DIY Project

Nature

Beach shell wind chime

Shells and sea glass from a summer trip hung on driftwood, a souvenir that clinks every time the window's open.

Beach shell wind chime
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 10 and up
Time1 hour
Cost$0 to $8

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Only take shells from beaches that allow it, and leave any with something living inside.

  1. Step 1: Clean the shells
    1

    Clean the shells

    Soak them in warm soapy water. Scrub off sand with an old toothbrush.

  2. Step 2: Sort by hole
    2

    Sort by hole

    Pick shells with natural holes. For others, grown-up step: drill a small hole slowly with the shell taped down.

  3. Step 3: Cut 5 strands
    3

    Cut 5 strands

    Cut fishing line into 5 pieces of different lengths, 12 to 20 in.

  4. Step 4: String the shells
    4

    String the shells

    Knot a bead at the bottom. Add a shell, then a bead, and repeat up the line.

  5. Step 5: Tie them on
    5

    Tie them on

    Knot each strand around the driftwood, spaced evenly.

  6. Step 6: Add a hanger
    6

    Add a hanger

    Tie a line to both ends of the stick for hanging.

Edie's tip

Put strands close enough that the shells touch when the wind moves them.

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