How to Make Seashell Wind Chimes

Making your own wind chimes lets you select and customize the sounds you want to hear. Seashells make beautfiul and inexpensive chimes with a distinctive sound. The size and shape of your seashells determines the tone of your chimes.

Things You'll Need

• 18 scalloped shells
• Waxed twine
• 1 small curtain ring, 1-inch in diameter
• Inner hoop from a set of wooden embroidery hoops
• Small nail
• Hammer
• Glue

Instructions

1. Prepare an area to work on your chimes. Use a piece of wood or place a protective padding over your workspace.

2. Hammer or drill a hole in each shell. To prevent breaking the shells, employ a quick, sharp tap on the nail with the hammer.

3. Cut nine 24-inch lengths of twine. In groups of 3, knot the twine onto the embroidery hoop, spacing them evenly.

4. Braid each of the 3 sets of twine, until they are 12-inches long. Measure 7-inches above the embroidery hoop and tie the braids together in a knot. Braid the rest of the braids above the knot into one rope. Make a knot at the end and tie it to a curtain ring.

5. Cut six 12-inch lengths of twine and tie them around the hoop, evenly spaced.

6. Attach 3 shells to each string, putting the largest at the top and the smallest at the bottom. Place the first shell 5-inches from the hoop. Push it up the twine and tie a double knot below it to keep it from falling down. Tie the other two shells in the same manner.

7. Apply a small amount of glue to all of the knots to secure the shells.
   Hang your chimes from the curtain ring and enjoy the melody.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a small drill with a 1/8-inch drill bit to make the holes.

• Have a few extra seashells. Some may break when you hammer or drill them.

• Use a small amount of glue on the tip of the string and let it dry. This will make it easier to thread through the holes in the shells.