Turn Old Tin Cans Into The Cutest DIY Wind Chime For Your Patio

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Canned foods have long been a pantry staple for quick dinner sides, last-minute lunches, or budget-friendly baking. But once the can is empty, it's usually trashed. If you have tin cans piling up in your recycling bin, it might be time to take a new approach. Flip your view on those empty cans — literally. By strategically hanging tin cans upside down, you can turn them into wind chimes that will bring a relaxing auditory element to your yard. 

To create this project, you'll need at least two tin cans of different sizes. One should be narrow enough to fit within the other and have some room to spare. You'll also need a drill, beads, a jar lid, and fishing line or another form of durable cordage. Depending on how you'd like to decorate the cans, gather supplies like acrylic paint, spray paint, Mod Podge, patterned fabric, and permanent paint pens. Before getting started, peel the labels of your cans and give them a thorough cleaning, using household ingredients that can remove stickers and residue if needed.

Start by drilling a hole in the bottom of each can. If you don't have a drill, you can also punch a hole through with a nail and hammer. This hole doesn't need to be very wide, only wide enough to pass your cordage through. Use a coarse sandpaper to rub the inside edge of the open rim, polishing away the sharp edge to make it safer to handle. If you plan to paint the outside of your cans, you may also wish to sandpaper around the outside so the paint will better adhere to the surface. With the right preparation and type of paint, you can expect your designs to last for a least a few years outdoors. 

The best paint to use for this project will be a spray paint or acrylic paint, such as Apple Barrel Multi-Surface Paint. You can use one color for both cans, but choosing two different colors will create a pretty contrast. Use a permanent marker like Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers to draw flowers, polka dots, hearts, stripes, or whatever other small details you like. Even better, you can cover the cans with a patterned fabric, printed napkins, ribbon, or washi tape. Wrap the material around a can and cut it to fit, then use layers of Mod Podge to seal it on, tucking and sealing any extra material around the rim of the can. Once you're happy with the look, spray a clear coat over the cans to protect their design. Let everything dry overnight before moving on to the assembly. 

Cut a generous length of fishing line (or whatever cordage you're using) and tie it into a loop with a knot. Slip the free ends of the line through a bead and tie the bead into place at the base of the knot. Thread the loose line through the small hole in the top of your largest can, pulling it taught until the bead rests on the outside. Next, slip another bead onto the line and tie it tight on the inside of your can so that the top is pinched between the two beads. Repeat this process to suspend your smaller can within the larger can. Finish the assembly by tying your loose ends of fishing line to a repurposed jar lid, which will act as a windsail, moving the cans whenever a strong breeze blows. For more pizzazz, colorful strings of beads can also be dangled from the bottom of the wind chime or strung onto the center cord itself.

Hang your wind chime outside where a nice breeze passes through your patio, garden, or backyard. This wind chime should make a pleasant clanging sound, but you can add bells or Aluminum Wind Chime Tubes if you prefer more tinkly sounds. This noisy porch decor might also keep birds from nesting on top of your outdoor lights, making it just as pretty as it is practical. If you appreciate that this simple craft transforms wasted cans into something charming for your garden, you might also be inspired to explore other beautiful wind chimes made from repurposed household items like silverware or wine bottles.