The origins of the windchime date back thousands of years, when chimes and bells were used as warning signals immediately prior to the events of uncontrollable forces. It was believed that God's wrath brought windstorms, snow storms, hurricanes, fires, erupting volcanoes, avalanches, tidal waves and so forth. Thus, it came about that still today, they are known to bestow peace, good fortune and happiness.

Even at weddings, church bells are rung before and after the ceremony, forming a protective, sacred space. They promote relaxation, a willingness to listen and they are mood and atmosphere changers, stimulating creativity and uplifting feelings. In addition, windchimes shows that they have always had healing effects as they reportedly relieve fatigue and restore vitality. Their tones calm minds and awaken spirits. The resonance and vibration of sound releases stress and emotional blockages in the body. There are various types of windchime, from pipe to bamboo through to the basic bottle! There is no specialist piping required, indeed some of the nicest ringing pipes are often originally intended as commercial grade electrical conduit and chrome plated piping for sink drains.

Second hand bottles make an excellent and very cheap version of the windchime. The only expense will probably be the purchase of an electric kiln and bottle cutters, but should an individual decide that the creation of this type of windchime can be a nice little earner, then the outgoings will soon be recouped and a second income could be developed. The bottles are all around us, in gutters, waste ground, or simply out of the re-cycling bins. Local markets, festivals and craft stores will always be excellent venues for attracting customers.