tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81556719352279647222024-03-12T21:44:32.763-07:00Weathervane DirectUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-42639450494987710422014-07-13T22:55:00.001-07:002014-07-13T22:55:08.185-07:00Reimagining the Weathervane: A Millennial Guide to Upcycling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IuB7lHXp34c/U8NwmRQ97eI/AAAAAAAABOI/0iWu0BwHhmo/s1600/weathervane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IuB7lHXp34c/U8NwmRQ97eI/AAAAAAAABOI/0iWu0BwHhmo/s1600/weathervane2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4nP2GZkytw/U8NwmYYJIfI/AAAAAAAABOM/S4jgO4QqX2Y/s1600/weathevane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4nP2GZkytw/U8NwmYYJIfI/AAAAAAAABOM/S4jgO4QqX2Y/s1600/weathevane.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a>It is time to reimagine the weathervane. With the typical
notion that weathervanes are for country homes or an older generation, it is no
surprise that people have a difficult time trying to place the necessity of
weathervanes in today’s society. With the massive amounts of weather apps on
the market, their need in your life may seem nonexistent—but weathervanes can
serve an all-new, creative, and trendy purpose.
Think of them as an indoor decoration for a warehouse style apartment or
loft. Weathervanes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. They can be
constructed and deconstructed to fit your needs. They are the missing piece on
your accent wall, or the spot to fill the empty space on your end table. The timeless look of weathervanes will never age
your apartment or home; they will enhance its uniqueness and show your
cleverness for design and detail. In the above pictures, you can see two very
different, yet incredible upcycles of typical weathervanes—the picture on the
right showing a more modern decorating choice, and the left an accented wall to
really show style. The upcycle decorating trend will never go out of style…so,
why not start here? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-75682387072350311462014-07-02T13:40:00.000-07:002014-07-07T07:18:11.342-07:00Avoiding Sadness from Cleveland Weather<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Weather in Cleveland: <o:p></o:p></h1>
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How to Avoid Sadness <o:p></o:p></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is actually Cleveland. You may not have recognized it without snow and/or rain. </td></tr>
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If you live in Northeast Ohio, you know that lately, the weather has been more sporadic than a rabid bull during a rodeo. Lately, the weather has been turning at the drop of a dime—you can leave your house for the beach one morning and upon your arrival, it is evacuated due to a random and seemingly misplaced thunderstorm. Your problem, albeit annoying, can be fixed in five simple steps:<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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1. Remind yourself that you live in Northeast Ohio</h3>
As painful as this may be, it is completely necessary. Whether you’re a West-sider, East-sider, or “no-sider,” you have to admit to yourself that your location makes the likelihood of unstable weather much higher than other places—and that’s okay, because WE, unlike Florida, have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. <br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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2. Download an app</h3>
There is always, ALWAYS an app for that. <br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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3. Stop watching 19 Action News</h3>
Trust me (and everyone else that grew up watching Dick Goddard), 19 Action News does NOT have the most accurate weatherman in Cleveland. <br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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4. Buy tissues</h3>
Seriously. A lot of people prefer Kleenex, but does it really matter what brand it is if it’s just for wiping away 365 days’ worth of tears? <br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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5. <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/view-all-1.html" target="_blank">Buy a weathervane</a></h3>
Sure, weathervanes don’t talk to you, and you can’t download them on your phone—but at least when it warns you the weather is going to get a little crazy, it will do so under your favorite animal. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-59805625519244426052014-06-12T07:19:00.000-07:002014-06-12T07:19:18.143-07:00Weathervanes – Differentiating an Original Version from a Forged Version<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Weathervanes are one of the collectible items that are always there in the radar of antique enthusiasts. The value of an antique weathervane is influenced by its age, condition, craftsmanship and history. One common problem with high-value, antique weathervanes, is that they are difficult to authenticate and are easy to replicate. All that a forger needs to do is to track down the original cast iron mold used to create the original weathervane.<br /><br />One of the main features that can reveal the difference between an old and a forged weathervane is the patina. A simple trick is to look in the interior of a hollow form. If the interior is bright and shiny, then you know that you are holding a fake piece.<br /><br />To ensure that the piece of art that you’re investing your money in comes with reliable documentation such as: date of manufacture, original site, type of material and degree of restoration (if applicable); always buy your antique piece from a well-known store, having a good overall reputation. <br /><br />Did you know that under the Trade Descriptions Act, a seller can place a replica among antiques, and no offence will have been committed; but when asked if the piece is genuine, and the seller replies in the affirmative, then he/she has committed an offence! Hence, the “golden rule” is: always ask the seller, and buy only if they answer affirmatively that the piece is genuine. If you hear: “I’m not sure”, “most possibly”, or “I don’t know”, please do not assume the piece is genuine, and please do not buy!<br /><br />Finally, always ask the seller any question you have in mind, without hesitation. A legitimate seller will answer all your questions to your satisfaction. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-57390027694053089542014-06-04T13:12:00.000-07:002014-06-04T13:12:11.559-07:00 DIY: How to Make a Weathervane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A weathervane is an instrument that lets you know the shifts in wind direction. A weathervane is cleverly crafted such that it has its center of gravity resting on a pivotal axis, and the pointer can move freely on its axis. The side with the larger surface area is blown away from the wind direction, and the smaller side with the pointer faces the wind direction. Most weathervanes also have directional markers beneath the arrow that are aligned with the geographical directions. In this way, wind blowing from the north-east will have the pointer pointing in that direction.<br /><br />The weathervane is a very simple instrument. Building a weathervane can be a very engaging experience for your child. This will also be a first-hand experience in building a functional instrument that has a theoretical basis. All that is needed are items that you can easily find in your home (or your nearest grocery store).<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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Items required</h3>
