not TOO asian, more just flowers and birds. and the other is made of painted canvas which is waterproof!! We bought that at the old Excal fair in Austin many years ago... no idea where you could get the painted canvas parasol these days.. but on NONE rainy days the paper ones are better cause they aren't as heavy. As for carrying them, we bought a leather arm cuff and put it in there... it words great!! here's a pic.
(http://images.onesite.com/red.renspace.com/scarby_08/47b8db09b3127ccec46daff7554400000026100abtgjrq.jpg)
Haha! My question was answered here!
What a fabulous idea!
I carry a fan. Mine's not technically "period" but I don't really care that much since I'm an elf anyway. ;)
It's a war fan, so it has metal blades and nylon (though I imagine they were traditionaly silk or something like that) webbing (for lack of a better word) with a really cool phoenix design on it. It makes lots of wind for very little effort, and make a GREAT noise when snapped open!
Here's a link to a place that sells them: http://www.awma.com/index.cfm/action/productdetail/product_id/6659.htm
Sadly, they don't seem to carry the design I have anymore, but the dragon's not bad.
So I decided to try and make my own fan. Here it is. I have 1 more little thing I want to do to it but other wise this is how it looks.
(http://www.delaneyalysa.com/fan/fan1.jpg)
the front side
(http://www.delaneyalysa.com/fan/fan6.jpg)
Close up of the handle
(http://www.delaneyalysa.com/fan/fan9.jpg)
the back side of the fan
I took two pieces for the fan top and glued them together then cut it in half making sure I left the circle in the middle now covered by the gem.
The Handle was what looked like two wheat blooms with the flower in the middle. I glued a 1/4 piece of hard wood to it leaving 1/2 of the wheat bloom not attached. I then cut out around the flower and the wheat bloom. I then took an Identical wheat bloom piece and glued it to the other side then cut the extra wheat bloom off.
I then cut the half circle out of the handle so the top piece would fit in.
Once all this was done I drilled a hole in the top piece middle on the half circle and in the half circle on the handle and put a pin in it to help hold it and glued it with very high quality wood glue.
Once dry I sanded and filed to get the rough out from the cutting.
I then sealed it with sand sealer three times then painted it gold then sealed it again
The last step was to drill large and small holes for the feathers and then I epoxied them in with a high strength epoxy. then glues on my gems.
I want to add some lace where the feathers meet the wood. But all in all this is done.
Oh I also added a eye screw on the end so I can attached it to my belt.
Very nice work. ;D
Thanks for this thread it really helped me alot - i can't wait till i can get a waterproof one - if anyone knows how to reinforce or paint a cheap white paper parasol
please let me know - thanks
I carry a rice paper parasol I get from www.pillagedvillage.com (http://www.pillagedvillage.com) Though I do need to get a nice fabric one. I will be going to the Castle in Muskogee (Oklahoma Renaissance Festival) and Scarby this coming May.
As for fans, I have a feather fan that I bought for $20 at the shop at the MNRF in 2006. Nothing fancy, but in the colors I like.
I made my own fan out of an old, decorative dowel, some plastic canvas, hot glue and ostrich feathers. I don't have a picutre of it, but I can get one up if needed.
I need to get my hands on a parasol too. For me, if it means sun protection, historical accuracy can go and take a jump in the lake. :D
Hobby Lobby has coated parasols right now, in bright primary colors (red, orange, lime green, purple, turquoise, and fuchsia, IIRC). They run about $4.95. The only reason I haven't picked one up is I can't figure out an appropriate color. :-\
So I'm going to put material on top of a parasol I bought so it will match my new outfit. THe material is actually water proof fabric for table clothes and stuff. I'm quite excited to see if it will turn out well, the thought is good I think...
I bought a marvelously UN-historical ;) cloth parasol from Worlde Market last fall. Haven't gotten to use it but it has wonderful rich color and a black underlining to I will be well shaded. I'll try to get a pic.
I have two lace parasols, one black, one white. They did not come with any type of sleeve or holder so I REALLY like that arm bracer idea. I hated having to carry it around all day so I am definitely incorporating the arm bracer this season!
As for fans, I have a wooden one.
I have two types of fans. One is wooden with little cut outs and is my favorite. The other is just a paper fan with wooden spines that I keep in the car in case I forget mine. The paper one I bought from Oriental Trading as a batch of about a dozen for just a few dollars. I also let my girls who are 7 and 3 carry the paper ones because it's no big deal if they are broken. My husband made me a thin pouch for my fan so I can safely hang it from my belt when I don't need it and it won't get broken.
As for parasols, I have a paper one (also from Oriental Trading). I'm hoping to buy one of the fabric parasols soon. My 7 year old has a parasol like mine except with bright pink nylon instead of paper. We bought it at the local flea market for a couple of dollars. I would have gotten one myself but they only had bright blue and pink. But for a little girl it's perfect because it is less likely to break.
