About Silverware Wind Chimes
Silverware wind chimes are a creative way to recycle household items for a funky decorative item. You need six to eight pieces of flatware, a striker, and a top plate. Many variations are possible, and it's easy to make several if you know people who might like them or if you're interested in selling them at craft fairs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Locating Silverware
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You can use forks, knives, and spoons that you don't need anymore, or shop for single pieces. Flatware is available at flea markets, estate sales, rummage sales and secondhand stores. Many very pretty styles can be found, including some vintage items. Gently strike the pieces together so you know what sounds they'll make. Sometimes the older items produce deeper, richer sounds than new items.
Silver
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If you're trying to find some silver-plated flatware, look for tarnish. You can polish the silver, or, for a weathered look, leave some tarnish on the pieces.
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Accessories
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The wind chime can have a dangling striker, such as a spoon bent at the wrist. Otherwise the pieces must be mounted close enough to each other that they strike in a breeze. For a top mounting plate, a small silver-plated serving plate will do. A bronze or copper one plate adds contrast. For something more unusual, use a vintage kitchen item, such as a cheese grater, egg beater, or potato masher, especially one with a wood handle.
Altered Flatware
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For a more creative and artsy look, you can flatten or otherwise alter the silverware. One cautionary mention--it's hazardous to alter gold-plated flatware with heat, because the gold can disintegrate or explode.
Hardware
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Necessary hardware includes S-shaped stainless hooks. For hanging the individual pieces and the completed project, you can use monofilament line, string, twine, or a ribbon. Another idea is to use a vintage necklace to hang the completed wind chimes. (See Resources for details on how to make silverware wind chimes.)
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