Mark Bell (of Binky and Bell fame) has always been interested in whirlygigs. He has been creating them for over 10 years in his workshop and then testing them in his own backyard. He has his own Etsy shop and sells his works regularly at NC Crafts Gallery in Carrboro. He loves creating items out of wood and especially something that harnesses the natural power of the wind to drive the motion of his creation.

Here are a few of his past creations:

Lately, Bell has been working on a new design of a Beagle wagging his tail for Binky and Bell. Here is a video of his prototype:

Bell draws inspiration for his work from the artist, Vollis Simpson. One of the great things about Simpson’s creations are that most of them are made from recycled industrial parts from his former machine repair shop. If you love whirlygigs, we definitely want to recommend the Vollis Simpson Whirlygig Park in Wilson, NC. What an incredible and unique place to visit!

Bell is following in Simpson’s footsteps. Using scrap wood for his projects and always thinking about his next idea. When he is not doing that, he is teaching others at the Craft Center at NC State how to make their own whirlygigs. What do you think his next whirlygig project should be for Binky and Bell? A dog chasing a cat? A fishing boat with a cat catching a fish? Let us know what you think in our comment section below.