I agree with Scarlett that the arm bracer idea is brilliant!
I really need to find a fan that will last.. I always break my feather fans! Last season I gave up and used a fly swatter! ;D
Anyone know of a vendor that has sturdy parasols? my wooden one broke this year it was only 5$
i finally had gotten the chance to use it this past weekend
i wish there was one that had metal support on a wooden handle
Quote from: Nailin on April 07, 2009, 09:47:08 PM
Anyone know of a vendor that has sturdy parasols? my wooden one broke this year it was only 5$
i finally had gotten the chance to use it this past weekend
i wish there was one that had metal support on a wooden handle
I bought my lacy fabric parasol on Ebay. I can't remember the vendor, but he has many of them in different sizes and colors. It has a wooden handle but the spikes on the top of the umbrella are metal. It seems very sturdy. If someone doesn't like the idea of the metal (and it doesn't show unless you lean the parasol back or hold it up very high above head level), I was told you could wrap it with embroidery floss, but heavens knows, I don't have the patience to do that, so I let it be.
Ok, so there's a vendor out at TRF that sells treated waterproof parasols. Seriously, I've had mine for 3 seasons already, and it's survived the TN RenDezvous downpour, as well as many other HORRIBLE conditions.
Took a lickin and kept on tickin...
Texas is a bit too far for me - I'm an east coast rennie - I do want to try to buy in person so I know what I am getting
instead of being surprised in the mail - Can someone kindly explain fabric parasols?
I can't recall if a shop at Maryland/Revel Grove sells fabric or paper
I do plan on invading with others to VARF/TNRF/KYHRF and of course MDRF so if there are any vendors there
that anyone knows of please post
I try to aim for HA but sun protection and staying dry for health & vanity (i admit it i love walking around with it)
Has anyone ordered from this site?
http://asianideas.com/copapa.html
oh how I love my paper parasol. I am soooo sensitive to sun that I really can't do without it. It's essential in florida and most definitly at Pennsic. I could probably use an upgrade but, the paper ones are inexpensive and can be hand painted for an added fun touch.
Dharma has cotton fans that you can dye/paint.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/5919358-AA.shtml?lnav=clothing.html
They have silk fans too.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1669-AA.shtml?lnav=clothing.html
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/5903589-AA.shtml?lnav=clothing.html
Oh! That is exactly what I need! I broke my fan and need to make a new one. Those would stand up to spillage much better than the paper ones.
(http://b6.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01107/61/83/1107973816_l.jpg)
Other than Sapphire and Sage, who is a reputable feather fan vendor online? I'm looking for one that has a mirror, if possible.
I found a very pretty fan a few years ago and added my own mirror to it. You can find mirrors at the craft store and glue it on with e6000.
I bought mine from a vendor at the TRF... one of our forum members was working there... I don't remember who. (wow, I'm horrible for remembering these sorts of things)
But I have also come across several how-tos on the internet that I am anxious to try some time this year.
http://www.featherfans.net
she's no longer at Scarby but she takes orders.
This is a great thread.
All those parasols are so pretty.
I am working on making my own fan.
The ribs I will be designing and cutting with my laser cutter/engraver so that it will have a really cool intricate design.
I was thinking of using thin suede instead of fabric for the webbing part just to be different since I won't be any kind of noble.
Can anyone instruct on how to glue the material onto the ribs??
for a decent feather fan (not historical) you can go to the featherstore.com, they have fans for around 9-15 dollars. i have a few. plus they have lots of colors.
Try Camelot fans
Dayna
Quote from: unilady on April 24, 2009, 06:32:27 PM
Try Camelot fans
Dayna
This Camelot?
http://www.geocities.com/fanladycynthia/Ostrichfans.htm
Thanks to E Bay, I was able to get a Sapphire and Sage fan. It's lovely!
Yup, that's the one, although she has much more than just Ostrich fans.
Dayna
Quote from: Nailin on April 08, 2009, 11:06:45 PM
Has anyone ordered from this site?
http://asianideas.com/copapa.html
Anyone have experience with this site, or specifically with these "water resistant" parasols? I'm wondering how they hold up in light to moderate rain, I need a new one for those only-kinda-wet days. I need a new cheap backup folding fan too, would be nice to get it all in one shot.
They work for a light rain. But for a continuous down pour... it will not hold up for long. You also must be careful with any paper, as the ink will sometime bleed. As they state when wet, it must be dried open. I always add a bit of clear coat to the paper, especially on the underside.
