DIY Decorative Clay Chimes + Vintage Patio Chairs

In among main renovation assignments here in Florida, I came up with an idea to generate attractive hanging chimes with clay. I wasn’t confident if it would perform, but I nevertheless gave it a go. I’m happy to say it actually turned out really great so I hung it outside over my classic patio chairs that I refurbished (tale beneath).

I like the repetition in the clay circles and the resemblance to wind chimes. Fact is, these strands are not really chimes at all considering that they make no sound, they are seriously a lot more like a mobile, but I affiliate a cell with a infant nursery so I make your mind up to contact them chimes as a substitute.

I can also visualize related strings of clay circles strung in a linear format like a macrame wall hanging. I viewed as that arrangement but selected to make these search extra like wind chimes for the decorative and sculptural impact.

Frist, how to recreate the chimes then the quick tale on individuals vintage patio chairs. I bought all my craft provides at my regional Michaels:  2 packages 2.2 lb air dry modeling clay 3 ply ivory jute twine outdoor acrylic paints in hues of preference a 9 inch wooden plaque, and craft paintbrushes. You’ll also have to have a rolling pin to flatten the clay wax paper circle shaped home cups/cutters in several measurements allen wrench paper bowls/cups for paint sanding wedge or foot scrubber (see impression down below) power drill with 1/8” drill bit to make holes in wood plaque.

Aaaaaannd… you will also need tolerance for this project, it took numerous days days from begin to complete and six several hours of my time. Chopping the clay usually takes at minimum an hour, then you need to hold out a total day for them to dry. The subsequent day you can paint them but you’ll need to flip them about and make it possible for both equally sides to dry fully. The 3rd day you can string it collectively but that also normally takes a couple several hours. I gave myself 4 entire times start out to complete, coming back to the project for an hour or two just about every day right up until it was finished.

Beneath are the steps, commence to complete. I’m also including a video clip to Instagram as well so you can visualize how it comes alongside one another. Initial, roll a couple ounces of clay flat, transfer to wax paper, and use slicing equipment to make circles in distinctive dimensions. To slash the clay, I used stemless wine eyeglasses, champagne flutes, a salad dressing cap, and the cap to my deodorant to make the bottom oval form.

 

Just after the circles are cut, use an allen wrench to pierce the clay circles with compact openings. Enable them dry on clean lengths of wax paper for 12 hrs on each and every side, 24 several hours overall.

 

Assume imperfection in the benefits, that’s component of the charm. 🙂

At the time the clay circles are completely dry, sleek the edges. You can use either a medium grit sanding wedge or what I found to be better was a pedicure foot scrubber!

As soon as they are sleek, paint them any colour you select. If hanging outdoor decide on outside acrylic paint, if handing indoors, regular acrylic paint will be great.

Out of doors acrylic paints come in minimal hues so I mixed a pistachio eco-friendly hue and extra it to half the circles.

It was also vivid for me so I painted over the complete circle with a slender coat of white so it would glance extra bleached out and beachy. The remaining color appears to be to me like a colour you’d find in saltwater taffy. 🙂

The most time consuming section is the assembly. It took me a total two several hours to string all the clay in get then connect them to the wood plaque. I experienced to individual the twine and utilised 1 strand to secure the clay pieces to each and every other and 2 strands to attach to the wood plaque. Limited strands connect the clay circles, a single prolonged strand as a result of holes in the plaque arrive together to variety the top rated hanging part.

To connect the strings of clay circles to the wood plaque, use a 1/8” drill bit to generate holes in the four corners, 4 midpoints, and middle of the wooden plaque. (not demonstrated). Paint it any colour of decision, I selected white.

Following two hrs of assembly, it arrived jointly and I hung the clay chimes outside. I adore how it dances in the wind. I can see it from the sunroom when I peek out the window also. It seems incredibly amazing on the lookout out from the inside of of the house.

It is a enjoyment focal level on the patio above the classic patio chairs. If hanging outdoor, I recommend hanging in a safeguarded place away from immediate humidity and only keeping it up throughout great temperature. I have no thought how very long this will last, it’s an experiment. Luckily, any unfastened strands could be repaired with clean twine. 🙂

So…. the story on the chairs! The initially 7 days I arrived in Sarasota I experienced the excellent fortune of identifying a seller of vintage finds, a dealer who goes to nearby estate gross sales and grabs excellent items then sells them in her eBay keep and ships throughout the United states of america. I located her mainly because I had acquired a pair of classic twin rattan headboards for our guest space then found out she lived in the exact town! I then identified she also experienced a pair of vintage Russell Woodard midcentury chairs, woah, liked these!

These are spun fiberglass chairs from the 1960s, the design and style is so awesome. They fit the midcentury fulfills coastal fashion I’m going for. I paid out $100 every, and they promote for a great deal additional on Chairish or 1st Dibs. I refinished them in two coats of Common Spray Paint in white, then extra cushions I located below and listed here. I purchased unique measurement cushions given that the proportions of the seats are somewhat different dimensions.

Pillows from this magnificent Etsy store. Fluted pink tumblers from here. Coral vase/candle holder from a area store on clearance, also spray painted.

Palm clippings from my yard. Pics from my Apple iphone because I’m lazy. 🙂