| Weather vanes, also known as wind vanes are | | | | The shape and form of the weather vane may |
| used to detect the direction of the wind. Weather | | | | be selected after studying sample weathervanes. |
| vanes are usually attached to an elevated object, | | | | Then an outline of the design chosen may be |
| mostly rooftops to indicate the course of the | | | | stenciled on the piece of wood. Thereafter the |
| wind. The weather vane has evolved as a | | | | wood is cut out according to the shape stenciled |
| beautiful collectible and unusual piece of folk art. It | | | | on it. Rough edges and splinters may be |
| is often found in the shape of cockerels, popularly | | | | smoothened out by sand papering them. A coat |
| known as weathercocks. However, other shapes | | | | of varnish and polish will preserve their natural |
| such as arrows, pigs, angels, cows and multiple | | | | wood color. Different paint finishes with vibrant |
| other designs can now be found in the form of | | | | color schemes may be used according to personal |
| weather vanes. They are made of different | | | | choice. |
| materials such as copper, brass, sheets of metal | | | | Several craft stores stock readymade wooden |
| and wood. | | | | kits in imaginative shapes and sizes. These may |
| Wooden vanes are part of the traditional | | | | be assembled according to instructions provided |
| architecture of weather vanes. Shapes of | | | | to lend varied looks and appearances. Color kits |
| different animals, birds or statues are carved out | | | | are also available to embellish the appearance of |
| on the wood to define the form of vanes. Weight | | | | weather vanes. Once the vane is ready, it just |
| and measurement of the wooden weather vane | | | | needs to be attached to a wooden dowel and |
| depend on their shape and size. Wooden skillets | | | | fitted to the preferred position. |
| are used to mount the finished piece at the | | | | Antique collection of wooden weather vanes can |
| rooftop. Apart from placing them on rooftops | | | | be found online and local craft stores. However, |
| they can also be placed on other places in the | | | | buyers are advised to check and compare the |
| house, such as kitchen plate stands or fireplace | | | | rates before buying. Rates may vary according to |
| mantels for display purposes. | | | | the material, size, condition and vintage of antique |
| Weather vanes can be made at home if required. | | | | weather vanes. |