Wind chimes fill the air with melody, but they can be pricey if you buy them. Make your own DIY wind chimes for a fraction of the price using simple (and affordable) clay pots!
I love the sound of wind chimes in the breeze. Their peaceful harmonious bell-like sounds can help relieve stress on overwhelming days or lull me to sleep at night.
But I nearly had a panic attack not too long ago when my old set broke, and I saw how much money the store wanted for a set of simple wind chimes! At nearly $150, a new set was NOT in the budget.
So I turned to my crafting roots and thought about how I could get what I wanted for a fraction of the cost of a new set of wind chimes at the store. Did you know that you can make DIY wind chimes with ordinary clay pots? This fun craft idea will add both musical harmony and visual bling to your yard.
I shared this idea with my friend Amanda from Crafts by Amanda because she loved it too!
If you want even more DIY backyard ideas, check out my Painted Birdhouse Camper, Easy Decorative Garden Stones, and DIY Mason Jar Garden Flag ideas.
How To Make DIY Wind Chimes
Although I’ve seen several different types of materials that people have used to make homemade wind chimes, I wanted something that would deliver just the right sound. After some thought, I decided to use simple mini clay pots.
Supplies Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this project. I’ve included a few handy links to make certain items easier to find.
- Terra cotta pots (in various sizes so smaller ones can fit inside larger ones)
- Wood beads
- Twine
- Small galvanized watering can
- Wire
- Clear faceted beads
- Jewelry pliers
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
Homemade Wind Chimes Instructions
Making DIY wind chimes is probably easier than you think! Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions.
Step 1
Start by adding the beads to your watering can. Run some wire in through one hole and out through the opposite hole.
It may take a few tries to fish the wire through the holes, but don’t give up if you don’t get it on the first attempt because it is possible!
Then you just need to repeat for all sets of holes in your watering can.
Step 2
Next, string clear faceted beads onto each wire. Wrap the end of the wires around themselves with wire pliers to secure the beads into place for your DIY wind chimes.
Step 3
Now that we have the bling completed, we will make the actual wind chime part of the project.
Start by running a long piece of twine through the handle of your watering can. Add a knot where you want your first clay pot to sit. Then run the ends of your twine through a wood bead.
Note: You can wrap the tape around the ends of your twine (kind of like the ends of shoelaces) to make threading through the beads and pots easier.
Step 4
Add a pot to the twine on top of your first wood bead. Then tie another knot wherever you want your second clay pot to rest and add another bead.
Tip: Remember, you can tie and untie these repeatedly to get the locations correct.
Continue adding knots, beads, as well as pots until your homemade wind chimes are complete.
Step 5
Finally, tie the twine at the top to make a loop for hanging, and your DIY wind chimes are done and ready to hang!
The watering can will help to catch the wind and make your clay pot wind chimes create music. You will love the sound when the wind is blowing.
You will love this quick and easy craft project and just how great it looks in your garden as well. Don’t those strings of beads look like water flowing out of the can?
FAQs
I frequently see readers ask questions about this project, and here are a few I see most often. If you have a question and don’t see it answered down below, please leave it for me in the comments.
What other materials can be used to make DIY wind chimes?
I chose terra cotta pots because I love the rustic look that’s a natural fit for any garden. However, if you want to try using other materials, there are tons of ways you can create a similar product.
Explore making this project with metal or wood. Other wind chimes materials could be shells, bamboo, glass, stones, and more. I love these Sea Glass Wind Chimes that I also made!
How can I personalize these DIY wind chimes for my yard?
Try using different colored beads. You could also paint your pots using a few different techniques or ideas. I think this DIY Tiered Planter Simple Paint Technique would look cute as wind chimes!
Or, you could give your pots an aged look with this tutorial on Aging Terracotta Clay Pots with Paint.
Finally, use this technique for Terra Cotta Painted Pots to completely personalize your pots with color for a unique set of DIY wind chimes you’ll love to look at.
My helper also loves my homemade wind chimes made from clay pots, and I must say I agree with him!
More Clay Pot Crafting Inspiration
If you love this DIY wind chimes idea and want more clay pot crafts, we have many to choose from! Just click on the links below.
Supplies
- Terra cotta pots in various sizes
- Wood beads
- Twine
- Small galvanized watering can
- Wire
- Clear faceted beads
- Jewelry pliers
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
Instructions
- Run some wire in through one hole and out through the opposite hole of the watering can spout. It may take a few tries to fish the wire through the holes. Then repeat for all sets of holes in your watering can.
- String clear faceted beads onto each wire. Wrap the end of the wires around themselves with wire pliers to secure the beads into place.
- Run a long piece of twine through the handle of your watering can. Add a knot where you want your first clay pot to sit. Then run the ends of your twine through a wood bead.
- Add a pot to the twine on top of your first wood bead. Then tie another knot wherever you want your second clay pot to rest and add another bead.
- Continue adding knots, beads, and pots until you have all you want on your homemade wind chimes.
- Finally, tie the twine at the top to make a loop for hanging, and your DIY wind chimes are done and ready to hang!
