Most people enjoy the sound of windchimes tinkling in the summer. Chimes are usually hung on porches. They are also hung in gardens to keep pests away from the plants. Chimes can be purchased in a variety of styles. People have discovered ways to use found items to make windchimes for very little money. Chimes can be made from tin cans and jar lids or from old silverware.
Tin Can Chimes
Materials
- One Tin Can
- Two metal jar lids
- Hammer
- Nail
- Twine
Procedure
- Wash the can and the lids thoroughly. Completely remove the top of the can.
- Using a hammer and nail, poke a hole through the center of each lid and the center of the bottom of the can.
- Thread one lid onto the center of the piece of twine.
- Tie a knot next to the lid.
- Thread the other lid onto the twine next to the knot and first lid.
- Thread the two ends of the twine through the hole in the can.
- Knot the ends of the twine above the bottom of the can.
- Tie another knot slightly above the can bottom and first knot creating a loop for hanging.
- Hang on a porch or in a garden.
Silverware Chimes
For these chimes old silverware will be needed. Silverware may be purchased at a flea market or could be something special to the family which is not useable for eating anymore. Silverware should be selected that makes a pleasant sound when hit together.
Materials
- One large four tined fork
- One knife
- Four other pieces of silverware
- Drill with small bit
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Fishing line
Procedure
- Flatten the silverware completely.
- Drill a hole in handle of each piece of silverware.
- Bend the tines of the fork. The outer two tines are bent to the side. One inner tine is bent forward and the other is bent backwards.
- Cut one piece of fishing line 12 inches. Thread one end through the hole in the knife and knot. Tie the other end to the two center tines near the base of the fork.
- Cut four 8-inch pieces of fishing line. Thread each of the other pieces of silverware to one end of a piece of fishing line. Tie the other end to one of the four tines. Repeat tying until a piece of silverware is hanging from each tine.
- Cut one a 20 inch piece of fishing line. Thread the fishing line through the hole in the fork tying a with both ends together to create a loop.
- Hang in a place where you can enjoy the sounds.
Windchimes have been hanging on front porches and in gardens for generations. Chimes can be made from found items and be functional as well as environmental saving.
GOG101
Kelley Huston - A reader of all kinds of books, Kelley is an teacher who loves crafts and scrapbooking. She is a Disney fan who loves all things Disney.
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