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1. A rectangular piece of cardboard or a business card<br /><br />2. A pencil (that has an eraser on one end)<br /><br />3. A stickpin<br /><br />4. Scissors<br /><br />5. Ruler<br /><br />6. A straw<br /><br />7. 1-litre plastic bottle<br /><br />8. Sand<br /><br />9. Compass<br /><br />10. Permanent marker<div>
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How to make it</h3>
Start by first showing your child what a real weathervane looks like, and how it works. You can find a house in your neighbourhood that has a weathervane, or you can take your child to a store that sells weathervanes.<br /><br />1. Help your child gather all the material required.<br /><br />2. Ask your child to take the lead, and assist him/her only for tasks that he/she is unable to pull off.<br /><br />3. Cut a triangle out of the cardboard/business card. Cut the straw so that it is about 6 inch long. Make small slits on both sides of the straw, and slide the cut cardboard pieces onto each end. The end with the triangular card becomes the pointer.<br /><br />4. Cut the 1 litre plastic bottle at the bottom, and fill it with sand. Firmly stick the pencil into the centre of the sand pit. <br /><br />5. Using a ruler, locate the centre of the straw, and position the straw over the pencil and secure the two together using a stickpin.<br /><br />6. Your weathervane is ready! Place it in a windy spot, and show your child how it moves with the wind. You can use a permanent marker to mark the directions on the plastic bottle.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-64570992581178146072014-05-27T02:00:00.001-07:002014-05-27T02:00:48.026-07:00Feng Shui for your garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_AfYApJOXY/U4RSRrjcm8I/AAAAAAAAA6U/cdLnY-gO_JE/s1600/feng+shui+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bring Feng Shui to your garden" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_AfYApJOXY/U4RSRrjcm8I/AAAAAAAAA6U/cdLnY-gO_JE/s1600/feng+shui+garden.jpg" height="239" title="Feng Shui for your Garden" width="320" /></a></div>
The garden is as much a part of the house as the living room or the bedroom. We perform <a href="http://yourmodernstylehome.blogspot.com/2014/05/feng-shui-for-your-bedroom_27.html" target="_blank">feng shui for the bedroom</a> and the living room to attract positive energy, and to keep negative forces at bay. So, why not try feng shui for the garden as well. Good feng shui for the garden will add to the positive vibes of the house and bring good energy (Qi) into your home. Feng shui products are also very attractive and exotic, and add an extra beauty to the garden. <br /><br />All feng shui products for the garden are made to attract the five feng shui elements. Depending on which element is the most required for you, you can choose the right feng shui product. It is essential that you choose the product based on your feng shui need, and not just the look of the product.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">
1. Outdoor fountains</h4>
Add the element of water to your home. Decide what fountain design, material and shape appeals the most to you (and also to your feng shui Birth Element), and install it in your garden at a spot that can be chosen per feng shui.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">
2. Wind chimes/Weathervanes</h4>
These are loved by one and all. The pleasant sound the chimes create is soothing, and helps bring positive vibes. You can combine the elements of wind and water by placing the wind chime near your fountain. A <a href="http://www.weathervanedirect.com/" target="_blank">weathervane</a> could also be a good symbol for the element of wind. <br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">
3. Garden lights</h4>
In early days, fire lamps were used to bring in the fire element. But in the modern world, <a href="http://yourmodernstyle.com/category_54/Modern-Lanterns-and-Fire-Lamps.htm" target="_blank">modern lanterns</a> can symbolically replace fire lamps. Choose a lamp with the appropriate design for that area. Garden lights can come in variety of designs from flowers to turtles. Ensure balance when lighting your garden.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">
4. Statues and accents</h4>
Good feng shui is a harmony of sounds, colors, images and movements. Install a sculpture such as an angel, bird, horse, etc. and witness your garden come alive. A weathervane bearing the motif of an angel, bird, fish, or a horse can also be a good alternative – a moving sculpture.<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">
5. Stepping stones</h4>
These are a good addition to the garden landscape, and serve a higher purpose of reminding the “one day, one step at a time” healing philosophy of paying conscious attention to each step in life.<h4 style="text-align: left;">
6. Stone bench</h4>
This can be an excellent place to rest oneself, and give the time to absorb all the positive, nourishing energy moving about in the garden. <br /><br />Choose from these feng shui products and decorate your garden wisely and feel your garden brim with positive energy. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-53485680033072683402014-04-18T12:40:00.000-07:002014-04-18T12:40:53.322-07:00Unique Weathervanes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you have a taste for the unconventional, experimental, eccentric, avant-garde? Below is a carefully picked list of some unique weathervanes that can accentuate and underline your distinctive style and taste. Select your favorite and show your style to the world by installing one of these spectacular pieces of art on your rooftop or in your garden!<br />
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<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/golfer-driving-weathervane.html" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="golf weathervane" border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/360x365/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/6/561p-2.jpg" height="320" title="golfer weathervane" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">The Golfer Weathervane</span><br />
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Satisfy the golfer in you by bringing home this unique weathervane. With the classic pose of a mid-swing drive, and with attention paid to the minutest of details, this weathervane is the perfect choice for your garden or roof. Let the golfers know where the wind is going.<br />
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<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/fire-wagon-weathervane.html" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fire Wagon Weathervane" border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/360x365/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/w/h/wh00337.jpg" height="320" title="Fire Wagon Weathervane" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">The Fire Wagon Weathervane</span><br />
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Wait! The Fire Wagon? Yeah! Show your gratitude towards the real-life heroes – the firemen who protect us from fire mishaps. These truly unique and inspiring weathervanes are crafted from copper, brass and aluminium and detailed to perfection.<br />
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<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/airplane-weathervane.html" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Plane Weathervane" border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/360x365/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/e/red_baron_airplane_weathervane__85661_zoom.jpg" height="320" title="Airplane Weathervane" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Airplane Weathervane</span><br />
