Flatware Wind Chime Materials

To make your chime, you’ll need scissors, along with:

• Chimes: Gather 5-7 pieces of flatware. The more mismatched, the more personality your chime will have; just be sure to have at least one longer, larger piece—think a spoon, small whisk or tongs—to act as a pendulum. Use utensils as-is for a natural feel, or paint dip them for a brighter look.

Tip: Any finish goes! Real silver tarnishes for a dreamy antiqued look and gives off a pretty ring, while silver-plated and stainless steel clang sweetly and stay shiny.

• Hanger: We’ve used a colander—the existing holes make it easy to attach chimes—but other kitchen extras work just as well. Try a box grater, an old-fashioned eggbeater (with handle facing up) or a large whisk (facing down).

Tip: Even a fork (facing down) can be a hanger. Simply bend the tines in different directions with needle-nosed pliers.

• Cord: Fishing line is weatherproof and invisible from only a few feet away, but we love the rustic charm of garden twine, too. Thread on beads or charms to add a pop of colour—and catch the sunlight as your wind chime sways.

How to Make a Flatware Wind Chime

1. Loop a piece of cord around each handle and tie securely. Cut off excess with scissors.
2. Tie all the chimes to your hanger, starting with a spoon in the centre to act as the pendulum, and spacing out evenly. For the best tinkling sound, flatware should hang vertically.
3. Knot another piece of cord to the top of your wind chime, in the centre, then hang from a tree, porch or other garden spot.