JOHN'S CUSTOM REFINISHERS WEATHERVANE

This is my largest weathervane, nearly six feet wide, and nine feet tall. It took over a week to make, and most of that time was spent hammering out the shape of the man. It rotates on a solid glass ball. I had used stainless steel as a bearing.

I had wanted to make this weathervane for over five years. John had discussed a design with me back then, basically a replica of his logo. John owns Custom Refinishers, where he refinishes fine furniture, and he has a highly visible location overlooking Interstate 84. He required a large vane for his barn style workshop, and a sillouette wouldn't cut it. I had thought of him every time I passed his location, which was quite often, and wondered if I would ever make that vane for him.

I was surprised to get a call a couple weeks ago from Tim, a friend of mine, who was also a friend of John's. Tim said he wanted to order the vane for John as a gift. Tim was surprised by my commission request, but said John was a very good friend, and Tim wanted to see the vane on the barn, knowing how much his friend wanted it.

John was quite surprised when Tim and I arrived to present the vane. He looked at me closely, and I knew he couldn't recall who I was, until he saw the vane.

He was floored. He will be building his own cupola, and is fully able to do so. The vane can be seen from I84, just west of the Route Seven Interchange ( exit 7), on the north side of the highway. John said he would try to get it up by Thanksgiving. He mentioned that he still had my number right at hand, and had thought of me every day since we had met.

I had used stainless steel as a bearing, but found that material rusted over just a couple years. All my vanes are built to continue to work, even if the balance ball deteriorates. And all pieces are guaranteed for life, my life!

It is a truly wonderfull experience to see a client when he recieves one of my pieces. That is the reward for me. I feel blessed knowing that I've made things that will be displayed for all to see for a very long time. It's a legacy to be proud of.

Nearly all my customers say the same thing. "It's f%#**& awesome!" Heard it dozens of times, especially from those from whom you would least expect it.