Create Colorful Wind Chimes

Transform tiny terra-cotta pots into cheery music for your garden. These chimes are constructed entirely by knotting and gluing — no drilling required!

By Carrie Hamblin
Filed under: Crafts, How To

Assemble the Chimes

Lay the big pot sideways on your workspace, with the chime line coming out the bottom. Thread (from the outside in) the little pot you would like to serve as your first ringer onto the line and push it all the way up so it's bottom-to-bottom with your big pot (Image 1).

Thread a washer onto the line all the way to the rim of the little pot and secure the line around the washer with a knot (Image 2). The placement of the washer is where the little pot will actually hang — in this case, creating a 2-1/2-inch drop between the pots. (If using a larger diameter line, you may not need a washer, as a strong knot will hold the pot in place.)

Thread a bead onto the line a couple inches from the washer and secure with a knot (Image 3). (The distance between the washer and bead could vary depending on your bead selection. To find optimal bead placement, where the bead is slightly protruding from the pot so it will chime against the rim, slide your little pot down so it sits on the washer. Also, for large bead holes and light line, it may be necessary to loop your line through the bead a second time in the same direction and later secure with glue. In that case, leave adjustable till all three chimes are constructed and then glue at the same time.)

Thread your next little ringer pot, bottom first, onto the line and push it all the way to the last bead, then add a second washer and bead as before (Image 4).

Add the third pot, washer and bead as before (Image 5).

Finishing Touches

Thread your finishing decorations 2 or 3 inches below the bead for your final ringer pot, securing them with a knot (Image 1). Trim excess line away.

If needed, even up all the ringer beads and secure them and all other knots with a drop of glue.

Put the constructed "flowers" into your pot, using pea gravel to secure the arrangement (Image 2).

Hang at a height that everyone can enjoy!

Note: If your climate will allow a living plant rather than faux flowers, choose a drought-tolerant variety such as sedum, and use moisture-retentive potting soil.