How to get a bespoke weathervane made

At Black Fox Metalcraft we've been creating bespoke and personalised weathervanes since 2012, so thought it would be useful to share some of our expertise and explain a little more about the process; what can be achieved and what we need from our customers. Before you contact a trusted UK weathervane supplier such as Black Fox Metalcraft, it's worth considering the following points:

• Make sure you ask for a price initially to ensure the project will fall within your budget.
• Do you have any images, photos, sketches or internet links that can help to explain what you want the design to look like? The more info you can provide initially, the quicker the process will be. Black Fox Metalcraft to not charge extra for bespoke weather vanes, but most companies will, so you'll save money by being clear about what you want.
  
• If buying the personalised weathervane for a gift, do think about where the recipient will want to put it, as this will affect what size they need.
• Do you know how the weather vane be fixed? If buying as a gift, we understand that it can be tricky to get details of your loved ones roof structure without coming across as suspicious! Black Fox Metalcraft are happy to send out fixings later once the gift has been given, if you are unsure what the recipient will need.
• Try to allow enough time. A bespoke weathervane will take 4 weeks to create - these are not just off the shelf items. If your order is more last minute, a voucher can be created showing an image of the weathervane, so you'll have something to give in a card.

Below are three interesting bespoke weathervane projects we've worked on recently, each illustrating how Black Fox Metalcraft can help you to personalise a weathervane for that special gift.

Bespoke Dogs Weathervane

We created this bespoke dogs weathervane to commemorate two much loved pets, working alongside our customer at every stage of the process.

Initially the customer sent loads of photos, which was a great starting point. The smaller dog (Alfie) I found to be fairly straightforward. He was a full Jack Russell so there were plenty of reference images available online, plus the customer had provided a photo of him sitting in a very distinctive pose with his paws up, that showed exactly what they wanted. However none of them showed the larger dog in the standing side profile that he wanted the weathervane design to show, and none clearly showed his tail either. He was clearly a stunning dog, and it was important to show him in his prime. As Buster was a cross breed (Alsatian/Labrador), there were not really any internet images or descriptions of breed standards I could use as research - it was a case of working from descriptions based on our customers memory of him, and the design going back and forth multiple times. For example, some of the alterations suggested looked like this:

• He was slightly longer in the body (but only a bit).
• Make his ears popped but not quite so much as illustrated.
• And a tiny bit more slender, in his prime he was a very fit looking dog.
• Slightly more of an indent on his tummy, he had a proud chest, with a slender torso."

I actually found it quite difficult to turn a lying down dog into a standing up dog that exactly matched our customers memory of him, but with patience on both sides, we have produced something that we are proud of and the customer loves.  At Black Fox Metalcraft we would much rather much rather spend ages producing something our customers love, rather than something that is 'nearly right'. What sets our designs apart from our competitors is our willingness to spend the time getting them right. Black Fox Metalcraft are not after a quick profit, we want to earn a living for our young family creating exceptional quality items things that our customers truly appreciate. Plus, we like a challenge - every difficulty we overcome makes us better at what we do!

Our customer also asked for hand forged scrolls under the letter bars. I've made these from 12mm sqaure bar so they are good and chunky. I heated them in the forge and used the hammer & anvil to bend them. I basically did a chalk drawing on the floor and worked the scrolls by eye until they matched.

This is what our customers had to say about the finished weather vane:

"We’re overwhelmed by the beautiful weathervane you and David created for Georgina. It’s simply beautiful and words can’t describe the pleasure and comfort it brings.

Thanks so very much, a wonderful legacy for Buster and Alfie and a simply lovely process to have gone through with you to design and create this work of personal art."

Personalised Weathervane with Name

This bespoke weathervane with name was created as a gift from our customer to his father. It features 4 different but very specific models of digger - the customer had a very clear idea in mind as to how his father would want it to look. Though there were reference images available which helped, most were not at the right angle so again this went back and forth multiple times, but honestly we would rather it this way and have a weathervane the customer is truly delighted with rather than one that took less time but was only 'quite good'. 

We were also asked to fit the business name in, as it would be going on one of the company's barns. The name plate needed to be equal size either side of the tube or it would throw the weathervane sail off balance. It was tricky painting by hand the name over the curve of the tube while keeping it neat - again it was a case of taking our time over it.

Though it can add complexity, names can be painted on or cut out of bespoke weathervanes, either spinning as part of the sail, or welded to the fixing pole. We can advise what will work best depending on your requirements and design specification. Bespoke weathervanes with a name or date painted are ideal for a personalised wedding gift!

"Dad loves the weathervane thankyou, it really looks great.  Thankyou for all your hard work with it and the countless back & forth to get it right for us."

Weathervanes created directly from photographs

Our customer commissioned this bespoke weathervane as a gift for his wife. It was a pleasure to create, as the photo provided is taken from the exact right angle, so he design came together nicely & the customer knew exactly what he wanted. I added a small tail to this weathervane to help it function - there needs to be more surface area at the back of the sail than the front in order for the sail to turn into the wind.

Because Black Fox Metalcraft make all of their weathervanes and signs to order from their workshop in the Scottish Borders rather than outsourcing to an unknown factory in Asia, they can create a truly personalised, bespoke weather vane by:

• Drawing by hand a laser cut profile that is completely unique to you, making alterations until you are completely happy.
• Adding hand forged scroll work where desired for a more ornate look.
• Add a significant name or date, either painted by hand or cut out.
• Design and create custom fixings so your weathervane can be mounted anywhere.

Contact us to discuss your ideas & ask any questions today! We are always happy to chat to customers, give technical details and talk you through the process of creating a bespoke weather vane.