For any of you fellow crafty-types out there, here’s a fun Pinterest-inspired project I completed lately:
After being inspired by this picture on Pinterest, I bought an dirty, old glockenspiel at a rummage sale for $0.99. I should have take a picture of it for you to see — it had obviously seen better days. 🙂 When I got home, I pried the bars off of the glockenspiel, being careful not to scratch the paint off the bars.
Note: Sometimes, there is confusion between the terms “xylophone” and “glockenspiel.” Technically, xylophones are instruments with wooden bars and glockenspiels have metal bars. 🙂
Next, I went to my local craft store about bought some beads and a metal hoop (6-inch diameter). I also bought a multi-colored pack of glass E-beads and some larger, clear, plastic beads. For string, I used fishing line.
I used some cheap wire I had lying around to decorate the hoop with extra beading. This decoration serves a practical purpose: it helps prevent the hanging strands from sliding around, and keeps them evenly spaced.
Fishing line knots tend to fall apart over time. So, to secure your knots, you’ll need to either melt them (carefully!) with a lighter, or add a dab of superglue to each knot.
It was a bit tricky to figure out how to string everything together, but I think it turned out pretty good in the end! I love the thought of making an old, unused glockenspiel useful again. This windchime sounds beautiful and is perfect for adding a bit of color to the room. 🙂
That just looks really great!
Joy,
I just discovered your blog, and I am very pleased to have found it! I am also a piano teacher (4.5 years) to various ages and am seeking ways to improve my teaching through creative means…and you’re ideas are just the ticket. It’s taxing to teach kids that I know have music potential, but have lost the passion to practice. Maybe things like these will kindle their interest in music more. I’m usually crafty in other areas (I run a knitting blog), but you have inspired me to think crafty in ways to aid in teaching exercises. I love your little silent piano board idea, for one. Thanks so much for your hard work and for sharing it with all of us!
Thank you so much for your comment, Anna! I’m glad you found us! 🙂
Your blog is always a delight. You never fail to come up with a useful idea which whilst we may not always use it, it nonetheless stretches our minds to think outside the square. Thanks for sharing.
I have one of those in my garage that I have to keep rescuing from the garbage (overzealous husband!). I had thought about making step-bells, but I’m a little stumped. Maybe I’ll have to try this!
I like the step-bells idea! Either way, don’t let your hubby toss that glockenspiel! 🙂
LOVE it! Thanks for sharing, Joy!