Pasadena, California–based photographer and ceramist Ann Elliot Cutting’s wind chimes (pictured above) are simplicity in motion. Handmade of bare clay, the conical bells ascend in size, forming a chime approximately 12 to 20 in. long from its top bead to its oval ring clapper. For extra joy, cluster two—or five—together. / $65-$85
Handcrafted Living
The Sounds of Summer
A collection of wind chimes to add a little magic to your day.
With the window open on a warm afternoon, you might hear someone practicing piano down the street, chirping birds gathered in a tree, cars honking at an intersection, or children laughing over a game of soccer in the park. Perhaps you’ll also hear wind chimes, their soft rhythmic ringing letting you know a refreshing breeze is on the way.
By Jennifer Vogel and Shivaun Watchorn
June 21, 2023
Photo by Ann Cutting Photography
These bright beauties from Fettle & Fire of Longmont, Colorado, are handcrafted of stoneware clay and tinted with specialized pigments before firing. Shown here in light yellow, coral, teal, and seafoam, each chime piece is 3 in. across. The chimes make sound when hung together in clusters. / $60
fettleandfire.com | @fettleandfire
Photo by Carie Allen
Available in 16 color combinations, these minimalist stoneware clay wind bells with ceramic clappers produce a rich sound. Co-designed by Bruce Fraser and Malou Leontsinis, both of Sedona, Arizona, the carved sound holes of the approximately 5-by-5-in. bells mimic the f-holes in guitars. / $48
Photo by Malou Leontsinis
Each stoneware clay bell on these chimes is cast and then hand-carved with original designs at Lane Dukart’s solar-powered studio in the Colorado Rockies. The chimes, which vary in length from 7 to 48 in., are made of bells in multiple sizes that create a variety of tones. The triple medium chime pictured here catches the wind via a metal sail at its bottom. / $140
Photo by Lane Dukart
Portland, Oregon–based Richard and Deborah Bloom hand-gather the materials for their wildly unique wind chimes, including jingle-making shards of obsidian that they find “in the fault zones of the volcanic, high desert regions of Oregon.” Their chimes might include antlers, driftwood, num num thorns, or, as in the case
of this 18-by-8-in. chime, woven devil’s claw
pods. / $275
Researched by American Craft‘s Assistant Editor Shivaun Watchorn. Written by Senior Editor Jennifer Vogel.
Photo by Bill Bachhuber
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