American Indian Flat Dance Fan Construction  (Page 7)

fringe will remain nice and white. If necessary, white liquid shoe polish can be added for a bright white color or a “slick” look if you so desire.

10-A. Alternate Method of Rolling Buckskin Fringe*:

Another excellent method of making rolled buckskin fringe is the same as that used for making sinew bow strings (Figures 20-22). I suggest that you try both methods and use the one that works best for you. This method is not difficult, although like the other technique, it will take a little practice to twist both halves of the buckskin evenly. Simulated sinew is a good item to use to practice this method before using actual buckskin, as it rolls in a similar manner and is very inexpensive.

Assuming you are right handed, hold the tab (the end that is not split apart) between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. Grasp the upper side of the buckskin piece between the fingers of your right hand, within a couple of inches of your left hand, and twist it clockwise as shown in Figure 20. When it is tight, hold it between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, and using the little finger and ring finger of the same hand, reach under and grasp the other side of the fringe piece as shown in Figure 21. Twist your right hand counterclockwise and use the fingers of the left hand to secure the twist that is put into the fringe as in Figure 22. Repeat the process with the other half of the fringe, and so on until it is completely twisted. Quite simply, what is being done is to twist the individual halves clockwise, and to twist them around each other counterclockwise. This wraps them upon themselves so they will not unravel.

After you have completed the twisting all the way to the end, it is usually not even necessary to secure the ends, although you might want to put a small dab of white glue on to keep them together while you smooth and size them as described in Step 11.

11. “Chalk Line” Fringe:

As an alternative to rolling buckskin fringe, a twisted cotton cord is sometimes used as an inexpensive

substitute. This is made from 1/8” “chalk line”, which is available at most home improvement centers or lumber yards. Cut the cotton cord equal lengths anywhere from 6” to 8” in length. This should be in proportion to the size of the fan you are making and is normally an inch or two longer than the handle section. Next, dip the tip ends into white glue to prevent them from unraveling. Allow the glue to dry and then if desired, you can lightly paint the fringes with white liquid shoe polish to whiten it up and make it look more like real buckskin.

12. Attaching the Fringe:

The fringe can be attached to the handle at this time; however, you may prefer to wait until you are almost finished with the beadwork in order to avoid the fringe tangling with the beading thread as you work. First, cut all fringe to the same length, but be sure to cut from the loose end so that the tab ends all match. These tab ends hang down and keep the fringe from unrolling. Next, put a small amount of contact glue on one side of the loose end of each fringe and on the cut-out area at the bottom of the handle. After the glue is thoroughly dry, place the fringe uniformly around the handle and wrap it with thread to build this area up so that it is even with the rest of the handle. See Figures 23 and 24.