Make Your Own Eclectic Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes can be made from just about anything. Part of the appeal of these outdoor decorations is the sound they make, so most people will tend to choose objects that make a pleasant or interesting noise when they bump together. However, that is not necessarily a prerequisite. Let's take a look at what types of things you can use to make your own eclectic wind chimes.

Cutlery. Ceramic knives and forks make the best jingling noise, but regular cutlery can work as well. Some people use spoons bent into interesting shapes, or you might want to hang a whisk in the middle, with spoons and forks around the outside.

Assorted Automotive Parts. Nuts, bolts, and spark plugs dangling around an old carburetor may appeal to some car aficionados, plus, it is a great way to get rid of all those spare bits and pieces you have hanging around.

Broken Ceramics. Can't part with your precious mug from Mexico? Have a broken plate that is near and dear to your heart? Perhaps they ought to be combined to make a sweet sounding wind chime!

Computer Bits. Got an old hard drive that is just no good anymore? Use it as the center for a very unique, techie-themed wind chime. Add a few sound and mother boards, along with a computer chip or two and you have a very interesting conversation piece.

Really, you can just look around the house to see what you already have on hand. Try knocking things together to get that great sound.

To create your very own wind chimes, you will need a drill, fishing line, super glue and, of course, your wind chime parts. There should be a large piece in the middle for the smaller bits to rotate around and bang against, although if you just want a showy wind chime, you can just do the outer pieces. You will also need a hook and eye and something to serve as a top stabilizer, such as a plate.

The stabilizing plate will need a hole drilled in the center, plus slits cut into the edge, every inch or two, depending on how many charms you wish to hang. Cut a length of fishing line for the main piece that will hang in the center. Tie it to the center part of the wind chime and thread the other end through the center hole and tie it to the eye part of the hanging assembly.

Next, you will cut lengths for the pieces that will hang around the center piece. Each piece of fishing line should be about two inches longer than the previous one and the pieces should be hung in a spiral pattern. This is possible by starting with the shortest piece of line, tying it to a wind chime piece and then tying it to the eye, making sure that the edge is hooked into the slit in the plate. As you go along, increasing the length, the pieces will automatically create a spiral.

Once you have finished hanging everything, secure all knots by adding a dab of super glue. Silicon will also work, but may not hold as well in strong winds. Now, just screw the hook into a porch beam or something similar and hang your eclectic wind chime up for all to enjoy!