DIY Wind Chime

April 20, 2016

I was at the Salvation Army Thrift Store the other day looking for some more outdoor pots, I didn’t have any luck but stumbled upon these beautiful old bells for $4 and had to get them! The bells are big about the size of my forearm, for reference, and have a stunning antique look. As I walking home I had the idea to create an outdoor wind chime. I love the sound of wind chimes but sometimes the look is a little dated. Here is my DIY.

The tools needed!

Bells
Leather/Material/Ribbon (I used upcycled leather)
Scissors
Cutter
Hole Punch
Wire

I also find having a cutting mat REALLY helpful. You are able to cut with confidence and a rolling cutter makes life a lot easier.

First I cut the strands for the 4 strand braids. Don’t worry about the pieces being perfect, you are braiding them so any imperfections will be hidden.

Next I was thinking of how to tie the top of the leather so it still looked nice but would hold all the pieces together. I cut 2 really skinny leather pieces to use as a tie then two pieces about 3 inches long to use as the hanging loop, I punch out two small holes for the leather to go around.

After those leather pieces were cut I start to wrap it around the top.

Once both leather strands were tied I could start on the four strand braid, here is the best diagram I found to describe the process. Once you figure it out it is really easy and you can make so many DIY’s with this braid!

Here is what the leather four strand braid looks like complete. The key here is to remember to bring the pieces around so create a round braid and so it won’t be flat.

Next I had to figure out a way to finish the braid and also attach the bell. I used a combination of small wire to wrap around the leather and bell then covered that will a leather strand to give it a finished look.

Now to hang this beauty outside! It looks great and I can see it from the kitchen window!

Hope this gives you some outdoor décor DIY inspiration.

The total cost was $4 for this project as I had previous bought the leather and it cost next to nothing. If you want to use leather in projects I suggest checking out furniture recycling businesses. I bought my leather from a local business and it is actually from an old couch! A true upcycle!