DIY Decorative Clay Chimes + Vintage Patio Chairs

In between major renovation initiatives in this article in Florida, I came up with an thought to create ornamental hanging chimes with clay. I was not confident if it would function, but I even now gave it a go. I’m pleased to say it actually turned out rather cool so I hung it outside more than my classic patio chairs that I refurbished (tale down below).

I like the repetition in the clay circles and the resemblance to wind chimes. Truth is, these strands are not truly chimes at all considering that they make no seem, they are seriously far more like a mobile, but I associate a cell with a toddler nursery so I choose to call them chimes alternatively.

I can also visualize very similar strings of clay circles strung in a linear structure like a macrame wall hanging. I regarded as that arrangement but selected to make these appear extra like wind chimes for the attractive and sculptural result.

Frist, how to recreate the chimes then the swift story on individuals vintage patio chairs. I acquired all my craft provides at my local Michaels:  2 offers 2.2 lb air dry modeling clay 3 ply ivory jute twine outside acrylic paints in hues of selection a 9 inch wood plaque, and craft paintbrushes. You’ll also have to have a rolling pin to flatten the clay wax paper circle formed family cups/cutters in numerous sizes allen wrench paper bowls/cups for paint sanding wedge or foot scrubber (see impression under) energy drill with 1/8” drill little bit to make holes in wood plaque.

Aaaaaannd… you are going to also will need persistence for this venture, it took several times days from start out to end and six hours of my time. Reducing the clay usually takes at the very least an hour, then you have to have to wait around a entire working day for them to dry. The following day you can paint them but you’ll have to have to flip them about and permit equally sides to dry entirely. The third working day you can string it with each other but that also requires a number of hrs. I gave myself 4 entire days get started to complete, coming again to the undertaking for an hour or two each and every day right until it was finished.

Below are the steps, get started to finish. I’m also introducing a video to Instagram way too so you can visualize how it arrives with each other. Very first, roll a few ounces of clay flat, transfer to wax paper, and use slicing applications to make circles in diverse sizes. To cut the clay, I made use of stemless wine glasses, champagne flutes, a salad dressing cap, and the cap to my deodorant to make the bottom oval condition.

 

Soon after the circles are lower, use an allen wrench to pierce the clay circles with compact openings. Let them dry on new lengths of wax paper for 12 several hours on each and every side, 24 hours whole.

 

Expect imperfection in the effects, which is component of the allure. 🙂

Once the clay circles are totally dry, easy the edges. You can use both a medium grit sanding wedge or what I discovered to be far better was a pedicure foot scrubber!

Once they are easy, paint them any color you decide on. If hanging outside select outdoor acrylic paint, if handing indoors, standard acrylic paint will be good.

Outside acrylic paints appear in confined shades so I blended a pistachio eco-friendly hue and additional it to 50 % the circles.

It was much too vivid for me so I painted in excess of the complete circle with a thin coat of white so it would appear extra bleached out and beachy. The closing color seems to me like a colour you’d find in saltwater taffy. 🙂

The most time consuming element is the assembly. It took me a entire two several hours to string all the clay in buy then connect them to the wood plaque. I experienced to separate the twine and utilised 1 strand to secure the clay pieces to each individual other and 2 strands to connect to the wood plaque. Short strands hook up the clay circles, a person lengthy strand as a result of holes in the plaque arrive together to variety the top hanging portion.

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

After two several hours of assembly, it came with each other and I hung the clay chimes outside the house. I really like how it dances in the wind. I can see it from the sunroom when I peek out the window too. It seems to be very great seeking out from the inside of of the house.

It is a exciting focal issue on the patio previously mentioned the vintage patio chairs. If hanging outside, I advise hanging in a protected area away from direct dampness and only preserving it up during fantastic climate. I have no thought how prolonged this will past, it is an experiment. Luckily, any free strands could be repaired with new twine. 🙂

So…. the story on the chairs! The very first week I arrived in Sarasota I experienced the excellent fortune of identifying a vendor of classic finds, a seller who goes to local estate income and grabs terrific parts then sells them in her eBay retail store and ships across the Usa. I located her for the reason that I experienced bought a pair of vintage twin rattan headboards for our visitor room then identified she lived in the same city! I then found out she also had a pair of vintage Russell Woodard midcentury chairs, woah, cherished these!

These are spun fiberglass chairs from the 1960s, the design is so amazing. They match the midcentury fulfills coastal fashion I’m going for. I paid out $100 every single, and they promote for a whole lot much more on Chairish or 1st Dibs. I refinished them in two coats of Universal Spray Paint in white, then added cushions I found here and right here. I purchased unique sizing cushions because the dimensions of the seats are a little distinct sizes.

Pillows from this fabulous Etsy shop. Fluted pink tumblers from in this article. Coral vase/candle holder from a neighborhood store on clearance, also spray painted.

Palm clippings from my yard. Photos from my Iphone for the reason that I’m lazy. 🙂