I was working on my straw himmeli earlier this month when I got the idea to try a similar shape out in copper for 40 Projects Just For Fun. I wasn't sure if I could find thin copper tubes at our local Lowe's and actually ended up making one out of 1/2" copper pipe but it was rather bulky and not as graceful as I had imagined. I was back at Lowe's for cement for another project when I thought I'd better go look again and sure enough I found smaller tubes wrapped in plastic. They run about $5.25 each so this isn't the cheapest DIY but with four rods, a pipe cutter and some twine you'll get a lovely sculptural himmeli to hang in your window.
The copper tubing comes in 1/4" x 2' sections. You'll want four of them to get this size himmeli. A larger himmeli would be a beautiful statement as well but will obviously cost more. This sized pipe would allow smaller sizes to work nicely as well. Be sure to get a pipe cutter or a hacksaw if you have one. You'll also need about 16' of twined, a sharpie, and some scissors. Mark your pieces so that you have eight lengths of 8" and four lengths of 3" to get this shape. Cut along your marks using the pipe cutter. Gently place the pipe in and tighten it until the blade is in contact with the pipe and twist two or three times. Tighten again and twist. Repeat until it has cut through the perimeter but do it gently as this size of pipe is soft and could get smashed.
Cut your twine into four lengths of four feet and tie in the center. Separate into four sides and slide both pieces of twine from each side through an 8" piece of pipe as shown. Next take one strand from two long pipes lying next to each other and slide them through opposite ends of a 3" piece as shown. Repeat until all four 3" pieces are attached. Slide the last four pieces over the ties in each new corner as shown so that they come out the other end together. Hold your himmeli upright to even things out and then make a knot at the top. I braided my ends and made another knot to hang it from a ceiling hook.
After making one I researched Etsy and found there are some lovely brass himmelis for sale that are also being marketed as pot holders. There are a variety of shapes and proportions you could come up with to suit your aesthetic and I do think a trio of three would make a lovely statement on a front porch-possibly in place of the trip of succulents hanging in macrame pot holders that I have nearly let die!
I love finding ways to add unique items to our space. I also love stumbling upon a new medium or concept and exploring with it for a bit. I think experimenting with something unfamiliar can pull you out of a creative block or just open another avenue of thinking and invite new inspiration.
Have you ever tried something new and been surprised at how much you loved it/learned from it?
-Rachel
