I love a project that turns overlooked kitchen castoffs into something both useful and beautiful, and this oversized backyard wind chime does exactly that. In this build, I use a rusty vintage metal colander as the top frame and thirty pieces of old heavy silverware as the chime strands, creating a sculpture that moves well in the wind and gives off a bright, clinking sound. It is an upcycling project with plenty of character, and it looks especially at home on a porch, patio, or tucked into a garden bed.
If you are comfortable with a drill and basic hand tools, this is a very approachable afternoon project. I especially like it for flea-market lovers, gardeners, and anyone who has mismatched forks and spoons they cannot quite bring themselves to throw away. The method is simple, but a few small details like hole placement, strand spacing, and hanging balance make all the difference.
Materials
1 rusty vintage metal colander, 10 to 12 inches across
Instructions
1. Wash the colander and all silverware with degreaser, then dry everything well so you can mark and drill cleanly.
2. Sort the silverware into a balanced mix of forks, spoons, and knives, and set aside the thirty pieces you want to use.
3. Mark one drilling point on each silverware piece about 1/4 inch from the handle end; keep the marks centered so each piece will hang straight.
4. Put on safety glasses and gloves, place one handle at a time on the scrap wood, and drill a small hole through each marked spot using a metal drill bit.
5. Smooth any sharp burrs around the holes with the drill bit edge, a metal file if you have one, or coarse sandpaper so the cord will not fray.
6. Turn the colander upside down and check the existing holes around the rim and base; if needed, choose thirty evenly spaced holes for the strands and three or four top holes for the hanger.
7. Cut thirty lengths of nylon cord between 10 and 18 inches long for the chime strands, varying the lengths slightly so the silverware hangs at different heights.
8. Tie one silverware piece to each cord length, either directly through the drilled hole or by attaching a small jump ring first for extra movement.
9. Knot the free end of each cord to a hole in the upside-down colander, spacing the pieces evenly around the rim and inner area so they can move without tangling.
10. Lift the colander gently and listen for contact points; if two pieces hit too tightly or tangle, retie one strand shorter or move it to a neighboring hole.
11. Cut three or four equal lengths of cord, about 18 inches each, and tie them to the top hanging holes in the colander.
12. Gather those cords at the center, knot them securely onto the metal ring, and check that the colander hangs level.
13. Attach the swivel hook or S-hook to the ring, then hang the chime outdoors in a breezy spot away from walls or railings so the sound can carry.
14. Give the chime a light shake and make final spacing adjustments until the strands move freely and the piece feels balanced from every angle.
Variations & Tips
For a deeper sound: Use heavier serving spoons and longer knife pieces on the longest strands. In my experience, the more weight each strand has, the richer the clinking tone becomes.
For better weather resistance: Choose braided fishing line, coated wire, or UV-resistant nylon cord if the chime will stay up all season. Cotton twine looks charming, but it breaks down quickly outdoors.
For easier drilling: Clamp the silverware handle against scrap wood if you own a small clamp, and start with a smaller pilot bit before switching to the final hole size.
For a more polished look: Keep all the strand lengths in a repeating pattern, such as short, medium, and long. If you prefer a more relaxed flea-market style, mix the lengths randomly.
To preserve the vintage finish: Clean off dirt and loose residue, but do not over-scrub the colander if you like the rusty patina. That worn finish is part of the charm.
Placement tip: Hang the chime where it catches cross-breezes but does not slam into siding, glass, or a fence. A shepherd's hook in the garden is one of my favorite spots for this kind of project.
Kid-safe adjustment: If small children play nearby, hang the chime high enough that the silverware cannot be pulled down or swung at face level.