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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Copper Pipe Wind Chimes - Beautiful Music and Decor

    February 12, 2020 by Patti Estep 6 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Copper pipe wind chimes materials

    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.

    Homemade copper pipe wind chimes

    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?

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Copper wind chime supplies

    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.

     

    Key ring with black cording

    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.

    Gathered cords to wire to ring

    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.

    Cording tied to floor drain

    Step 3

    Use some thin wire to wrap the tops of the cording sections tightly around the central cord.

    Threading cording through sphere

    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.

    Tying sphere and knob to cord

    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.

    Cutting copper pipe
    This little tool makes cutting copper pipes easy.

    Step 6

    Cut your pipe into six pieces. I started with 10 inches and then decreased each next piece by 1/2 inch. 

    Drilling copper pipe
    Keep the drill upright so that the holes are even with each other.

    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.

    Copper wind chimes hanging by front door

    Hang your gorgeous wind chimes outside and enjoy. Here's a pic of the wind chimes on my front porch.

    Windchimes on back 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.

    Copper wind chime hanging outside

    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.

    Patti signature

     

    Making Seashell & Seaglass Wind Chimes

    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." 

     

    Homemade copper pipe wind chimes
    Print
    4.41 from 5 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 mins
    Active Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 30 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.

    More DIY Projects

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    • How to Make Your Own Birdseed Cakes
    • Make an Emergency Candle Kit for Power Outages
    • Homemade Dusting Spray

    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

    1. Connie Allen

      February 08, 2022 at 3:55 pm

      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

        February 08, 2022 at 4:11 pm

        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
    2. Michele

      November 28, 2021 at 7:09 pm

      Hi-quick question-How do I attach the cord to the skewer or toothpick?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 29, 2021 at 7:34 am

        Michele, I believe I taped the cord to the end of the toothpick.

        Reply
    3. Carole West

      February 14, 2020 at 8:55 am

      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

        February 14, 2020 at 10:32 am

        Thanks Carole. Some of those links are affiliate links but not all. I'm glad you found them helpful.

        Reply

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