Music and a touch of magic this year for Mother’s Day: Queensland Symphony Orchestra

There’s breakfast in bed, flowers, some lippy and sometimes even powertools bought by dad and dressed up as a ‘gift’ for mum…. This year, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra has made Mother’s Day super easy with the Happy Mother’s Day Concert, part of the incredibly loved Music on Sundays Program, being staged on Sunday 11 May at 11.30am in the Concert Hall at QPAC. So give mum music and a touch of magic!!

Concert highlights include Dvo?ák’s nostalgic Songs My Mother Taught Me and Brisbane husband-and-wife legends Pamela Page and Max Olding performing Czerny’s Piano Concerto for Four Hands.

The Happy Mother’s Day concert is part of the QSO’s popular Music on Sundays series, hosted by one of Australia’s most versatile musical entertainers, Guy Noble. Each concert in the Music on Sundays series involves popular, themed repertoire. Wave your British flag in the celebratory event (Not) The Last Night of the Proms on 27 April, hear operatic wonders in Passion and Madness on 27 July, and listen to music from an array of international composers in World Inspiration on 19 October.

As the entertaining host of the series, Guy Noble, has built a popular following for the Music on Sundays concerts, his cheeky humour and occasional costume changes surprise and delight audiences of all ages. This comical, spontaneous element and Guy’s informed musical commentary make these concerts a great way to introduce audiences to orchestral music. With themed music, renowned soloists, world-class musicians and an entertaining host, the QSO offers the perfect reason to get out of bed on a Sunday morning!

The 2014 Music on Sundays series opens on Sunday 9 March at 11.30am in the QPAC Concert Hall. Subscription packages and single tickets available now through qtix on 136 246.

Music on Sundays Series is proudly presented by Bacchus Bar, Restaurant & Pool. Official Radio Partner – Brisbane’s News Talk 4BC.

MUSIC ON SUNDAYS – 2014 CONCERTS

27 April at 11.30am, QPAC Concert Hall | (Not) The Last Night of the Proms – Light-Hearted Traditional

11 May at 11.30am, QPAC Concert Hall | Happy Mother’s Day – The Gift of Music

27 July at 11.30am, QPAC Concert Hall | Passion and Madness – Operatic Wonders

19 October at 11.30am, QPAC Concert Hall | World Inspiration – Armchair Traveller

TICKETS: qtix 136 246 or qso.com.au

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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.