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It’s time to celebrate the genius and courageous invention of the airplane. Today we might take an airplane for granted, but think of the ingenuity of the inventors who came up with a way to enable us reach 30 thousand feet above ground without making the slightest of effort (except buying the air ticket, of course). The weathervane features a classic airplane of the early 1900s. The style and beauty of this weathervane is truly amazing!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The “Trout in Water” Weathervane </span></div>
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<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/trout-weathervane.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Fish Weathervane" border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/360x365/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/7/w/7wh-00331-xlg_1.jpg" height="320" title="Trout Weathervane" width="312" /></a></div>
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If you are the one who loves “water” out of the four elements, then you would definitely find this weathervane fascinating. This elegant piece of art features a fish that is diving out of water – yes, water is also featured in this carefully crafted weathervane. The degree of detailing is unmatched and this weathervane is just as good close as from far away.<br />
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<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/classic-motorcycle-weathervane.html" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/360x365/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/6/669p-2.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Motorcycle Weathervane</span><br />
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Are you a biker at heart? Display your love and passion for bikes by going for this motorcycle weathervane. The motif is brilliantly crafted and is sure to make any enthusiast happy. We’re confident that you will have this new motorcycle up on your roof in no time! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-63157543987589136172014-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:002014-03-22T13:01:00.279-07:00 Choosing the Right Size of Weathervane for your Roof<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/" target="_blank">Weathervanes</a> come in various sizes (and prices). There are some ground rules for choosing a weathervane for your roof. Here is a guide to choosing the right size of weathervane for your rooftop.<br />
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Weathervanes generally come in three sizes – small, standard, and large. The basic rule for selecting the right size is that a weathervane, just like anything else, looks smaller as you go farther away. Thus the smaller the weathervane, the closer it should be to the ground. <br />
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The next thing to consider is whether you would like to go with a cupola or not. A cupola is a small structure built on top of the house that “crowns” the roof. The weathervane can be either mounted on the cupola, or can be directly mounted on the roof. The pictures below depict weathervanes mounted on a cupola and directly on the roof.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weathervane mounted <br />on a Cupola<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>With a cupola</b></span>: If you choose to mount your weathervane on a cupola, then you need to first choose the right size of the cupola for your roof. The rule of thumb is: For every foot of roof line, you should have 1"-1.25" of cupola width. So, measure the roof line of your building and multiplies it by 1"-1.25". Once you are done with selecting the cupola, go for a weathervane that is roughly the same size of the cupola, or within ±6 inches. Thus, if you settle on a 22” cupola, then go for a weathervane size between 16” and 28” long. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Without a cupola:</b></span> if you want your weathervane to be mounted directly on the roof, then use the rule of thumb rule as mentioned above for the cupola - "Every foot of the roof line should account for one inch of the weathervane". Most people find that adding a little extra to this looks even better. Thus, for a roof line that is 32 feet in length, a 36” weathervane would create the right effect. If your building has more than 3 stories, go for the “next size up”. <br />
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In general, a small sized weathervane fits perfectly with a small building structure such as a car garage, a utility shed, or a gazebo. The standard size goes well with one-storied, medium sized houses, and small barns. The larger ones are best suited for large houses, two or more story structures, or modern-day residential or commercial buildings. <br />
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For very long rooflines, more than one weathervane may be more suitable, placed comfortably apart from each other. For example, a 60 foot long roofline can accommodate two 30”-36” cupolas, with each different weathervanes on top. <br />
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Stick to these rules of thumb, and select the best size of weathervane for your house. Give your house a distinct look with <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/classic-directions-copper-heron-weathervane.html">weathervanes</a>, and enjoy the appreciation from friends and strangers alike!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-22075261512419350292014-03-18T12:40:00.000-07:002014-03-18T12:40:10.052-07:00Do Weathervanes attract Lightning? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x213/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/5/45020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x213/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/5/45020.jpg" /></a></div>
One of the frequently asked questions about weathervanes is whether they attract lightning, and if they are safe when mounted on the roof.<br /><br />The basic thing to know about lightning is that it always looks for “ground”. A piece of metal sitting on your roof is not grounded, so it would not tend to attract lightning. You could compare this to the TV antennas that used to be on every rooftop a few years ago. These TV antennas were made of aluminum (which is a good conductor) and were typically not grounded or part of a lightning protection system. That said, lightning is an “act of God”, and one cannot accurately predict whether lightning can “hit” a particular area for a particular reason or not. Experts recommend that lightning protection for weathervanes should be an all or nothing proposition. You could either ignore it altogether – after all, the vast majority of weathervanes, metal roofs, church steeples, and even TV antennas are not lightning protected – or go for a complete lightning protection system that is professionally installed. If you choose to lightning protect your house, you are in effect attracting lightning and sending it to the ground. You must then do it properly. <br /><br />Perhaps the most dangerous thing to do would be to go halfway, and just “ground” the weathervane using a small gauge wire. Trust me, this will be worse than doing nothing. Why? Because in this arrangement, you are attracting the lightning, and not providing enough means for the lightning charge to drain off safely. The result could be disastrous! <br /><br />So, the crux of it is that if you install a weathervane on your rooftop, you may (1) install a full lightning protection system or (2) do nothing. <br /><br />Thus, depending on your own choice, belief, and judgment, decide which route you would like to take, and enjoy the view of your favorite weathervane dancing, perched on top of your roof, year after year!
