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 run off 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.
Make Your Own Rain Chain
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
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 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. I even saw one with a little water garden feature below the rain chain. How cute is that?
Simple, cheap, easy and beautiful.
Sometimes they are the best projects.
Nancy says
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 says
Have you had any trouble with the painted finish coming off? How does it hold up?
Patti Estep says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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