Finally... another new Buggs Island Windchime design.
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WARNING! Our new Mission Candelaria windbell is definitely for eclectic tastes.
The Mission Candelaria Bell is my most ambitious windbell project to date. The bell features his new "multiple point striker" that can contact the bells interior from as many three angles simultaneously. The result is a very boisterous windchime effect.
The body of the bell features a random slotted pattern that is slightly reminiscent of abstract flowers and it has a torched patina containing rich reds, blues, and copper colors.
The head piece is cast steel formed in the shape of a flame. This unique windbell is definitely for those with eclectic tastes.
NOTE: The total length of the bell from top of the chain to bottom of the sail is approximately 28 inches. The body width is 3 inches.
NOTE: The total length of the bell from top of the chain to bottom of the sail is approximately 28 inches. The body width is 3 inches.
About the Spanish Mission Candelaria near Uvalde, Texas
Mission Candelaria was founded in 1749 on a branch of the Nueces River near the present town of Montell in northwestern Uvalde County, Texas. The mission was established at the request of two Lipan Apache leaders who sought protection for their people.
There was a house with its little chapel and in front of it a large hut constructed by Lipane Apache Indians. The Fernandine missionaries flattered themselves that they would be able to induce these Indians to live in this place. It was never successful and the Lipanes only laughed at the zeal and credulity of the friars.
Introducing the San Carlos Windbell
My newest bell I call the San Carlos Mission Bell. We combined the rustic grape vine finish on this bell with design elements from our San Xavier Mission to come up with a new offering to honor the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo in Carmel Valley. First built in 1797, this mission was near what is now Monterey, California.
The god of blacksmithing was a Vulcan
However the origin of Vulcan is not on some distant planet, but instead, Vulcan was a Roman god here on Earth, who was also known to the ancient Greeks as Hephaestus. Vulcan was the ancient god of fire and the forge, and the mythical inventor of smithing and metal working. He was the ultimate craftsman who forged metals into tools in the fires of Italy's Mount Etna and revered as the patron of blacksmiths around the world.
The Feng Shui of Windchimes
Have you ever noticed that almost all windchimes look alike? They usually consist of a bunch of dangling pipes, a wooden header and striker, and a wind sail… all tied together with twine. Of course there is a practical reason for it… this basic design allows them to be cheaply mass-produced without much thought beyond the profit margins. An online search for wind chimes results in a list of companies that promote things like "best prices", "don't overpay", "best customer service"…. basically selling everything but any inspiring qualities their chimes may have.
In the Lago Luna Studio our focus is different. We decided at the outset that all of our wind bells and chimes would possess an exceptional sense of aesthetic design. We call this our Feng Shui of windchimes.