How To Make a Dragonfly From a Ceiling Fan (Garden Art DIY)

Use this tutorial to make a giant garden dragonfly using the blades from an old ceiling fan. It’s a fun repurposed project to make in an afternoon.

There are more creative garden art tutorials here.

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Make a Garden Art Dragonfly

There’s only one rule for making garden art dragonflies: no two can be the same—even if you want them to be! With a few easy-to-find household items and a screwdriver, you can make your own dragonfly. The supplies for this one cost around $7.

Want real dragonflies? Use these tips for attracting dragonflies to your garden.

Tools & Materials

• Body: Wooden table leg.
• Wings: Ceiling fan blades.
• Antennae: Any thick wire that will bend and stay in position. I found mine in the electrical section of the thrift store.
• Eyes: I used sunglasses with flat-bottom marbles glued on. Drawer knobs or metal egg cups would also look good.
• Details: I added two pastry cutters (to echo the wings) and a kitchen fork (like a tongue).
• Embellishments: Flat-bottom marbles, costume jewelry, glitter, kitchen utensils—anything goes.
• Paint: Any spray paint or exterior wood paint and polyurethane.

Step-by-Step Instructions

There’s not a lot to this. You just need to paint the pieces and have a way to attach them together. Everyone’s dragonfly is going to be different, depending on the parts you are using.

1. Remove fan blades from ceiling fan. Paint if desired. It’s easier to do this before assembling your dragonfly.
2. Paint body (table leg). For long-lasting results, sand, prime, and use exterior paint or spray paint (some do not require priming).
   I used a kitchen tool as a stencil to create polka dots on the dragonfly body. Just aim the spray paint through it.
3. Attach fan blades to body. Use 1/2-inch wood screws. Predrill holes with fine wood bit to avoid splitting wood.
4. Attach antennae, eyes, glasses, and other embellishments. Use GE II Silicone Sealant as adhesive.
5. Touch up paint and add final embellishments as desired.
6. Apply exterior polyurethane or similar wood sealant for a more weather-resistant dragonfly.
7. Attach hanging hardware to back of body.

Display Ideas

• Hang on a fence or house wall using picture hanging hardware.
• Suspend from a tree branch with chain or wire.

Resources

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