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-15635424734989284952014-03-18T12:23:00.000-07:002014-03-18T12:23:50.815-07:00How do I clean/maintain my Weathervane? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Your weathervane is truly a prized possession, and you would want it to look fantastic all year round. The best thing about weathervanes is that they are durable and long-lasting with only a miniscule amount of maintenance required. Weathervanes are generally constructed from weather resistant materials such as copper or aluminium. The maintenance requirement for both types differ slightly, and adopting the correct maintenance protocol would ensure that your weathervane keeps looking astonishing year after year.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Copper weathervanes</b></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/large-perched-eagle-weathervane.html" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Polished Copper Weathervane" border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x213/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/5/956-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polished Copper Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Copper weathervanes come in two varieties – <b>polished copper</b> and “blue verde” finish. Polished copper weathervanes, just like a copper penny, would begin to naturally oxidize within months, eventually giving it a natural patina. If you do not want this to happen, and want your weathervane to have the finished copper look all the time, then you may use a lacquer or polyurethane coating to maintain the polished finish. For basic cleaning, mild soap and water is all that is required. No specialized cleaners are necessary. If you want a shiny copper finish (and get rid of the tarnished look), you may use a copper cleaner. But remember that this feat can be very time and energy consuming, and you should instead go for things like StayBrite copper and Brass Polish to preserve the finish.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/classic-direction-copper-rooster-weathervane.html" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Blue Verde Finish" border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x213/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/5/45032.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Verde Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Weathervanes that have a <b>"blue verde" finish</b> have already gone through an accelerated patina process, and their look won’t change much over time. Such weathervanes are given an artificial finish that makes them look antique. This kind of finish involves accelerating the oxidation of copper, such that your brand new weathervane already has the patina. The only care these weathervanes require is an occasional cleaning using mild soap and water to clean up the dust and dirt, without removing the blue-green patina finish.
Aluminium weathervanes:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Aluminum Weathervanes</b></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x213/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/0/00423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/210x213/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/0/00423.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aluminum Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cast aluminium weathervanes are coated with paints that are weather resistant and can withstand the harshest of elements. An occasional cleaning with mild soap and water, followed with thorough drying is all that is needed for maintaining aluminium weathervanes.<br />
<br />
Weathervanes are constructed to last and stand the test of time. With only tiny efforts, you can maintain your weathervane such that it looks stunning for many years to come. Weathervane figures, directionals, assembly rods and mounts are all made with the highest quality materials that ensure lasting beauty while requiring minimum maintenance.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-52951731135363318392014-02-14T13:14:00.000-08:002014-02-14T13:14:14.637-08:00Say “I Love You” with a Weathervane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/large-estate-blue-heron-weathervane.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcYoEjs5N7s/Uv6DKZ7DboI/AAAAAAAAAbY/MjZdpD8Bj6U/s1600/654P_Heron_Polished_Silo+1.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #990033; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A weathervane can show the direction of
the wind AND the direction of love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN">Weathervanes
are cleverly crafted ornaments that show the shifts in wind direction. These artsy creatures have been used since ages to help people predict the weather changes. Weathervanes
are created with love, and are beautiful pieces of art. Whenever I look at the
weathervane in my own yard, I get this warm glow over me because it feels so good looking at such a fine piece of art. Just looking at it and exploring its various
hues and contours seems to release a rush of the “good hormones” in me, and I
instantly feel happier. The weathervane that I have in my yard is a great copy of a large heron with its wings spread out wide, while
floating in the air. This one was a gift from my husband for my 40th birthday, and I cannot help but thank him again and again for this wonderful
and mystic piece of art. I guess it was his way to say “I love you”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN">If you do a bit of a research on
weathervanes, you will come to know that weathervanes are generally
handcrafted, and carry an exquisite look and feel about them. It is all about the
ability of the artist to capture a subject’s character and spirit in metal. These pieces of art are meant to be long lasting, to take on harsh weather conditions for years to
come, without corroding or fading. The technique of carving a weathervane is similar to that used by goldsmiths and silversmiths, to produce beautiful
sculptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN">Weathervanes are not items that only look
good when brand new, and they will never end up in a dusty store house.