So glad you got one, Kathryn! I wish I'd known you wanted one with a mirror - I could have easily put a mirror in a setting one one side for you! I've been meaning to add that option to my website for ages now, but life always seems to get in the way. Now that I've been reminded, I'd do it today, but I've exceeded my bandwidth for the month (oopsie!)....wonder if I can still upload revisions to pages when I'm past my BW limits. I think I'll go try and see what happens!
Quote from: Syrilla on April 29, 2009, 09:35:15 AM
They work for a light rain. But for a continuous down pour... it will not hold up for long. You also must be careful with any paper, as the ink will sometime bleed. As they state when wet, it must be dried open. I always add a bit of clear coat to the paper, especially on the underside.
Thanks, Syrilla. I know its pointless in a downpour and I just rely on my cloak on those days, but I need something new for light rain. Maybe I'll have to just hunt down another silk one that I can coat in Camp Dry again, my last one broke a spoke.
Quote from: Colleen McGuinness on April 29, 2009, 11:37:49 AM
Quote from: Syrilla on April 29, 2009, 09:35:15 AM
They work for a light rain. But for a continuous down pour... it will not hold up for long. You also must be careful with any paper, as the ink will sometime bleed. As they state when wet, it must be dried open. I always add a bit of clear coat to the paper, especially on the underside.
Thanks, Syrilla. I know its pointless in a downpour and I just rely on my cloak on those days, but I need something new for light rain. Maybe I'll have to just hunt down another silk one that I can coat in Camp Dry again, my last one broke a spoke.
Mine survived the great TnRF Memorial Day Weekend downpour last year. What a trooper!!!
This parasol is almost 25 years old. Those are real rib bones on it. After eating the meat, I cleaned the bones as best as possible and then let them dry out for a couple of months in the sun. Then I took a dremel tool and carefully made holes in them and sewed them down with entrensic (?) thread. I used some old corduroy pants from a thrift store to cover the underside of the parasol. Then I Scotch Guarded the whole thing to make it waterproof in case of rain.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y287/RumbaRue/2009%20Spring%20Escondido%20Ren-faire/Ribboneparasol.jpg)
Wow! That is breathtakingly beautiful and SO unique!!!
I found this pretty black fan and parasol set on ebay. Sorry, you can't see the details too well, couldn't find a bigger picture. I'm sure they'll both come in handy in GA though.
(http://pc-link.biz/hungwing/uf214b-s.jpg)
Here are a couple of sites that I found for feather fans, wings, capes and other feather items.
http://www.ladydianottos.com/feather.htm
http://www.dragonwings.net/CostumeAccessoryCatalogue.htm
And also the Dharma website for fans.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?query=fans&quickjumpURL=&quickjumpURL2=
Does anyone know of a leather parasol maker?
Syrilla, I do believe that you've just inspired me...
lol, I have seen them done, but only on metal frames. And they were expensive!
I don't see why that couldn't be done with a light garment leather and a wooden frame, especially if done right...
Quote from: RumbaRue on April 30, 2009, 12:08:21 PM
Those are real rib bones on it
Wow - that is really cool... honestly, I am both slightly disgusted and at the same time immensely impressed by your creativity (The marks of true art) Nice work! :)
Here is a fan my boyfriend and I worked on together. He re-enforced the wood with a brass plate and sandwiched the mirror between the two pieces of wood. I painted, added the feathers and cross. Still need to put some pearls on the back that supports the feather. One of the merchants at the faire thought it was one of his so I am going to take that as a complement!
(http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss89/Genievea/018-1.jpg)
(http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss89/Genievea/019.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/Adriana_Wolvesbane/P1000965.jpg)
This is my latest creation!
^That's really pretty!
I'd love to get a waterproof parasol, but I really wouldn't want to carry it around. So far, I've just been using my normal polka-dotted umbrella. I was really glad I had it at Scarborough, though - we went the day the rain was so hard, it made the Dallas Cowboys practice arena collapse. That was an interesting drive home (to OKC).
As far as a fan goes, I carry a fan with me everyday, anyway, so I just transferred it to my pouch for the faires. It's actually a wooden flamenco fan that I picked up in Barcelona last summer. So many people have asked me where I got it, and they always seem so crestfallen when I tell them.
Of course, the Sunday that I went to the Norman Medieval Faire this year, I didn't need a fan or parasol, but I did have to pick up a cloak while I was there! It was about 36 degrees, and super windy. Freezing!
I purchased my feather fan from here
http://www.beckalynsmasquerade.com
I had a little trouble with the suede or whatever it is, comming off the handle on a terribly rainy day (why I took it that day, I don't know), but they fixed it for me. I've had it for 4 years now and it is still beautiful.
I have an asian paper parasol and I have a really cool fabric parasol with a peacock on it. I found it in an antique store for $14.
I don't know if anyone's posted a link to this already, but Butterick has a pattern for parasols and parasol covers: http://www.butterick.com/item/B4955.htm?tab=costumes&page=2