by Patti Estep 6 Comments
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Learn how to make wind chimes with copper pipes This project was so much fun to make. Now we have a bit of musical beauty hanging on our back patio.
I love the look of copper. Especially when it ages and gets that pretty patina. I'm hoping these handmade wind chimes will eventually turn and look even more gorgeous.
Most of the supplies can be found in your local hardware store and/or craft store. Wouldn't this make a nice gift?
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How to Make Wind Chimes with Copper Pipes
Supplies
- 6 lengths of copper pipe - I purchased 5 feet and started with 10 inches and decreased 1/2 inch for each length
- 1 Top for hanging - I used a 6 inch cast iron drain cover from Ace Hardware.
- Nylon cording for the top and the central cord. - I used this cording from Hobby Lobby.
- Waxed thread for the pipes
- Something to act as a clapper or striker - I bought this sphere from Hobby Lobby
- A decorative piece for the sail - I used a drawer knob from Hobby Lobby. (similar to this)
- One - 1-inch keyring for hanging.
- Thin wire to secure the cords holding the drain cover.
Step 1
Start by tying the central cord to the keyring with a few square knots to make it nice and secure. Leave plenty of cording to work with, maybe 4 feet. You can cut any excess later.
Step 2
Next, cut four lengths of the cording to thread through the center of the drain and gather them together near the top of the center cord at the ring. I used 20-inch pieces for this step.
Step 3
Use some thin wire to wrap the tops of the cording sections tightly around the central cord.
Step 4
Drill a hole in the top and bottom of the sphere.
Use a long toothpick or skewer to attach to the bottom of the central cord and thread the sphere up the central line.
Step 5
Tie a couple of knots below the sphere midway along the chimes. Then slide the knob on the bottom, a few inches below the chimes, and tie a couple of knots. Cut off any excess cording.
Step 6
Cut your pipe into six pieces. I started with 10 inches and then decreased each next piece by 1/2 inch.
Step 7
Drill a hole through each pipe about 1/2 inch below the top. Use some painter's tape or masking tape to help the drill bit stay in place.
Step 8
Then string the copper tubes (pipes) to the edge of the drain cover in equal distant holes using waxed twine. You may want to hang the top somewhere while tying the pipes so that they hang evenly. I used a broom on a table for this step.
Hang your gorgeous wind chimes outside and enjoy. Here's a pic of the wind chimes on my front porch.
However, according to Feng Shui copper wind chimes should be placed on the North, West, or Northwest side of the house. So, my covered back porch would be a good place for it.
Still, I want to have it outside to get a nice patina so I think this spot on our patio that is located on the Northside of our house is exactly the right spot. We can sit on our back porch and enjoy the beautiful sound when the wind blows.
If you enjoy the beach and collect shells you may another DIY project: seashell and sea glass wind chime idea. It was inspired by the movie "The Choice."
3.88 from 8 votes
How to Make Wind Chimes with Copper Pipes
This DIY wind chimes tutorial was so much fun to make. Now we have a bit of musical beauty hanging on our patio.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Active Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course: DIY Garden Art
Yield: 1
Author: Patti Estep
Cost: $25
Equipment
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Copper pipe cutter
Drill
Materials
- 6 lengths of copper pipe - approx. 5 feet
- 1 - 6 inch cast iron drain cover
- Nylon cording for the top and the central cord. ~ 4 yds
- Waxed thread for the pipes
- A clapper - blue sphere from Hobby Lobby
- A decorative piece for the sail - drawer knob from Hobby Lobby
- One - 1-inch keyring for hanging.
- Thin wire to secure the cords holding the drain cover.
Instructions
Tie the central cord to the keyring with a few square knots. Leave plenty of cording to work with maybe 4 feet. You can cut the excess cording later.
Cut four 20 inch lengths of the cording to thread through the center of the drain and gather together at the top of the center cord by the ring.
Use thin dark wire to wrap the tops of the cording sections tightly around the central cord at the ring.
Drill a hole in the top and bottom of the sphere. Use a long toothpick or skewer and attach it to the bottom of the central cord and thread the sphere up to the central line.
Tie a couple of knots below the sphere to hold it in place midway alongside the chimes. Then slide the knob on the cord below the chime line and tie a couple of knots to finish off the central cord.
Cut your pipe into six pieces. I started with 10 inches and then decreased each next piece by 1/2 inch.
Drill a hole through each pipe about 1/2 inch below the top. Use some painters tape or masking tape to help the drill bit stay in place.
Then string the pipes to the edge of the drain cover in equal distant holes using waxed twine. Hang the top from something to help you tie the pipes evenly around the drain.
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About Patti Estep
Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Connie Allen
I love your beautiful windchime and your clear instructions. After hanging your chime outside for awhile now would you make any changes in your supplies? I'm thinking of having my grandchildren make these at a party, with some of the prep work done ahead of time, so if you would change anything, please reply.
Reply
Patti Estep
Hi Connie, I think it just depends on what you like. If I were to change anything I might use a smaller ball in the middle? Not much smaller, just a little. Have fun!
Reply
Michele
Hi-quick question-How do I attach the cord to the skewer or toothpick?
Reply
Patti Estep
Michele, I believe I taped the cord to the end of the toothpick.
Reply
Carole West
Well you know I love copper so this project is right up my alley. Looks pretty simple too so I might just have to ponder this one. Great instructions and thanks for all the helpful purchase links.
Reply
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. Some of those links are affiliate links but not all. I'm glad you found them helpful.
Reply