Weathervanes are dynamic, and look splendid year after year. They are
architectural ornaments that easily catch people’s attention. Trust me, these
are worth the money spent – every penny!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN">Gifting a weathervane to the ones you love will always be appreciated. It is a fine piece of art which everyone (even your neighbors) will enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-15045691578275021422014-01-31T06:22:00.000-08:002014-01-31T06:22:00.143-08:00Types of Weathervanes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Weather vanes are architectural instruments
that can be generally observed on top of any gothic building. Weather vanes are
perhaps one of the few things that have sustained the test of time, and are
still as much in style as they were hundreds of years ago. Although the basic
concept has remained the same, new methods to craft weathervanes have been
developed. Weather vanes crafted through different techniques have similar
appearances, but there are some fundamental differences between these
techniques that decide whether a weather vane will survive for decades, or
weather away in only a few years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/large-estate-blue-heron-weathervane.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Large Estate Blue Heron Weathervane" src="http://weathervanedirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/360x365/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/5/654p-2_1.jpg" title="Blue Heron Weathervane" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/">Weather
vanes</a> can thus be classified into four different types, based on their
manufacturing technique:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> ²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Casted</span><div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> ²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Machine
pressed</span></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Mold
crafted</span></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Freehand
crafted</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="color: #c20a3f;"><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN">Let's look at more details on each type,
and understand why the huge difference in cost between two seemingly similar
weather vanes.<br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">²</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Casted<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-IN">This is perhaps the
simplest and the least expensive way of creating weather vanes. The motif to be
created is first carved out on wood or plastic. Fine sand (mixed with a bonding
agent such as clay) is poured into the wood or plastic model, and solidified.
This creates a hollow structure (or cavity) that is then filled with the molten
metal. After cooling, the sand mold is broken away, the cooled casting is
cleaned, finished, and painted. Metals such as bronze, zinc, and iron are used
to create cast weather vanes. In modern days, aluminium is used that is lighter
and cheaper, but also short lived. Custom designs can be created, though these
can be costly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Machine
pressed<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-IN">These weather vanes are
manufactured by placing a thin sheet of copper in a machine that has molds in
the shape of figures to stamp out the parts of a motif. These parts are then
soldered together to create the complete motif. Motifs are polished or painted.
Machine pressed weather vanes can be produced in bulk quantities, and are
easily available in almost every store that sells weather vanes. These cannot
be custom-made. Machine pressed weather vanes are cheap, but may not last long.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Mold crafted</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />The method of
mold-crafting was used extensively during the late 19<sup>th</sup> century, and
many of the antique weathervanes that you might find in antique shops were made
by this method. The method is similar to machine pressing, except that the
pressing is done by hand-hammering. Carved wooden figures are used as molds,
and copper sheets are carefully hand-hammered into these molds to produce the
parts, that are then assembled together. The weather vanes are either polished
or have a <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=blue+verde">Blue
Verde finish</a>. Mold-crafted weather vanes have a fine texture, and detailed
carvings. Some of the antique weather vanes are highly collectible, and can
cost thousands of dollars. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span lang="EN-IN"> </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">²<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c20a3f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Freehand
crafted</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br />Freehand crafting without
the use of molds is an art that is generally delivered with unparalleled
attention to sculpting details. Depending on the artist’s vision, and the
buyer’s imagination, almost anything can be crafted out using this technique.
Freehand crafted weather vanes are among the finest in the world, and boast of
quality that can last for generations. Most of these increase in value with
age, and many become family heirlooms. These pieces can be available directly
from the artist, or at museums and galleries. These pieces of art generally
have the signature of their creator engraved on them, just like a painting. These
weather vanes come with a bronze or stainless steel post, and a brass or bronze
compass point. </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-5307395740717767452014-01-14T10:59:00.000-08:002014-01-14T10:59:00.393-08:00Weather vanes still very popular<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/h9ZCpUJ_ctQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<br />
Some
of the questions that came to my mind when I first heard about weather vanes
were, “Weather vanes? Isn’t that a thing of the past? Who would buy that
today?” Those are valid questions, and I’m sure many of you must have thought
about it this way. But then, you know, the law of the universe says that once
you’ve gripped your attention to something new, no matter how trivial that
might be to your existence, the very fact that it crossed your mind, makes that
thing to keep manifesting itself in various forms in front of you, and you
cannot help notice it. So it happened that I kept noticing weather vanes
everywhere - perched on top of peoples’ houses, in the garden of a friend I
visited, and even on a keychain! (although this was only an image of a
weathervane).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN"><br />This
prodded me to do a little bit of checking on weather vanes and I realized that
there is a huge market for it. People are buying them! In fact, some of the
antique pieces from the late 19<sup>th</sup> century get sold for thousands of
dollars. In October 2006, an antique copper weathervane, dating to 1900 and
once owned by the Ford family, was sold for $5.84 million! This piece was
bought by Jerry Lauren (executive vice president at Ralph Lauren) and his late
wife Susan, and now proudly sits in his Park Avenue apartment. This one was
perhaps the most expensive weathervane, but prices for antique weather vanes
range from $3,500 to $350,000.<sup>1 </sup>Weather vanes are increasing gaining
popularity among collectors, and become their treasured assets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN"><br />Weather
vanes need not always be coming from the 19<sup>th</sup> century, and you do
not have to necessarily spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to own one.
