From prehistoric to present, function often crosses paths with form, whether in habiliment or household. Something as simple as a fan used to blow air into a fire kept blazing for warmth alternates as decor today.

This large fabric fan was originally on the living room wall in my first apartment. I had adorned it with thick silky black tasseled cord, flowers and pearls to match the Art Deco mood of the room. That was many years ago and it now graces the wall above my grandmother's antique bed. But the contrasting colors of black and mauve no longer commingle with the bedroom, so I decided to re-purpose and give it a vintage make-over.

To add some aged charm, I applied strips of antique lace bought at a tag sale to the fabric of the fan, fastening the bits on either end at the back with simple Elmer's glue.

Once the glue dried, it was time to paint it with my favorite color, Cafe Cream, by Behr. Over the layer of lace, fabric, and black wooden framework, one saturated coating was all it needed to soften the look and give it a shabby smoothness.

After letting the paint dry for a few hours, I grabbed a small piece of fine gauge steel wool and gently rubbed some of the paint off the wood. All I wanted to create was a weathered appearance. Moreover, with a touch of dark wax mixed with clear wax on a clean rag, I carefully dabbed the lace areas to accentuate the pattern and create some visual texture.

These were a few of the original roses on the fan along with a hand painted wooden heart memento saved from a bygone trip to Vermont. Gathered with some "porcelain" flowers remaining from our wedding centerpieces and sprays of soft-colored berries, this fan will be reminiscent and romantic, a perfect combination for the boudoir.

What's all the fan fare about? Setting a soft mood for slumber... xoxo-Sonya