Make your own rain chain with simple items from an office supply or dollar store. Hang it from a shepherd's hook in the garden or from the corner of the house.
I love the look of the copper rain chains, that you see in gardening catalogs, and on Pinterest. I believe they are Japanese in origin and have been around for hundreds of years.
Typically, they are hung from a downspout where the runoff from the roof can be directed by the chain and in many cases collected at the bottom by a basin or rain barrel. I simply like the way they look and wondered how hard it would be to make your own rain chain.
Be the first to receive new posts and get access to our Subscribers Only Page.
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.
Make Your Own Rain Chain
The ones you can purchase are pretty expensive, especially the copper ones. They tend to run into hundreds of dollars depending on how ornate they are and the materials. Some have an intricate flower like or bell-shaped cups.
So when I saw these binder rings at the dollar store I thought, hmmm, could I make a rain chain? I ended up buying two different sizes.
First I spray painted them with an indoor/outdoor spray paint in copper.
Once they dried, I played around a pattern of linking them together.
Since we already have some issues with our downspout I decided to hang this from a shepherd's hook in the garden. This one is only a little longer than three feet.
Here we tried to simulate rain but it wasn't that easy. But, I do like the way it looks. I think I might want to go out and pick up a few more binder rings to add to this one, and maybe even peg it to the ground.
If you decided to hang yours from the gutter you can buy an installation kit
Simple, cheap, easy, and beautiful. Sometimes they are the best projects.
Make Your Own Rain Chain
Materials
- Binder clips - 2 sizes
- Copper Spray Paint
Instructions
- Spray paint the binder clips with an indoor/outdoor spray paint in copper.
- Link them together in a pattern you like.
- Hang it from a shepherd's hook, or downspout.
Joan
Does the chain make a sound when the rain falls on it (like a real rain chain)?
Thanks
Joan
Patti Estep
Joan, I don't believe so but I haven't been outside close to it to know for sure.Â
gillian
I found a whole bunch of these rings at the thrift store...there were a whole lot and I Paid two dollars for them. I had no idea what I would use them for but now that I have read your post you have given me an idea!!! I will try it and see how it goes!!!
Patti Estep
What a great find! Enjoy.
Nancy
Perfect timing. I’ve been looking at rain chains to buy and your right, Very expensive. I’ll be looking around for those dividers and copper spray paint. I also have some copper pipes left over from plumbing project ( patina on copper) that I will try to incorporate
Lee
Have you had any trouble with the painted finish coming off? How does it hold up?
Patti Estep
Hi Lee,
Yes, the paint looks the same as it did a year ago. I used an indoor/outdoor spray paint. I believe it was rustoleum.
Hope that helps,
Patti
Rose Anne Estep
To funny... I was scrolling through ho w to make this and noticed your last name, Estep
I am en Estep also through marriage...I am following you now and looking forward to more neat ideas...
Patti Estep
Hi Rose Ann,
Nice to hear from another Estep. I was surprised to find that there are many. My husband's family was said to have settled in Virginia a long time ago. Even though the Esteps that I come across don't seem to be related, I'm sure we are somewhere on that big old family tree.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week,
Patti
Kody Loveless
What a great idea. Thank you for sharing. I have never realized that you could make such a beautiful thing with just some clips. I love my rain chains I have. This Idea will be a perfect addition to my yard. I love watching the beautiful way the water flows. really works were my sprinklers are too. Always fun to watch.
Patti Estep
Thanks Kody,
This very simplified version is great for a little eye candy in the garden. I'm sure your originals are fabulous!
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Ellen
So pretty!
I made one hanging from my metal overhang. Just drilled a hole in the gutter ridge, clipped it on, and there you go!
Maybe I'll take it down and spray it copper, too!
Thanks for the idea!
Patti Estep
Hi Ellen,
That's so great! I'm so glad to hear that you are loving yours. Today we noticed own pretty the rain chain looks glistening in the sun.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti