Give an old set of wind chimes a make over by adding some hand stamped polymer clay beads. If you don't have an old set of wind chimes which could do with a revamp, keep a look out in thrift stores or on eBay for a bargain set of new chimes (you can often find brand new sets of wind chimes with ugly decorations for just a couple of dollars). You could even consider making your own wind chimes from bamboo.

You will find a tutorial which shows you how on the About.com Woodworking site. Alternatively, make your own DIY windchimes by hanging a selection of metallic objects (for example cutlery and cooking utensils) and using these as chimes.

About Wind Chimes

Even if you don't own a set of wind chimes you are likely to have heard the bell-like tinkle coming from people's gardens and patios. Wind chimes are pieces of metal or bamboo tube with a central ball or similar object which blows in the wind gently striking the chimes. The result is a pleasing bell-like noise. Some people use wind chimes for their feng sui application however other people enjoy them simply because of the light background noise they create.

How to Make Hand Stamped Polymer Clay Bead Wind Chimes

If you are refurbishing an old set of wind chimes then you may need to do some more in depth maintenance. Find out more here - how to refurbish wind chimes.

The polymer clay beads we are using in this project are simply for decoration.

The beads spell out the word 'LOVE', however you can spell out any word you like, for example the name of a loved one or a short special message.

Materials Required

• Hand stamped polymer clay beads - to learn how to make hand stamped polymer clay beads see this tutorial explaining how to make polymer clay alphabet beads
• String or mono If filament
• Wind chime

Instructions

The hand stamped polymer clay beads are used as a decoration for the top of the wind chime. There are a number of ways you can add the stamped beads, depending on your wind chime.

• If you wind chime already has a decoration, remove this and use the loop or ring that this decoration was attached to, to add new string or filament and thread the beads.
• If you wind chime does not have a decoration, simply tie a piece of string or mono filament to the loop that you would use to hang the wind chime. Thread the beads onto the string or mono filament so it spells the word LOVE. Tie a loop at the top to hang the wind chime.

Tips for Making a Polymer Clay Bead Decorated Wind Chimes

This is such a quick and easy project to make and you can adapt this in a variety of ways:

• Instead of using polymer clay beads which spell out the word LOVE, you could attach polymer clay beads with stamped decorations. Try theming these for special occasions and celebrations, for example Christmas themed decorations for the holidays.
• Keep a look out for glow in the dark polymer clay to make polymer clay beads to hang outside at Halloween.
• If polymer clay isn't your thing, try stamping onto wooden beads but make sure you varnish the surface afterwards to protect the wood from the elements.