Among the styles of wind chimes available commercially, the tubular ones are likely the most common, and most familiar to consumers. These are the wind chimes that start with a main ring at the top, to which are attached the strands that will thread through the tubes. First, the strands pass through a disc or other shape that will separate them to allow for space and movement between the tubes.
The number of tubes in a set of wind chimes will vary, and the number used will vary in length and diameter. This is because according to the metal utilized in their construction, tubes vibrate and bend in various directions when they are struck by an object, or against each other. Where tubes are all the same length, the ones with a greater diameter, will produce the higher tones. However, the longer the tube, the lower the frequency of the sound.
Not all wind chimes are made from metal. Virtually any substance that is attractive to the eye, and makes a pleasing sound when struck, can be used in making these delightful additions to your home décor.
A favorite material is glass, which resonates with many different tones, according to its thickness, and composition. Another choice is ceramics, which like glass, produces a range of tones based on the size of the chimes, their density, and the flexibility of their composition.
Wind chimes are not necessarily basic shapes such as tubes, squares, circles, or diamonds. They come in fun and decorative styles too, including a fish wind chime that has moving body sections, a pinecone wind chime with moving scales, or a moose and bear wind chime where the animals literally rub limbs with evergreen trees.
For the person who finds hard substances strike too sharp a tone for their ears, you can purchase bamboo windchimes that produce a soft, brushing sound as they move against each other, replicating the natural sounds of bamboo in the wild, bending before the wind.
Alternatively, you might enjoy the soothing sounds produced by rain chains. These are chains of several feet in length that hang from an eave, or other surface that rain runs off. They were first used in Japan, hundreds of years ago, as an open water flow system, long before eaves trough was invented. Today, they are primarily an item for outdoor décor, and feature a decorative figure that is repeated at intervals along the chain, either channeling the water along, or providing surfaces over which the raindrops must pass and drop, to create a variance in the sound. While you enjoy the beauty of the rain chain and the relaxing rhythm of the rainfall, you can collect what drips off in a bowl for watering your garden, later.
Whether you have sunny weather or the skies have opened up and it pours, there is always something in your outdoor décor bag to delight in.
» left by Kathy from Longview, Tx. (4 years 64 days ago.)
I would definitely be interested in making my own rain chains. Anyone who has directions, please let me know. Thanks for any info. Respond to this comment
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