HOW TO MAKE A FABRIC FAN
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In every Ghanaian society, traditional fabrics or cloths hold significant cultural as well as historical values which the people portray in their daily lives or traditional occasions such as funerals, festivals etc.
These traditional fabrics showcases the creativity and innovation of artisans. The fabrics incorporate certain symbols and motifs that have specific meanings which represent the people’s identity, cultural pride and important figures. It also plays a crucial role in rituals and celebrations as well as preservation of history for younger generations. These fabrics are used in so many ways in which the people showcase their true identity. Example is the traditional fabric fan.
Below are the tools and materials used in making the fan, its procedures and uses.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
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Leather
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Scissors
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Fabric
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Canes
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Interfacing
PROCEDURES
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Cut an interface in the required measurement.
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Place the interface on the fabric, iron it and cut it out with a scissors.
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Here, add an amount of required adhesive glue to the ironed interface with fabric to make it firmly fastened.
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To enhance the fabric, fold it in a sequence and secure it with a tie.
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Cut the leather according to its purpose to the fabric (smaller pieces for threading the sides of the leather and bigger pieces for the outer layer.)
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Apply an amount of glue to the leather and attach it to the fabric to dry up.
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Create holes at the opposite sides of the leather.
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Clout the leather through the holes created using the smaller size of leather (knot the stringed leather tightly to secure the leather and fabric leather and also create a space for the canes.)
NB: While doing this, open the fan and check if it is able to fan out and fold back easily while you prepare the canes to be drilled for locking.
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Measure and cut the canes to the desired length of the fan (make sure it is smooth and even.)
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Place the cane in the space created at the end of the fans.
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Thread the canes with the leather to make it presentable.
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Drill holes in the middle of the canes and use the leather to fabricate a lock.
NB: Make sure to trim the excess fabric from the edges and in every process as well, take time and ensure that each step is carefully and decoratively done for a best result.
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Now, carefully open and close the fan to ensure it moves smoothly.
USES OF THE TRADITIONAL FAN.
The traditional fans are used for cooling oneself on a hot day.
It is also as a beautiful decorative piece.
It serves as a gift or souvenirs as appreciation.