Sunday, April 2, 2017

Second on the 2nd: recycled wind chimes


In case this is your first visit to my blog, every year from April 1 through April 22, which most people call Earth Day, but I call bEARTHday, I feature something I recycle.  I wanted to do just that with this post, too.  Here from April 12, 2015, is a post I copied in its entirety.

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I have these wind chimes that had fallen completely apart.  I wish I had taken a photo of them hanging on my front porch, but I forgot until I had them down with the help of a step stool and into the basement.

This is all that is left from these wind chimes I purchased a few years ago.  Most of my wind chimes last a bit longer than these have, so I wanted to make sure I repaired them so they would last.


I have lots of old (but not vintage) silverware that I've either been given, or picked up for pennies at the thrift store.  I think at one time, spoons were going for 5 cents each ($0.05 USD).  Now I'm sure they are much higher in price, but at the time, I had considered making jewelry or some such nonsense that was beyond the scope of my grip abilities.

Nothing matched, and that was what I was going for.  Even though I've seen lovely art made from spoons and forks, if I couldn't make jewelry or other adorable recycled art, I needed to find a way to use these.  Somehow, I've collected a HUGE amount of these pieces and it was time to put them to good use.


It was time to deconstruct what was left of the original wind chimes.


As I removed the strings from the base, I noticed they were held together by metal bands.  I also noticed the eye bolt on the back of the base, which I assume was for the clanger.


I cannot tell a lie.  it took two days for me to get to this point.

I sorted and constructed a lot of beads during that time.  Then I wrapped the wires around the silverware (Edit: the wires were from deconstructed telephone cords).  No drilling, no punching, just a lot of wire wrapping.  And not anything especially good enough to write home about, either.  But these were for me, and they didn't have to be perfect.  They just had to be artsy.  The observant person will note that all three spoons have beginning and ending gold beads that are made from tyvek and embossing powder.  I made 100 of them for a swap one year.


When I strung the wax thread, I started doing it wrong.  I got a bit frustrated because I had already assembled one when I realized my error.  You have no idea how much I dislike rework!


Finally, I was back on track, and was able to assemble the unit correctly.  As I took the wind chimes upstairs, I realized the spoon I was calling the clanger, was too long.  So I shortened it, and now


I have some lovely artsy wind chimes I can be proud of.


Not only did I make them myself, for Day 12 of 22, I reused the "Welcome" base and recycled seven pieces of old silverware and a ton of beads, including six I made from used tyvek and embossing powder. 

Thanks again for your continued support of my projects.  It's difficult to recycle items and make them not look like some six year old made them.  But I'm trying and I appreciate all your comments that continue to push me through these days leading up to bEARTHday.

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Actually, this is Day 2 of 22 in 2017, and I recycled a blog post.  Now it's your turn to share your Second on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  It could even be a post that is as relevant today as it was when you originally posted it.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable.  Then link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit.  I would also appreciate it if you would link your post back to Second on the 2nd.  Please be aware this link is only open for five days, so linking on the 2nd is preferred.




15 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Your windchimes are lovely, what a great idea, and it looks like a lot of work was necessary. I saw something like that once hanging in he porch to a small, country cafe, I enjoyed that, too. Wonderful! Have a great day, hugs, Valerie

chrissie said...

This is an amazing idea I just love it-well done and thank you for showing it again or I would have missed it

Love Chrissie xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

I love this second look! I will be showing my son as he is intending using old cutlery when he gets starting on his new venture - the workshop he is building is well underway now! I will be joining you later when we get home! Chrisx

froebelsternchen said...

I am in awe of this second look post ELizabeth! What a fantastic unique welcome hanger! Absolutel stunning!
Happy Sunday!

sheila 77 said...

Your second look idea is a great one. Good to see a way-back post getting out again.
That's a clever idea with the cutlery and thanks for the "Welcome" on the first photo, I imagined it is a "Welcome Back" for me as I've been away from Blogland for a little while, so thanks for that!

CJ Kennedy said...

How fun! I like the idea of trying to save an item or use it in a different way. I'll have to keep my eye out for old silverware because a windchime like yours would make a great addition to my Zensical garden.

My name is Erika. said...

That was a really clever way to get some wind chimes Elizabeth. They came out just beautiful! I love the tingle of wind chimes. I have this single large chime in the back and I love hearing it when its windy-in fact it's how I know it is windy-unless the whole house is shaking that is. :) I also like the welcome part of your chimes. Its perfect for your porch. And yesterday you said you'd switch snow for rain, so if I could, I would. Anyhow, hope the rest of your weekend is wonderful. Hugs-Erika

Darla said...

I have seen silverware wind chimes but never with beautiful beading. A great recycle! Im without computer but my post is up. Please link me if you can. Hope your chimes tinkle for you today

Meggymay said...

Oh Wow, amazing to use cutlery in such an arty way and have something that looks so fabulous hanging on your porch. It is another inspiring recycling post.
Yvonne xx

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Sunday Elizabeth, I really enjoyed this post and now want to make one of these. I want a couple wind chimes for my garden but never really thought of making one-thanks yours is really pretty with the beads

Rita said...

Sweet! I love wind chimes. :)

Cindy McMath said...

This is great. Love the addition of the beads.

Divers and Sundry said...

I love windchimes, and I love the way you placed the beads. I imagine it has a nice sound.

Jeanie said...

I don't think I saw this before! Very clever!

Halle said...

I love these windchimes! Sorry I missed Second on the 2nd.