Several years ago, I spotted the cutest idea online. Someone had used an old ceiling fan blade as an art palette.
Well, as soon as I saw it, the ideas came rushing in.
The only problem was, I didn't have any fan blades.

You see, when we moved into this house every room had a ceiling fan. Unfortunately, with my allergies, they weren't recommended. So we removed them all and replaced with plain light fixtures.
That however, was way, way back in 2002, almost a decade before Pinterest hit the internet.
So, never dreaming that they'd be such a valuable commodity, I tossed those fans and all their blades.
Which has left me searching for new ones ever since.
Occasionally, I get lucky and come across a few at the curb. I stop the truck, gather them up and hurry home to get busy crafting and creating.

Ceiling Fan Blade Holiday Upcycles
There are so many things to do with fan blades, endless ideas for every season or occasion. There are literally no limits.
Here's what I've come up with so far.
1. Halloween Fan Blade Ghosts and Pumpkins
Let's begin with the craft that started it all.
Wooden ghosts made from those old ceiling fan blades.
Isn't he darling?

The blade's shape already looks like a ghost.
And with the addition a little black and white paint, there's no mistaking it.
Plus, this one's easy enough for anyone to do. A fun, foolproof craft for the whole family.
My favorite kind.
I also made pumpkins to keep those ghosts company. You can create an entire patch for your front lawn...if you have enough blades.
2. Handpainted Christmas Tree Sign
My next project was an easy painted sign for Christmas.
This time around, that blade was truly my palette.

It already had a rustic wood grain finish, which made the perfect background for a country Christmas decoration.
And what's easier to paint than a tree? But...if you need a little help, I've included a tutorial.
Ps- I also made a snowman you can peek at in the same post.
3. Wooden Door Tag Sign
Ok, so a few years ago, door tags were a huge DIY trend.
However. I am not a power tool kind of girl. I hand over all my wood cutting tasks to the mister...but that isn't ideal since I have to wait for him. And I'm not a patient crafter.

No cutting involved.
Fabulous.
4. Thanksgiving Turkey Ceiling Fan Blade Craft
Once I realized I was working my way though calendar with all my ceiling fan blade upcycles, a gaping holiday hole suddenly appeared.Tom Turkey was not represented.
A Give Thanks wooden sign took care of that oversight.

Using my elementary school drawing skills, I added a few feathers in fall colors.
A cute Pilgrim hat and collar and my curbside trash was turned into Thanksgiving treasure.
5. Ceiling Fan Blade Hello Sign
By the time spring rolled around, I was really for a bold pop of color. One that would take me right through summer.
This simple Hello sign delivered in a big way.

And a new season in style.
6. Fan Blade Junk Angel
Once I had the seasons covered, I decided to move onto something a little more fun.
This darling angel with a fan blade body.
She was cobbled together with a few leftover craft supplies I've had in my stash for years.

Which is just fine with me, she's too sweet to stash away.
And so far that's all I've got.
Oh, not because I've run out of ideas, but rather, I've run out of fan blades.
You see, people don't seem to donate old ceiling fans, that means sourcing them at thrift stores isn't really an option.
So don't be surprised if you catch me driving around on trash night.
The holidays are coming. I need more supplies.
And you never know who might be leaving gold at the curb.
😉
Are you a ceiling fan blade artist?

I've been following you for a while and thought I'd seen all your crafty ideas. How did I miss these?? They're all so cute, they make me want to pull my ceiling fans down to play with the blades!! lol
ReplyDeleteHaha! That's so funny...and thanks! I that may be one of the best compliments I've ever received! 😆
DeleteWhen our granddaughter was little she loved dragon flies so I use a table leg for the body and head + 4 fan blades for the wings and painted them to match her room. My husband screwed it together and it was huge! They ended up putting in on their back porch. Pamela
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely, Pamela! So creative, too. I've seen the fan blade dragonflies on Pinterest and always thought it'd be fun to make one. I just never had enough blades all at once to do it. Maybe one day I'll be able to collect a bunch and make one for my own back porch!!
DeleteSuch darling ideas! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! I haven’t been able to find any supplies in a bit. I’m hoping that by putting it out into the universe again a few may show up!! 🥰
DeleteWho would have thought there were so many fun things you could do with fan blades? I remember some of these, but not all. And I threw our old fan blades away too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mari...and so funny! I guess neither one of us thought fan blades would come in handy. I usually hold onto things, but for some reason I tossed those. It's always the way, as soon I get rid of something, I find a use for it!
DeleteKim, I remember all of your blade crafts. It's such a great idea and I especially love the thanksgiving turkey and the Christmas tree. I don't see too many people getting rid of them in my neighborhood, but good luck if you find more of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I really like them, too. I had a lot of fun painting both. I haven’t seen any fans in the trash recently either. I guess people really like them and are keeping them! Good for them, not so good for me. 😉
DeleteThese are all such adorable ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joanne!
DeleteYou always come up with the cutest re-do projects! I never thought about recycling fan blades, but you have certainly challenged me to do that! Blessings to you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThese are great Kim! I’ll bet the people that bought my mom’s house tossed the ceiling fan. After seeing all these, now I wish it was written out of the offer! We don’t see them much around here either.
ReplyDeleteAlways love your re loves into new and special things. All your fan blade re dos are great. Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteKim, I love your ideas for old fan blades! Have you put out an SOS on the Marketplace Free stuff? I bet someone would just love to give you some fan blades and you don't have to drive around looking for them!
ReplyDelete