Create a Wind Phone
It is truly an incredible gift, connecting people to their loved ones who have died. There is no one "right" way to design and create a Wind Phone. Rotary phones have been hung beautifully and simply on hiking trail signs and trees. There are Telephones of the Wind made from repurposed phone booths secured to a bench, and I'm even aware of someone designing one on a surfboard near the ocean. My point is, what feels right to you?
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Another excellent source for ideas is from our many creators directly. I highlight a "Feature Phone" on the My Wind Phone Blog each week. Wind Phone creators and stewards offer valuable advice for those considering placing a Telephone of the Wind in their community. You can find the Feature Phone spotlights here.
Much love and appreciation to the artist who created this Wind Phone and gave it to me for Emily - Gayle Chatfield
Things to Consider
Location
The location of your Wind Phone requires careful consideration. Design your Wind Phone to withstand the elements and is safe for visitors. Itaru Sasaki (who created the original Telephone of the Wind, discussed the importance of its placement. "It doesn't work just to install a phone box anywhere in the world and call it the Wind Phone. Certain conditions are necessary to work, and these must be created..." Consider choosing a peaceful place that allows for a moment of privacy for the visitor.
Rotary Phone
I have only seen Wind Phones that are the old-fashioned rotary type; I believe there is a reason for that. There is something incredibly therapeutic about removing the handset from the cradle, holding the receiver up to your ear as the coiled phone cord swings beside you, placing your index finger in the circle next to a digit, and rotating the wheel until reaching the finger stop, listening to the wheel, clicking back to its original starting point, and beginning again to dial the next digit and the next. Genuine Rotary phones are not as easy to come by today as they stopped making them in the late 1960s with the introduction of touch tone phones, replacing rotaries in the 1970s. Like most things, the replicas just aren't the same lacking the exact dial mechanism. So, where can you find one? I locate them on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and flea markets. I am happy to help you; reach out to me, and I will find one for you! If you ask around, someone you know may have one to donate.
Wind Phone Signage
There is a "common" sign that many creators display next to their Wind Phone, explaining to someone who discovers this sacred space by chance. You can download one or look at it for ideas here. What you choose to post is entirely up to you. I have made a few versions that you are welcome to use. I have included a QR Code for your use. You may download it from this site, or I will be happy to email the jpeg to you. The QR Code allows your visitors to learn more about the beautiful history of the Wind Phone, locate yours again, and visit others across the United States (and the world) listed on the map. Perhaps yours will inspire them to create one.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me by email, phone, FB messenger, or DM me on Instagram. My hope is for us to cultivate a supportive community sharing stories, ideas, and inspirations.
Sample Request Letters, ​
QR Code & Signs
If you'd like to request permission to place a Wind Phone, feel free to use these sample letters. Be sure to personalize them.
Telephone of the Wind sign ideas. Please share your signs with us so we may add them here for others.
Please download and share this QR code so others can locate a Wind Phone near them. Download it here
This one-page information sheet provides an overview of Wind Phones. Download it here.
