Feb 11, 2005

Hand Made Weather Vanes – Exquisite Process In The Artwork

Hand made weather vanes are a time old tradition and there are many individuals who honed their craftsmanship to produce some of the nicest weathervanes available on the market today. A hand made weather vane requires a lot of skill and superior knowledge of the ancient art of making customized weathervanes. It is all too easy to utilize and take advantage of modern technology and while some individuals are picky about how their weather vanes are made, you will definitely notice a difference in the finish and in the value of your end product.

While some handmade manufacturing techniques differ from company to company, the revered repousse method remains true to its origins. The first step in making a hand made wind instrument is to use a paper pattern which is unique to each weather vane or wind vane design. The pattern in then traced onto a sheet of copper, or brass, and is then cut out (all individual pieces) by hand, with the use of metal shears. The design of the image can be virtually anything you want it to be. A very skilled weathervane maker will be able to take any idea and create your personalized art work with it.

After having all the metal pieces cut out, the craftsman will give texture to the surface of the metal by using custom shaped hammers that give the weathervane a three dimensional look. This is perhaps one of the more difficult parts of the entire process and requires the most skill and co-ordination. There are no molds used in this part of the process, therefore, each weathervane is truly unique with its individualized variations.

Once the hammering is complete, two opposite halves of each section of the design is made and soldered together to form the hollow body of the weathervane. The pieces must match exactly and once they do, they are then joined together.

The final part of the hand making process is the installation of the mounting tube. Some of the more elaborate weather vanes have over 75 individual pieces and can take up to a month to make. Of course, the more intricate your image, the higher price you will pay for the end product. No matter how much you spend, however, you will always end up with a unique, valuable piece of artwork from a skilled artisan.

The Lucky Penny – A Tradition Weathervane Makers Carry On Today

It has been noted that during the 1880's, some of the Victorian weather vane makers began a tradition of putting copper pennies inside each weather vane they made. These pennies were considered good luck and were always from the year that the particular weather vane was made. This tradition became very popular and became a somewhat of a signature, or manufacturer’s mark, on many of the weathervanes being made.

In order to set themselves apart from other weathervane makers, some craftsmen put small brass plaques, or other mementos, inside the sculpture piece as their small mark. This not only became their signature with which they would become associated and known, but it turned the weathervane into a valuable keepsake as well.

The tradition of the lucky penny has been carried on by some weather vane makers and there are many unique and personalized ideas that can be done with such a simple copper penny. Whether it is placing a penny for the year someone was born as part of a birthday gift, or having a weathervane made for someone’s retirement and adding a penny for that year, the possibilities are endless. Either way, you’re not only adding “luck” to the gift, but you’re adding sentimentality and value that measures far beyond anything luck can bring.

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Angela Lanci Zaurrini
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com