There is a huge demand for weather vanes in the market, and there are more
vanes being made today than at any point in history. Weather vanes can be
manufactured by different techniques, and can come at a variety of price
ranges. But if you want to have a vane that can last long, you should go ahead
with one that is hand-crafted. These ones are generally made from high quality
copper, and are polished with weather resistant materials. Some vanes are made
in such a way that they develop an attractive patina over time, giving the
weathervane an antique look. Few retailers <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/why-buy-with-us">provide a free mount</a> so
that you don’t have to worry about finding an expert who can help you with
mounting these structures over your roof. The <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes/large-estate-weathervanes.html">larger,
roof top vanes</a> can cost you about $300 to $1,000, whereas the <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes/standard-weathervanes.html">standard-sized</a>
ones that are great for your garden, patio, or even your walls are even more
affordable. You can easily find a weather vane for as low as $69 in this size
range. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN">Weather
vanes, old or new, can certainly enliven your home. A large, <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design/eagle-weathervanes.html">beautifully
crafted eagle</a> or a <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design/heron-weathervanes.html">heron
perched</a> on top of your house, can offer a unique aesthetic appeal that can
transform your otherwise ordinary house into a landmark. Weather vanes look charming even inside your
home – perched on shelves, tabletops, or displayed on walls.</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-77113778012470035492013-12-30T11:09:00.001-08:002013-12-30T12:49:35.960-08:00Weathervanes – forever in style!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Weathervanes are instruments that have been classically used to know the shifts in wind direction. This helped people predict the changing weather. Though in modern times, with all the sophisticated technologies in place, we rely on the weather man to give us very accurate prediction of weather virtually for the whole year, but the weathervane, nonetheless, is still very much used, not as a weather forecaster, but rather as an architectural ornament that has the potential to turn your home into a landmark of sorts with its elegantly carved out motifs.<br />
<br />
The weathervane is a cleverly crafted instrument that has its centre of gravity resting on the pivotal axis, such that the pointer can move freely on its axis. The side with the larger surface area is blown away from the wind direction, and the smaller side with the pointer faces the wind direction. Most weathervanes also have directional markers beneath the arrow that are aligned with the geographical directions. In this way, wind blowing from north-east will have the pointer pointing in that direction.<br />
<br />
Weathervanes are a tradition that was adopted in medieval times, and is still popular all over Europe. Bronze weathervanes dating back to the 9th century have been discovered that have an unusual quadrant shape. <br />
<br />
A theory suggests that the banners that flew from medieval towers were perhaps precursors of weathervanes. These fabric banners would show the direction of the wind. Later, the cloth flags were replaced with metal ones, balanced to turn with the wind. In fact, the word “vane” comes from the Old English word “fana” meaning “flag”.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GOVa5itTYs/UsHb1MoFgPI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kBu0IJSiEQ0/s1600/501V1_25+Inch+Rooster_Blue+Verde_Glam+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GOVa5itTYs/UsHb1MoFgPI/AAAAAAAAAV4/kBu0IJSiEQ0/s320/501V1_25+Inch+Rooster_Blue+Verde_Glam+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8155671935227964722" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8155671935227964722" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Weathervanes are decorative, and are typically used as architectural ornaments perched at the highest point of a building. Weathervanes can be so alluring that they can turn an ordinary house or building into a lively, charming piece of architecture. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8155671935227964722" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8155671935227964722"></a>Weathervanes are generally handcrafted to give them an exquisite look and feel. Making weathervanes is an ancient art that still mesmerizes many. Creating a weathervane depends on the ability of the artist to capture a subject’s character and spirit in metal, in a manner that does not corrode or fade for years to come. Since weathervanes are viewed from a distance, it is important to emphasize on the overall pattern, and enhance specific characteristics such as profile, facial details, and contour lines. The technique to carve a weathervane, and its motifs, is borrowed from goldsmiths and silversmiths, to produce beautifully sculpted pieces of art. <br />
<br />
Since weathervanes are traditionally installed at the highest point of a building, they have to be sufficiently <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes/large-estate-weathervanes.html" target="_blank">large in size</a>. However, with the requirements changing in modern times, we now have weathervanes that are adapted to fit the need of the modern day, with pieces that are designed to sit elegantly on a porch rail, lawn, or your patio!<br />
<br />
Early weathervanes were very ornamental, with heavily crafted pointers. The modern ones do not have ornamental pointers, but we can now see a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_413932129"></span>great variety of designs</a> such as ships, arrows, horses, mermaids, fishes, swans, ducks, and anything else that can be elegantly fitted into the design! Use your creativity here!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-63439068413704404112013-09-06T12:24:00.000-07:002013-10-24T10:32:29.850-07:00Weathervane War<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2>
<span style="color: #999999;">Keeping up with the Joneses: the Weathervane War</span></h2>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was a boy growing up on this suburban street on the East coast I remember an interesting period which we now lovingly call “The <a _mce_href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes.html" href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes.html" target="_self" title="Weathervanes">Weathervane</a> War”. You have to know, this was an area where “keeping up with the Joneses” wasn’t just a phrase…it was a way of life lived to its fullest. For example, one neighbor would get a riding lawnmower, then another neighbor would get one as well, and another, and next thing you knew everyone on that street had their cool lawn ride. Thing is, they also always tried to outdo each other – that’s how competitive everyone was. So the mowers kept getting bigger and bigger, no matter how small of a patch of land anyone had.