My aunt and I were having coffee on the patio earlier this week and she told me a story from the “old country”…that wind chimes actually warn of danger nearby or something troublesome is on its way (could be physical, emotional, spiritual).

I was aware that some believe they ward off evil, but haven’t heard this one before and aside from its superstitious nature, it doesn’t make sense to me. I find old tales and stories usually have some sort of nugget of truth or purpose behind them and I enjoy trying to crack that code.

If you’re familiar with this bit of folk wisdom and understand what it means, please share in the comments section below, I’d love to hear more .

In the meantime, I’ve gathered together a collection of various DIY tutorials showing how to make your own.

To start things off, here’s an easy project made with seashells…

• Tie sturdy string or fishing line around each shell (and beach glass if you have it) then attach to a base to hang from (a small branch will do).
• If you prefer to thread string through holes in the shells (and knot them in place), a dremel bit should help you get the job done without shattering or chipping delicate shells (wear a face mask and goggles when drilling).
• Chain can be used instead of string if holes are made. Attach a length of string or chain at the base then hang.

Here are some goodies from around the web using various bits and supplies…

curbly.com

Winsome ^[1]: Supplies needed are a few feet of copper pipe, pipe caps, 2-part epoxy, Ipe or redwood, black nylon and assorted tools.

Painted Bamboo ^[2]: A bamboo stake is cut into pieces, decorated with acrylic paints and assembled with string.

michelemademe.com

whimsy-love.com

Flatware ^[3]: Three tiers of assorted flatware (spoons, forks, pie server, etc.) strung together with fishing line (holes drilled with a 3/32 drill bit).

Teapot ^[4]: You’ll need a metal tea pot, keys, a bell, hemp (or tough string), a drill and 5 minute epoxy to make this.

butter-nugget.blogspot.ca

ellenscreativepassage.blogspot.ca

Earrings ^[5]: Pick up a handful of earrings, bamboo circle (from the craft store), clamshell beads and fishing line or string to make this.

Terracotta Pots ^[6]: Each miniature pot is painted a different color, threaded with thick twine and multi-colored wooden beads then hung from a trellis or tree branch.

homemadesimple.com

buildeazy.com

Spiral Wind Spinner ^[7]: It doesn’t make any noise but it’s a good fit for this collection, this is made with aluminum rod (or steel, copper, etc.) about 1/4″ in diameter and a ball.

Copper Pipe (pdf) ^[8]: This one has a painted wooden base, pieces of copper piping hang from galvanized chain.

resene.co.nz