We are into the last month of winter and it has been much warmer than usual with few big frosts and many plants are already showing spring growth a month before they should. September is usually a time of winds – strong and cold – but this year they will probably begin in August so I began thinking of something fun to do in windy weather. Here are pictures of some easy to make chimes that I found at Pinterest on the internet. I like these as they are mostly made from recyclable articles and can be made with little help from adults.

You will need twine, bright paint, screw-eyes for the sticks and a nail and hammer to make holes in the cookie cutter and of course sticks, keys and beads to hang.

If you don’t have a spare cookie cutter, use a small hoop or the lid from a tin of milo or baby milk powder. Most households have outdated keys around or spoons which can be tied on. Use up broken necklace beads or buy a cheap pack of beads from the dollar store.

If you don’t sticks at your place, take a walk around the neighbourhood as they can be found under street trees or in parks.

Other chimes can be made using small tins or flowerpots and it is fun to have several different kinds.

Find a place in the garden to hang the creation the kids make. For more ideas see this link.

Tags: gardening