New design

I got my latest shipment of horseshoes in and made a newly designed single wall hanger. It is very simple and I like it.
I have a request for a bottle tree. I am going to go to an antique market to take a look at one. I have a design in mind, but I am trying to keep it as simple and lightweight as possible... though I have to make sure it won't be top heavy. I am considering using different size rod on different parts. We will see. There may be a little trial and error involved to get it exactly how I want it. The history behind bottle trees is pretty fascinating, too.

A little history lesson for the day:

Bottle trees have their roots (heh heh!) in Congo culture that can be traced back as far as the ninth century. They believed to be used for protection. The bottles were hung in the trees to trap evil spirits. As sunlight shined through the bottles the spirits were attracted to them and they flew inside to investigate. It is said that once inside the bottles the spirits couldn't escape. The traditional color of the bottles used were blue, but people use all different colors these days.

Other commonly held beliefs regarding bottle trees are that they bring good luck or are used to house the spirits of ancestors. They are also known as "Haint" trees (in reference to Haint Blue according to Gullah folklore).

Class is dismissed!