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Charming Chimes©
Ring in the New Year with these charming chimes!
 SUPPLIES
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v Variety of new or used clay pots
v New bailing wire
(also known as tie wire)
v Wire cutters and needle nose pliers
v Patio craft textured paints
v Disposable craft paint brushes
v Styrofoam plates for painting
v Putty or silicone glue
(if needed for cracks)
v Fine tip Sharpie marker
v Small recycled junk parts
v Bells
v Glass beads
v Wet wipes for clean-up
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 STEP 1
You may need to go on a scavenger hunt to find small clay pots and metal junk parts such as keys, sprockets, springs, cow bells and large jingle bells. Lay out your supplies and play around with different ideas to create a one of kind chime. Encourage creativity and individuality as your students put together their chimes.
STEP 2
If pots have cracks use putty or silicone glue inside and outside of pot to repair cracks before you paint. Paint outside of pots with two coats of textured paints and let dry!
STEP 3
It may be necessary to pre cut the bailing wire at least for smaller children as it takes some hand strength to work with the wire. Put heavier parts at the end of the wire for the weight and twist to secure the weight. Slide beads and small junk parts onto wire for a fun look. Curl wire in between items for more interest by wrapping the wire on the ends of the needle nose pliers then slide off.
STEP 4
Next turn pots upside down in order to run the wire through the pots. Twist wire inside the pots to keep the pot in place. The bell should hang at the bottom of the pot so it will hit it. Do a string of pots or a single pot. Remember to stay with odd numbers for a balanced design.
Finally have the student sign and date the inside of a pot. Now swing into action an hang your charming chimes!
Your charming chimes will swing with creativity!
 TEACHER TIPS
This project works best with students 8 years old and up. It may be necessary to give a safety lesson on how to avoid accidents while working with the wire. Be sure to have a lot of space per student as this will also help to prevent accidents. To avoid snags be sure to crimp the ends of the wires down.
This project would be great for gifts or as a fund raiser. The project cost will probably be between 50 cents to a dollar depending on donations and found items. Set up donation boxes for old clay pots and metal parts, recyclers will be glad to have a place to donate too. This is a great way to teach on recycling.
This project gets a 2 on a five point messy scale!
Developed By:
Sharon Abbott
Bell County, Texas Master Gardener
Meet Sharon Abbott |
