How to Make Wind Chimes

Somehow, a wind chime you make yourself sounds better than one you buy. Even better is a wind chime you construct out of what you have on hand and that reflects your interests. You need only a few tools and supplies, items that make a pleasant noise when struck and some decorative touches like beads or paint.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Items that make a pleasant sound when struck (chimes)
• Something to strike the items (clapper)
• Something to suspend the chimes and clapper from so they hang freely (head)
• Something to hang below the clapper to catch the wind (sail)
• Jute, wire, chain, twine or rope to hang the chimes
• Beads, paint, seashells, and other decorative items
• Tools such as drills, wire snips, sander

1. Take apart a crashed hard drive and use the disks as chimes. The ball from a mouse that no longer works can serve as the clapper.
2. Try a set of small wrenches and the head of a hammer will look great in the doorway of a workshop as will some lengths of small-diameter pipes.
3. Recycle forks and spoons from an old flatware set to add a decorative touch to a kitchen. A glass plate can give them something to knock against. Metal measuring cups clustered together also make great wind chimes.
4. Use terracotta flower pots of different sizes strung together so the smallest pot is half-nestled in the next smallest size and so on up to the largest size. This kind of wind chime looks great on a patio or garden area.
5. Pick up seashells and use them as a pleasant reminder of a beach vacation. Decorate your wind chimes with sea glass, small bits of colored glass made smooth by sand and wave action.
6. Make a holiday-themed set of wind chimes by using jingle bells. Since their sound reminds people of winter, you may want to get them out along with your other holiday decorations.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find you enjoy making wind chimes, try shopping at yard sales for items you can use. You may even be able to sell your creations.
• Take care that your wind chimes aren't too loud or hung too close to your neighbor, who may not appreciate their sound.