Americans like to decorate their yards and the eaves of their houses. This usually takes the form of outdoor string lights in the short days of the year, but in summer, decorations that do not incorporate lights can be used and enjoyed because of the long days. Wind spinners, metal shapes that whirl in the breeze, are perfect for the summer evenings. Watching them is entertaining and relaxing. Hang a few in limbs of a tree and you can add touches of color to trees that do not blossom or after their blossoming is completed.

Wind spinners are a relatively new option in garden decorating. These metal shapes are cut from aluminum and are frequently anodized with surface coatings in one or more colors. The outside shape, say a star, is cut repeatedly in smaller and smaller sizes inside the shape, except for a solid section down the middle which keeps the shapes connected. Then each half-star is bent slightly from the center until there are gaps between the rings. This allows the wind to spin the shape more evenly than if the shape was solid. The metal shape spins and the colors whirl in the slightest breeze, adding motion and color to the area it is placed. Sometimes small brass tubes are hung from the spinners to add sound to the motion of the wind.

In the past, the only wind toys for home owners were pinwheels and wind socks. Large pinwheels of study plastic are available with a rainbow color arrangement, and these are very pretty. However, they still look a little childish and simple. Wind socks have been popular for several decades, especially as a decoration for your RV or ten at the beach. It is a way to fly a kite without having to actually launch and fly a kite. They are also reminiscent of the fish kites flown on Japan’s holiday to celebrate the boys in a family. These home and camp decorations are usually available at home and garden stores in the spring and summer.

Wind spinners are much smaller than a wind sock, and therefore are easier to place. Hanging them from the eaves of the house is possible because they are not that big and usually the sing is short enough that the spinner will not hit the house when the winds are gusty. You could have a whole row of colorful spinners hanging from your eaves. The anodized aluminum will last many decades, so wind spinners are a lifetime companion. Add outdoor string lights or patio string lights nearby, and you can even enjoy the wind spinners at night.

You will find wind spinners in home and garden stores, craft shows and even in the seasonal section of your chain drug stores. Check the local dollar stores and discount stores as well. If you wait until late summer or fall, the spinners will be marked down and will be very economical, for an unnecessary item. With a few years of adding wind spinners you like, you will have a collection that makes your yard and deck a whirl of motion and color.

* * * Another metallic collectible is door knockers. * * *

* * * Wrought iron chandeliers enhance you living space, both inside and out. * * *

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