How To: Making Wind Chimes

Making homemade wind chimes is a project that kids of all ages can enjoy! Older children will most likely enjoy making bamboo wind chimes, which produce a lovely, relaxing sound. Younger children on the other hand, will better enjoy making wind chimes out of various knicknacks found around the house or at the craft store; anything with a hole will work (buttons, bells, small terra cotta pots, seashells, etc.) Once they are finished, hang them in your garden so our North Carolina breeze can make them sing year round! Let’s get started!

Materials Needed

- Knickknacks of choice
- A Piece of Wood 1” W x 10” L
- Synthetic String
- Screw In Hooks

Putting It All Together!

Screw your hooks into your piece of wood, leaving approximately one inch between each hook. Next, cut your synthetic string at varying lengths. Attach an object to the end of each piece of string, and then a couple of inches further up the string, tie a knot in the string; feed the second item down the string until it rests on the knot. Depending on the length of the string, repeat the process every few inches until you are left with approximately six inches of clear string at the top. Tie the bottom of each string in a knot so the bottom item stays in place (leave the top free of knots). Continue this process with each piece of string. While working, test how the items sound when clanking together and try to position items so they are more pleasing to your child (and you!). Once you have each string finished, tie them each onto their own hook on the wood, making sure the knot is firm and secure. Finally, screw two hooks on the other side of your piece of wood (one on each end) and tie a piece of string to these so you can hang your new wind chimes!

Have Fun!
Heather W.
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center