Pivotfans™
Handcrafted just for you
Meet José, the fan maker!
Distinctive Design
Every Pivotfan is a one-of-a-kind artisanal creation, custom made by me, using high quality materials.
I invite you to collaborate with me to design your very own fan. You can choose the style, motif, colors, and ornaments. I will assist you throughout the design process, and build your fan by hand to your specifications, using durable, high quality materials. Your fan should be ready about three to four weeks after ordering. Information on custom ordering is found below.
In addition, a few ready-made Pivotfans become available for sale from time to time. They may be purchased below.
Every Pivotfan comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, a carrying pouch, a display stand, and a lifetime warranty.
My Story
When not making fans, I am an avid social tango dancer. I started making fans in 2020, when the pandemic kept many of us home bound and the dancing stopped.
What began as a hobby soon became a passion. A handfan is much more than a portable cooling device. It is a personal statement, proclaiming to the world someone’s values, mood, and style. For centuries, handfans have been used to signal desires or communicate intimate intentions, in a wordless choreography. A fan complements its user, providing comfort, and becoming a talisman, signature showpiece, or quiet companion. And fan making has flourished as an art form and a craft in many cultures across the world.
Since 2020, I have devoted himself to perfecting my fan making skills, creating unique fans for friends and clients across Europe and the Americas.
I look forward to creating a fan specially for you.
Artisanal Craft
Crafting a Pivotfan requires hours of work, using primarily handheld tools.
I begin by tracing and cutting the guards, sticks, and ribs from sheets of hardwood, which I sculpt, sand, and stain by hand. I use American walnut or Bolivian rosewood (morado).
Any carved accents and inlays for the guards are then fashioned and applied by hand, using hardwood, brass metal wire, sea shell, epoxy resin, and other fine materials.
I make the leaf of the fan from cotton muslin fabric which is painted by me with the specified design and chosen colors before being hand pleated.
Next, I assemble the fan and secure the rivet pin. Ornaments such as crystals, a carved monogram or initials, or a painted motto or phrase are added, to make the piece truly original.
Examples of Pivotfans
As you consider the design of your own fan, click on the thumbnails below for inspiration. You will see pictures and descriptions of some of my work. Then scroll down to order your very own Pivotfan. If you have some particular design or special idea in mind for a fan, I would love to hear from you. .
Testimonials from Pivotfan Owners
“I absolutely love my fan. It is a totally original piece of art, beautifully crafted and nice to use. It gets compliments wherever I bring it!”
Karen J. (Pennsylvania, USA)
“My Pivot Handfan travels with me to festivals around the world. Wherever I go, people notice it. I always feel proud telling them it was made by my dear friend José. There is something special about opening a fan that was made just for you. It feels elegant and personal, a small work of art in your hands. My fan is one of my most treasured possessions.”
Mikael S. (New York, USA)
“Jose’s fans are absolutely stunning. Exquisite craftsmanship. The painted image of the dancer is so beautiful which reflects his love and passion for every detail.”
Sydney M. (Ontario, Canada)
“José created a very special fan for me that I planned to wear at my wedding. The color and detail were absolutely captivating and original. The phrase on the fan even inspired my selection of my wedding dance - a tango waltz!”
Kareen E. (District of Columbia, USA)
“Well crafted and beautiful fan. I am enjoying it plenty.”
Francisco G. (Rhode Island, USA)
“The quality, customer service, and shipping were all perfect. Highly recommend!”
Natalie C. (Missouri, USA)
Lifetime Warranty
Pivotfans are built to last a lifetime. They are fully functional, opening at the flick of the wrist. Please note that they are not intended as snapping noise-makers. Careful handling is recommended.
Should your Pivotfan be damaged (other than normal wear and tear or abuse), it will be repaired free of charge. You need only pay the cost of any new materials needed for repairs and for shipping to/from the shop.
Custom Ordering Your Fan
Step 1
Fill out and submit this Contact Form.
Step 2
I will respond to you via email, normally within 24 hours, with information on design styles, choice of color(s) and features, shipping options, and pricing. Note the base price of a Pivotfan is $75 US (not including shipping). Special features, carvings/inlays, and ornaments may be added for an additional cost.
Step 3
Once you have decided on the design and features, method of shipment, and price, you can proceed to place your order by sending me a deposit in the amount of half of the full price (including shipping).
Step 4
Your fan should be ready about three to four weeks after your order is placed. I will message you to let you know when your handfan is ready for shipment. You will then send final payment. Once payment is received, I will ship your fan to you, carefully wrapped and boxed, along with a final receipt, the Certificate of Authenticity, carrying pouch and display stand. I will send you the tracking number for the shipment.
Pivotfans Available for Purchase
The following Pivotfans are available for immediate purchase. Note the price does not include shipping costs. Each comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, a carrying pouch, a display stand, and a lifetime warranty. If you have any questions about these fans, please submit them using the Contact Form.
Featuring a high-detail, elegant design, this fan was hand-crafted from American walnut and precious Bolivian rosewood, or morado. The leaf is painted cotton muslin. The primary colors are beige and blue, with iridescent gold accents. It displays a collection of fantastical flowers and ornamental plants. The front guard bears a carving of a budding flower and encrusted crystal. The back of the fan has small embedded clear crystals atop each rib.
Bright orange leaf with sparkling golden and copper dots over deeply carved staves and guards. The front guard depicts a flower, but careful of the slithering friend. Carved in American walnut, with carnivalesque themes. A good hot tempered companion to the stately Gricel.
Bathed in vibrant earthy hues, with iridescent copper accents, this fan displays a row of flower motifs. It was hand-crafted from American walnut and painted cotton muslin. The front guard bears a copper colored shield in epoxy resin with encrusted crystals.
Leaf with rich tones in dark purples, grey and black, with splashes of goldleaf. The richly carved staves are capped by a front guard displaying a golden heart speared by a knife’s sheath. Glass beads adorn the guard and top of each rib. Inspired by the tango song Pasional, “estas clavada en mi …” Handcrafted from walnut hardwood and painted cotton fabric.