Wind Chimes

We have a covered back porch and I was in the mood for some wind chimes so this idea seemed to fit the bill.  I knew I wanted to use an old can, but I  figured out the logistics as I went along. 

You will need:

• Chimes (I used 5)- if you can't find them, buy a cheap wind chime and take it apart.
• 1 old can
• Sharpie marker
• Drill
• Natural twine or string
• Colorful beads
• Acrylic paint and brushes
• Hook (for hanging the wind chime in the tree)

Instructions:
1. Wash out an old can and remove one side.  Let it dry out well.
2. Have your kids paint the can with acrylic paint so it will last.  If you have younger kids, I suggest providing one or two colors max (otherwise it all gets mixed).

3. Drill holes in pairs of two in a circle pattern on the top of can.  You will need two holes per chime.  I had 5 chimes so I drilled 10 holes. Make sure to drill holes in a small circle.  Otherwise the chimes will hang too far apart and they will not make music easily. 

4. Drill one hole in center of circle pattern.
5. Thread your chimes through the twine.  Pull each end up through the drilled hole on the can lid and tie and knot at the top.  Check your length to make sure the chime will hang below the can.  Repeat until you have finished all 5 chimes.

(I drilled too many holes because I was learning as I went along.  This pic is still helpful to see how to knot off the twine at the top.)

6. Thread a single string from the center hole and tie a knot at the top.  Hang a bead (I used a large wooden ball bead) from the string so that it sits in the middle of the chimes.  Suspend it from string by tying it off with a knot.  Then hang 3-4 beads from the bottom of string for decoration to hang down below the chimes.
7. Drill 3 holes equidistant around top outer edge of can for hanging.  Thread with twine and decorate with beads if you like.  Tie it off at the top with a hook to hang it in the tree.

Enjoy!  We love our and we made an extra for our Mimi... it makes a great gift for grandparents.