Crafty kids: Mother's Day wind chime
This sweet craft will say, "I love you, Mom!" every time the wind blows.
MOTHER'S DAY is Sunday, and now is absolutely the best time to plan how best to tell your mom how much you appreciate all that she does for you.
The melodious sound of these wind chimes will say, "Thanks, Mom," every time a spring breeze rustles the tiny terra cotta pots. The tinkling of the jingle bells tucked inside will remind her that you love her every time they move.
Instructions for a similar wind chime were featured in Family Fun magazine. I modified the directions for our use. Feel free to make your own substitutions for the things in my list you may not have.
The terra cotta pots in many sizes are available in craft stores.
Supplies you will need
* Plastic lid 5 to 7 inches in diameter
* Five 1 1/2-inch terra cotta pots
* Five 1-inch terra cotta pots
* Clear acrylic spray paint
* Pushpin
* String
* Five small jingle bells
* 11 buttons
* Decorative buttons, stamps or stickers
How to make it
Decorate the flower pots and lid using rubber stamps, decorative buttons or stickers. When dry, spray each piece with a clear acrylic finish. Let dry.
Use a pushpin to make a hole in the center of the lid and at four equidistant spots around the sides. Ask an adult to help you widen the hole, if necessary.
To attach the hanging pots, cut four pieces of string 18 inches long. Tie a knot at the end of one piece of string and run it through the hole in the bottom of one small pot (the pot will hang upside down).
Next, slip on and tie a bell about 3 inches above it. Tie another knot 1 inch above the bell and thread on a small button. Add one of the larger pots (also upside down) to the string. Thread the end of the string out through one of the side holes in the top piece. To secure, thread it through a hole in a button and knot tightly.
Repeat with the remaining strings.
For the center pot, repeat those steps but use a string that is 2 1/2 feet long. Before you thread the string through the center of the top piece, check your length (larger pots should all hang at the same length) and knot the string. The smaller pot on the center string may hang lower than the others. Attach a button above the knot, thread through the top piece, add another button, and knot to secure. Tie the leftover string into a loop to hang.