There's something magical about the sound of a wind chime, placed in exactly the right spot and sounding out at the perfect moment. Most of the history of wind chimes dates back to ancient Asia, where they were used in temples and at shrines to stir the sense of otherworldliness. They're commonly used in Feng Shui practices today.

Of course, wind chimes can have other uses. For those who saw "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," the use of wind chimes in Sherwood Forest as a deterrent to intruders was ingenious. What better way to stir the fear of ghosts than by hanging wooden spoons in spooky places amidst dark trees? In "Twister," an elaborate set of wind chimes and spinning contraptions warned a woman of impending tornados.

Some chime aficionados forego hanging flattened spoons or buying cheap chimes from stores. One site, the Wizard of Vaz, has even gone so far as to outline the engineering behind making a good set of wind chimes, providing instructions for crafting and tuning. From overtones to perceived musical notes, you'll find everything you need to know to create a set of chimes sure to please the ears. 

Of course, if you aren't the crafty sort, purchasing your wind chimes is the way to go, Unique Outdoor Wind Chimes offers a great guide to bamboo, glass and metal windchimes. Be sure to check out their beautiful wind chimes page.

And if you have enough land or even a small forest, live out your Robin Hood fantasies by tying wooden spoons to branches or hanging a set of old cutlery to ring in the breeze.  You could even take up swordplay and archery and practice amongst the trees!

Posted by Louise.

Louise also writes for Creative and Unique Gift Ideas.