From the page: The shiny disc asks for a new shine
Idea 10
Bells and sound shakers
Bells have existed since antiquity and work on a simple principle: when a rigid body vibrates, it pushes the air in waves — the larger and thinner the material, the deeper the sound. CDs cut into strips or pieces vibrate like small metal blades, and stacked loosely they create the shaker. It's the same physics of wind chimes and garden carillons, now with shiny acrylic.
What you need
- 3 to 5 old CDs
- Strong scissors or cutting pliers (CDs cut well with care)
- Nylon thread, thick string or thin wire
- A dry branch, wooden hanger or embroidery hoop as a support
- Beads, buttons or small beads to add weight between the pieces
- Hole punch or thin nail and hammer to make holes
How to make it
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1
Cut each CD into different shapes — long strips, triangles, medium pieces — because each size vibrates at a distinct frequency, and that's what creates the variety of tones.
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2
Make a hole at the tip of each piece with a hot nail or punch, resting the CD on wood so it doesn't crack where it shouldn't.
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3
Cut strands of thread about 20 to 30 cm and thread each CD piece, alternating with beads or buttons that serve as weight and striker.
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4
Tie the strands to the support (branch or hoop) at different heights, so the pieces touch each other in the wind instead of hanging still.
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5
Test by swinging with your hand: if any piece doesn't hit the others, bring the strands closer or enlarge the pieces — bell sound comes from the striking between vibrating bodies.
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6
Hang it in a place with a light breeze; wind that is too strong makes the sound constant and the plastic may warp.
Finishing touches
For a hand shaker, fill a small container with CD pieces and seal it well — children love it, and the colorful sparkle becomes an attraction. If you want more musical tones, test the pieces by tapping a glass before assembling: you choose the "notes" of your carillon.
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