How to Make a Wind Chime from Recycled Objects

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By Michele Rappoport
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Recycled objects make a great windchime

If you love the sound of wind chimes and have a tendency to collect odd things, here's a great project for you. Read on to find out how to make a wind chime from recycled objects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Various found objects, preferably ones that tinkle
24-gauge wire
Glue

Step 1

SELECT OBJECTS. This is the fun part! If you're a pack rat, you probably already have enough stuff just lying around. If not, check out local yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores. Read on for tips on what kinds of recycled objects to include.
Step 2

FIND A TOP PIECE. You'll need something with holes, like a veggie steamer. Or you'll need to drill holes in whatever you choose, so keep that in mind when selecting your top piece.
Step 3

CHOOSE THE HANGING PIECES. You'll also need various smaller recycled objects to hang from the top piece, preferably ones that make a pleasant sound when they knock into each other. Bells are always a good idea. Or you can cheat and buy chimes at a craft store. Glass makes a great sound, but may be too fragile for strong winds. Be sure to also pick something wide enough, like small can opener (see photo), to hit the dangly pieces you are going to hang from the top piece.
Step 4

FIND THE SAIL. You'll also need something flat and not too heavy to catch the wind. About 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" would be good. Maybe something made of tin, like the top of a cat food can. In the photo above, the sail is a lightweight measuring spoon.
Step 5

PICK A HANGER. You're going to need something to attach to the top piece so you can hang your windchime. Anything shaped like a hook will do, as long as it's strong enough to support your wind chime.
Step 6

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. Okay, you have all the parts, so here's how to assemble them. Attach thin wire to each of the recycled objects and then hang each one from the top piece. You can hang them at various lengths or all at the same length. Cut a piece of wire that's longer than the pieces you just cut and attach your sail to the bottom of the wire and your wide object to a point on the same wire that will ensure it hits the dangly pieces when the wire moves in the wind. Finally, attach your hook to the top piece.
Step 7

TEST IT OUT. When all pieces are attached, put your wind chime in front of a fan. If the pieces are all in the right place, the sail will catch the wind, the wide object (attached to the same wire as the sail) will hit the dangly pieces, and you'll hear your wind chime!