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Cedar fan making involves three basic steps-carving the notches, splitting the leaves, and opening the fan.
Notches: I make a rough block and cut deep notches across from each other, creating an even and narrow "waist".
Photo: Alan R. Kamuda for The Detroit Free Press
Splitting: The part above this narrow point will be the fan itself. I split it into thin leaves with a knife, separating the slices from each other but leaving them all attached to the solid lower portion. (The lower portion can be carved into a bird, a handle, or whatever, just so long as it stays solid.)
Photo: Alan R. Kamuda for The Detroit Free Press
Spreading: I soak the wood in water to soften it before bending the pliable leaves sideways, interlocking the notches to hold the fan open.
Photo: Alan R. Kamuda for The Detroit Free Press
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