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, when my Grandfather passed away he bequeathed to my dad this antique weathervane (among many other things). <a _mce_href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-material.html?cat=123" href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-material.html?cat=123" target="_self" title="Copper Weathervanes">Made of copper</a> (then green), with a <a _mce_href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design.html?cat=152" href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design.html?cat=152" target="_self" title="Rooster Weathervane">Rooster</a> motif and the wind directions prominently displayed on this decorative ring. My dad fell in love with the idea of putting that thing on the roof, since it reminded him of his childhood home. So he sat and washed, scrubbed, and polished this heirloom one weekend for 2 days straight, till it was gleaming and shining like new. It wasn’t big, but big enough to grab your attention from far away.When I was a boy growing up on this suburban street on the East coast I remember an interesting period which we now lovingly call “The Weathervane War”. You have to know, this was an area where “keeping up with the Joneses” wasn’t just a phrase… it was a way of life lived to its fullest. For example, one neighbor would get a riding lawnmower, then another neighbor would get one as well, and another, and next thing you knew everyone on that street had their cool lawn ride. Thing is, they also always tried to outdo each other – that’s how competitive everyone was. So the mowers kept getting bigger and bigger, no matter how small of a patch of land anyone had.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So one evening he and I went ahead and installed that rooster in all its shining glory on the roof of our suburban home. I needn’t tell you I was embarrassed at this old fashioned piece of “roof art”.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, as soon as the next weekend, one of the neighbors, Mr Burr, had purchased himself a weathervane with a slightly <a _mce_href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design.html?cat=133" href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design.html?cat=133" target="_self" title="Eagle Weathervane">larger eagle motif</a>, and painted in very nice colors. Up on his roof he went and installed himself some “eagle art”…</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then the next neighbor got an even bigger “<a _mce_href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=carriage" href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=carriage" target="_self" title="Carriage Weathervane">carriage weathervane</a>”. So one day my best friends Dad, Mr Smith, who had “written the book” on the Joneses, went and bought himself the “mother of all weathervanes”. It depicted three geese in flight, clustered together and HUGE. My friend and I were wondering if the roof would actually be able to bear that monstrosity. It did, and it actually looked really cool…and it could be seen from 5 miles away. It was my Mr. Smith’s real pride and joy.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But one day something happened, and we weren’t sure why. Was it envy, the challenge, or was it a drunk duck hunter…but what do you know, one night the whole street woke up to a set of loud bangs, three in a row, and the group of ducks came crashing from the roof, and falling onto the hood of Mr Smith’s new Buick. I needn’t tell you how upset he was, he got so red in the face that I was afraid he would collapse right there on his front lawn. Clearly, someone had shot those ducks right from Mr. Smith’s roof. That very night he loudly swore he would do something about this…</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So the very next day he went shopping for the most solid and “bulletproof” and BIG weathervane he could find. He brought home a huge “<a _mce_href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=perched+eagle" href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=perched+eagle" target="_self" title="Perched Eagle Weathervane">Perched Eagle</a>” weathervane made from stainless steel. It was even bigger than the group of ducks had been, and it shone like 1000 mirrors in the sun when it was installed on their roof.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few nights later we again woke up to three loud bangs coming from the direction of Mr Smith’s home. We couldn’t believe that someone would try the exact same stunt again, so we ran outside and looked. The eagle was still proudly perched on his metal ball, but oddly enough we heard a noise like someone writhing in pain. We ran around the house to the back yard and saw a guy with a gun leaning over another guy on the ground whose pant seat was red and bloody. The guy on the ground was Mr.Burr, the neighbor who had bought that second weathervane, the eagle one.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">911 was called and arrived quickly, and within a short few days we learned that the neighbor had hired the shooter to take down first the group of ducks, being that they were the biggest roof art objects on the street. He clearly didn’t like that. And thereafter he couldn’t stand Mr Smith purchasing a bigger and nicer eagle than he himself had had.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Problem was, the eagle’s wings were at an angle, and when the shooter shot the stainless steel weathervane, Mr. Burr had started running right on the first shot as he was scared of getting caught, but one of the bullets ricocheted right off that wing and into that neighbor’s behind..</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The neighbor eventually apologized to everyone in the street, paid retribution, and took down his smaller eagle. Thus ended the “weathervane war” in our street.</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andy Zynga</span></div>
<div style="color: #2f2f2f;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">co-owner Weathervanedirect.com</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-45801440461632449302013-08-09T11:15:00.000-07:002013-08-09T11:15:00.088-07:00History of weathervanes<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">History of
Weathervanes</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRhVFUSPHuwk5HhublL8o5YiAr6ZTavOsDCgejUmsJ1JXhNUYRI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower of the Winds, Athens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The name “Weathervane” comes from the Old English Fane, which
means</span><a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=flag" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"> flag or banner</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">. Weathervanes, sometimes also called “wind vanes” were
developed out of early man’s need to understand and predict the wind and to
assist in weather forecasting. It was one of the first meteorological
instrument devices. Weathervanes are mentioned in the ancient writings of
Mesopotamia, from over 3500 years ago. The Chinese also talk about strings or
flags being used to read wind direction in writings dated to the 2nd Century
B.C.</span><br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes.html?SID=g704hgbvnsf5eti597bdesnva6" target="_blank">Weathervanes</a> are designed to perfectly balance on their rotating
axis and need to be mounted on the highest point of a structure, away from
other tall buildings or structures that may affect wind direction. As the
weathervane spins to reduce the force of the wind on its surface, the end with
the least surface area turns into the wind, and thus indicates the wind
direction.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The earliest vane of which there are records is the “Tower of the
Winds” in Athens (Greece) around 48 B.C. by the Greek astronomer Andronicus.
