Faire Information

Fancy Things Fan Shoppe is, as far as I know, the only shoppe on the "Ren Circuit" that is devoted almost entirely to the making and selling of feather fans. Most Renaissance Faires are scheduled during the spring, summer and early fall when the weather is warm and sunny. Consequently, a lady in full Renaissance costume finds herself rather warm. A fan becomes a necessity!

I began to make feather fans for one reason only. I visited Scarborough Faire, where it was hot as blazes, in full costume and went looking for a fan to buy. There were none to be had. So I went home with the resolve to right this injurious wrong. I studied the history of fans and designed a fan that was an authentic reproduction of a Renaissance feather fan. Then I applied at Scarborough Faire to open a shop, and the rest is history.

            
Lady Susan and a display of fans         The Fanne Shoppe at Scarborough Faire

I have been with Scarborough Faire for ten years now, and just completed my second year at the Kansas City Renaissance festival. With my website and a presence on E-Bay, I have become a worldwide concern, sending fans to England, Israel and South Korea. In the United States, I've sent fans to Alaska, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvannia, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

All my fans are entirely handmade, by me, from raw materials. They are working fans, which means they really put out a lot of air. I stand by my product and do repairs and minor "upgrades" usually at no cost.

Below is a list of products and prices.

Regular Fans

         

Regular fans are approximately 10 inches wide by 12 inches tall. They are the bulk of what I sell. I have three price breaks: $29, $37, and $45. The price depends on the quantity and quality of the feathers, trims and jewels. The $45 fans also have a mirror on the back.

Fan Covers



     

The fan cover was designed at the suggestion of many ladies who found themselves out in the rain with a feather fan on their hands! The cover is made with tapestry or other stiff fabric and then lined with satin. But the trick is that a thin layer of plastic is sandwiched between the fabric and lining, giving the fan protection from the wet. Covers for regular fans are $20.

Medium Fans

         

Medium fans are $55. They are approximately 18 inches tall and 18 inches wide. They are the largest fan I make that a lady can really handle for herself. They are made with a base of turkey quills and finished with peacock, ostrich and rooster hackle feathers. Each medium fan has a mirror on the back.

Large Fans

         

Large fans are $80. They are approximately 24 inches tall and 22 inches wide. These fans are used primarily as wall pieces, though some ladies swear by them. The are so large that the lady must have someone to fan her. Like the medium fans, they are made with a base of turkey quills and finished with peacock, ostrich and rooster hackle feathers, and each fan has a mirror on the back.

Leather Fans



These fans were designed for the women who dress as peasants, but still need some relief from the heat. They are made of entirely natural, undyed feathers and leather and feature just a little gold or silver cording. They are extremely popular with the serving wenches in the hot kitchens! These sell for $20.

Ticklers



Ticklers feature a puff of bright marabou feathers bound to a long pencil with golden or silver braid. These are mostly for the kids, but many a young lover's eyes light up with the thought of "tickling someone's fancy". These sell for $5.


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