DIY Upcycled Tin Can Windchime (Easy and Frugal)

This tin can windchime is the perfect unique garden decoration! The one-of-a-kind decoration is made using recycled cans, so you can feel good about being eco-friendly. The vibrant colors and delightful tinkling sound will add a touch of whimsy to any space. Hang it in your garden or patio and enjoy the soothing sound of the wind chimes as they float in the breeze.

Tin Can Windchime

I always hesitate to throw out any empty cans. In fact, if they aren’t going into the recycling bin, they are in my craft room. This is a great way to reuse those old cans and turn them into something amazing for your garden, porch, or any outdoor space. They can even be a fun gift for someone to add some joy to their lives.

Here are more easy ideas to make wind chimes for you to check out. Or, you can make an upcycled CD windchime as another fun upcycled project. And another option for a rustic beaded windchime is a great addition to your home or garden.

What is a Windchime Used For?

A wind chime is a decoration that is hung outdoors. It consists of a series of metal or glass pieces, or whatever kind of things you want to upcycle, like these cans, that chime together when they are blown by the wind.

Many say that windchimes are used to keep away evil spirits, but most often they are simply a fun decoration for a porch or garden. They are pleasing to look at and also provide a variety of benefits. Not only can help you relax, block out unwanted noise, and yes, even keep pests away, even if not evil spirits.

What Should I Hang The TIn Cans From?

Making these tin can wind chimes is easy because they are versatile. When you are hanging the cans, you can use almost anything you have on hand. You can use an embroidery hoop, a wreath form, or even a wire hanger turned into a hoop. The options are limitless. Just use what you already have on hand.

Since you are wrapping the hoop with yarn or ribbon, it doesn’t matter as much what it actually looks like. Just make sure that it is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cans. You’ll also want to consider whether you use yarn, ribbon, or twine depending upon how many cans and how heavy the cans are that you will use.

Can I Use The Cans as Bird Feeders?

If you wanted to use the cans as a bird feeder, you can easily use this design but change it to make it work. You would make everything the same but you would need to turn the cans upside down. If doing this, make sure a drainage hole is added. Just make sure it is also small enough that the birdseed won’t fall out and, so that rainwater does not collect in the cans.

A dual purposed windchime? Definitely, something I would love to see hanging on my porch or in a tree in my garden. We love attracting birds, and this is a fun way of doing that!

Where Should I Hang This Windchime?

This windchime is perfect for any outdoor space, but it can also hang inside if you prefer. You can easily hang this from a porch railing, porch roof, or in your garden from a hook. On trees or shrubs that are tall, it looks great and works wonderfully.

If hanging inside, it’s nice in a doorway or open area, but can be hung from the ceiling if you want. It’s a fun and cheerful addition to your home, both inside and outside.

Supplies Needed

How to Make a Windchime From Tin Cans

Start by removing labels and glue from the cans. Clean them out and let them dry, then spray paint each can in a different color and set them aside to dry. This usually takes 30-minutes

While you let the paint on the cans dry begin wrapping the embroidery hoop with yarn. Start by gluing one end to the hoop, then continue wrapping.

Wrap around the hoop until it is completely covered, using glue as needed every few inches to secure it into place. Once covered, set it aside.

Once the cans have all dried completely, it’s time to finish decorating them. Choose a different color ribbon or washi tape for each can.

Glue a length of ribbon around the top edge and the bottom edge of each can. You can also paint on other details or even use stickers or beads if you want. Continue this until all of the cans are decorated.

Use a nail and hammer to create a hole on top of each can.

Then, string the yarn through each can. Cut these at varying lengths so the cans will dangle differently from the hoop. Push the yarn through the hole in the can, then tie a knot on the inside, or glue it in place so it doesn’t slip out of the can.

Once all of the cans have a string inside, begin tying those around the hoop every few inches.

To hang the hoop, cut a length of twine or ribbon and tie it to three different “sides” of the hoop. Connect them at the top and hang as desired. Now you can hang your wind chime on the porch, in your garden, or even inside of your house.

More Tin Can Craft Ideas

Tin cans are so versatile! I absolutely love using them as a base for crafting. Below are some more of my favorite ideas that are great for organizing, decorating, or turning that basic can into something totally new and unique. Get creative and upcycle cans for every season and holiday!