10 Scrapbooking Tips and tricks

I don’t claim to be an expert by any means, so take this list with a grain of salt. These are just some tips I’ve discovered along the way that can be a great help.

1. Alcohol free baby wipes are perfect for cleaning rubber and acrylic stamps
2. Not sure if a stamp is the perfect design for a certain spot? Stamp it first with a solvent ink like StazOn on a piece of plastic and lay over your project in progress to check. Clear inserts or packaging that come with products are handy for this.
3. Glossy Accents by Ranger is also a great adhesive for lumpy stuff and clear elements
4.Older stickers and diecuts that you probably won’t use again make great masks. To use the diecuts lightly apply a re-positionable adhesive to the back. Then ink, paint or spray over them
5. Place embellishments in odd numbers like three and five for more visual impact
6. No more e’s in your letter sticker pack? Try an upside down 3! I’ve done this tons of times. In fact I have also changed a lower case g into a y and an h, and an ampersand (&) into an S. It all depends on the font, so take a closer look to see what you can improvise!
7. Try using themed products on unrelated projects. I’ve used stickers from a wedding sheet on a layout about pizza and another about dinner guests. This way you get more bang for your buck!
8. Punch holes in raw chipboard to make it a more decorative element. The Crop-a-Dile cuts through chipboard like butter!
9.Grab five to seven left out items from your desk and challenge yourself to use them on a quick page. You’ll be amazed at what you come up with
10. When all fails, use Thickers!

Note: This article was originally posted on my Callaloo Soup Blog.

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There’s something so magical about the gentle clink-clink of ceramic wind chimes swaying in the breeze. Unlike the sharp tones of metal chimes, pottery pieces create a softer, more earthy sound that feels grounding and peaceful. If you’ve been looking for a creative clay project that’s both decorative and functional, making your own ceramic wind chimes is a beautiful way to combine art with nature.

Why Choose Ceramic Wind Chimes?

Pottery wind chimes are a wonderful project because they’re:

Customizable – You can play with shapes, glazes, and textures.
Eco-friendly – Made with natural clay, they blend beautifully with garden spaces.
Functional décor – They add sound, movement, and a handmade touch to patios, porches, or even indoor corners.
Great for gifting – A handmade chime is a heartfelt, personal present.

Materials You’ll Need

Pottery clay (stoneware or earthenware)
Clay tools (knife, rib, rolling pin, sponge, etc.)
Twine, jute cord, or fishing line
Wooden or ceramic ring/base for hanging
Pottery glazes or underglazes
Access to a kiln (or a community pottery studio for firing)

Optional: Texture tools such as lace, stamps, or leaves for pressing designs into the clay.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

Start by wedging your clay to remove air bubbles. Roll it out into a slab about ¼ inch thick. Consistency in thickness ensures the chimes make a balanced sound and don’t crack while firing.

Step 2: Shape the Chimes

Cut or hand-form your chime pieces. You can create long twists (like in the photo), bell-shaped forms, discs, or even leaf imprints. The variety of shapes will create different tones when they strike against each other.

Tip: Add a hole at the top of each piece using a skewer or straw so you can thread the cord later. Make sure the holes are wide enough for your stringing material.

Step 3: Add Texture & Details

Press in designs using lace, wooden stamps, or even everyday items like forks or buttons. These impressions not only add character but also make the glaze more interesting once fired.

Step 4: Dry & Bisque Fire

Allow your pieces to dry slowly to prevent cracks. Once fully dry (bone dry), bisque fire them in a kiln according to your clay type’s instructions.

Step 5: Glaze & Fire Again

Apply glaze in your favorite colors. You can go rustic with earthy tones or bright and glossy for a modern look. Once glazed, fire the pieces again to maturity.

Step 6: Assemble the Wind Chime

Thread your twine or fishing line through each piece, tying secure knots. Attach them to a central wooden or ceramic ring, leaving enough space for each chime to move freely in the wind. Adjust the lengths so the pieces gently collide with each other to create sound.

Step 7: Hang & Enjoy

Find a breezy spot outdoors—like a porch, patio, or garden arch—and hang your creation. The sound will be subtle, soothing, and uniquely yours.

Design Ideas to Try

Twisted forms like spirals or ribbons (as pictured) create movement and look stunning in the light.
Themed chimes – try seashell shapes, stars, moons, or even botanical-inspired designs.
Minimalist discs with speckled glaze for a modern, clean look.
Upcycled base – hang your chimes from a driftwood branch or an old embroidery hoop.

Making ceramic wind chimes is not only a fun pottery project but also a way to bring a little handmade music into your home. Every time the breeze catches them, you’ll be reminded of the joy of creating something with your own two hands.