This weathervane was in the form of a Triton (sea God of Greek mythology), and
was possibly between four and eight feet long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around the 9<sup>th</sup> Century the use of the <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=rooster" target="_blank">weathercock</a>
increased greatly due to a papal decree declaring that every Christian church
be capped with the symbol of a “cock” – the emblem of St. Peter. This was in
reference to Christ’s statement on the eve of the Crucifixion. ”I tell thee,
Peter, the cock shall not crow this day before thou shalt three times deny that
thou knowest Me” and served as a call to worship and a warning to deny Christ
as Peter had done. While these cocks were at first not used as weathervanes but
more as a symbol, they were eventually combined with weathervanes. This is
probably due to the fact that the cocks atop churches were easily visible from
anywhere in town, and so were a logical choice to become communal weathervanes.
Today the cock (I prefer to call it a rooster) is still the most popular ornament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also around the 9<sup>th</sup> Century Vikings, as they began
sailing and trading, started using metal vanes on their masts to predict the
weather. These simple designs were made of bronze and other metals and replaced
traditional cloth flags on Viking ships. During the Middle Ages weathervanes
with heraldic motifs, <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=banner" target="_blank">banners</a>, pennants, <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=flag" target="_blank">flags</a>, etc. began to appear and
remained one of the most popular motifs for centuries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The early American Colonials, because of their seafaring and
agricultural lives, also needed vanes for weather forecasting. At first they imported the weathervanes from
Europe. The next step, of course, was to handcraft them in America. The vane maker was soon elevated from
craftsman to artist and the weather vane became one of America’s first forms of
sculpture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around the 17<sup>th</sup> Century stationary compass pointers
(directional) were added making it easier to determine the direction of the
wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the Revolutionary War, patriotic themes became popular and
America’s symbol of the <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=eagle" target="_blank">eagle</a> became a weather vane subject. America’s first
President, George Washington, commissioned a weathervane in the shape of a
"Peace Dove" for his home at Mount Vernon to commemorate the end of
the Revolutionary War. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Weathervanes were also popular among rural populations of the U.S.
This is probably due to the fact that many farmers were isolated from the local
towns and couldn’t rely on the communal weathervanes located on the church roof
or Town Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As their popularity spread, home owners in the U.S. began to create
unusual designs. People who lived on the coasts enjoyed weathervanes in the
<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design/sailboat-weathervanes.html" target="_blank">shape of ships</a>, sea creatures, and other nautical designs. Other popular
designs included <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design/horse-weathervanes.html" target="_blank">horses</a>, wild animals, and <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design/angel-weathervanes.html" target="_blank">angels</a>, and <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/shop-by-design/banner-flag-weathervanes.html" target="_blank">patriotic symbols</a>. Weathervanes
at this time were made from wood, copper, or wrought iron, and other materials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">In our modern society, home owners rarely use their weathervanes
for predicting the weather, but weathervanes remain extremely popular as an
adornment. </span><br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8155671935227964722.post-83846669330861940592013-07-30T10:46:00.002-07:002013-07-30T10:46:47.588-07:00The World's Largest Weathervane<h2>
<span style="color: #666666;"><b>Seeing the World’s Largest Weathervane</b></span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNaxxz8GcdM/Uff5LPdpxoI/AAAAAAAAAC8/urxG0R_cYKc/s1600/photo_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNaxxz8GcdM/Uff5LPdpxoI/AAAAAAAAAC8/urxG0R_cYKc/s320/photo_opt.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See me looking up?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can imagine I have some passion around weather vanes,
or “wind vanes”, as they are known in some areas. So when the opportunity of
getting to see and “touch” the world’s largest weathervane presented itself, I
jumped on it right away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was really a perfect coincidence, because my husband,
stepson and I were visiting friends who grew up in Whitehall, Michigan, home to
one of my best vendors of <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/all-weathervanes.html?SID=6jq3uj95oosjnuudfo7d5hkha6" target="_blank">Weathervanes</a>, Whitehall Products. And of course,
this is also the home of the world’s largest weathervane, featuring the White
Lake Lumber schooner “Ella Ellenwood”. The <a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=schooner" target="_blank">Schooner Weathervane</a> puzzled me a little,
since I figured what is sold mostly through my website (and undoubtedly other’s
as well) are the tried and true “<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=rooster" target="_blank">Rooster Weathervanes</a>”, or even the “<a href="http://weathervanedirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=eagle" target="_blank">Eagle Weathervanes</a>”. That is what I expected to be featured there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbFmlJHX9Ik/Uff5IlpYdRI/AAAAAAAAAC0/TxHs81d4oJw/s1600/photo+7_opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbFmlJHX9Ik/Uff5IlpYdRI/AAAAAAAAAC0/TxHs81d4oJw/s200/photo+7_opt.jpg" width="150" /></a>However, this
enormous wind vane is a tribute to the seafaring character of the region for
many centuries, as well as the local legend of the “Ella Ellenwood”, which ran
aground on October 1<sup>st</sup>, 1901 in Milwaukee, only to have it’s
nameplate washed ashore a few months later right on the shores of White Lake in
Whitehall, Michigan!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Above please see a picture of myself standing by the weather
vane, which illustrates the colossal size of this piece of art. On the right hand side, see how beautiful the gold color shines in the sun. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0