Wind Chimes Made from Flatware

[45 Minutes]

Wind chimes have existed for many centuries and in many cultures. Their most elegant development took place in east and south Asia. Buddhists hung wind chimes in the eaves of pagodas, shrines, and temples. In Japan, they were used as decorative art. Wind chimes have a soothing and healing effect on our bodies and minds. Enjoy the magical sound of wind chimes by making your own from old spoons and a fork. You can find flatware in your kitchen drawer or at yard sales.

You'll need:

• 2 old dish towels • brick • scrap piece of wood • safety goggles • hammer (ADULT SUPERVISION) • drill with 1/8-inch bit for drilling metal (ADULT ONLY) • needle-nose pliers • ruler and scissors • fishing line or twine • beads • wide rubber band • 4 spoons, 1 fork • spring clamp, 5 inches long

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your chid before you begin.
2. With your child, gather everything you'll need.
3. Put the brick on the ground or a hard flat surface.
4. Let your child wrap one dish towel around the brick and wrap the other dish towel around the hammer head.
5. Place one piece of flatware on the brick and help your child hammer it flat. Pound both sides of the flatware.
6. Put on the safety goggles.
7. Drill holes in the flatware.
8. Show your child how to tightly clamp the flatware to the piece of scrap wood. Drill a hole in each handle 1/2 inch from the end.
9. Use the pliers to separate each fork tine.
10. Help your child twist the tine into a small closed loop.
11. Cut a 7-inch length of fishing line and invite your child to tie it through the hole in each spoon. Knot the fishing line around the handle.
12. Together, choose several beads and thread them on the line and tie a knot above the beads.
13. Leave 4 inches of fishing line above the beads and then tie the spoons to the looped fork tines with the twine.
14. Take a piece of fishing line and tie it through the hole in the fork handle. Attach some beads for decoration.

How to use:

Together, hang the wind chime where the wind gently blows.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Where should we hang the wind chimes?
• What kind of sound do you think the chimes will make when they blow in the wind?