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title: "3 Ways to Create Seashell Wind Chimes"
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source_url: "https://www.wikihow.com/Create-Seashell-Wind-Chimes"
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summary: "Seashell wind chimes are simple and inexpensive decorative projects that can be created using an embroidery hoop, seashells, and basic tools. This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for crafting unique wind chimes that make memorable keepsakes from seaside vacations."
tags: "seashell-crafts, wind-chimes, diy-tutorial, embroidery-hoop, beach-crafts, home-decor"
key_entities: "Nicole Bolin (person), Sophia Bell (person), Stencil (organization), wikiHow (organization), Phoenix, Arizona (location), New York Institute of Art and Design (location), DIY craft (concept)"
classification: "tutorial"
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---

# 3 Ways to Create Seashell Wind Chimes

Skip to Content Quizzes Search PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes EDIT Edit this Article EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard Trending Forums Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth LOG IN Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account RANDOM Home Random Browse Articles Trending New Quizzes & Games All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Dating Simulator Learn Something New Forums Courses Happiness Hub Explore More Support wikiHow About wikiHow Log in / Sign up Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Categories Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Nature Crafts How to Create Seashell Wind Chimes Download Article Co-authored by Nicole Bolin and Sophia Bell Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Download Article Using an Embroidery Hoop | Creating a Base with a Starfish | Making a Wind Chime from Driftwood | Video | Q&A | Things You'll Need | Show more | Show less X This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell . Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been viewed 199,924 times. A wind chime crafted from seashells can be a simple and inexpensive way to remember a seaside vacation. This project can also be a fun and memorable way to spend time with a child, as they can help you design and construct the wind chimes. You only need a few tools and materials to create a variety of seashell wind chimes that are unique and beautiful. Steps Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Using an Embroidery Hoop Download Article 1 Gather your materials. For this project, you will need 24 shells of relatively uniform size, string or fishing line, the inner wood hoop from an embroidery hoop, a power drill with a 1/32 in (0.8 mm) or smaller drill bit, and a pair of scissors. [1] X Research source You can stain or paint your embroidery hoop if you wish to change the color of the wood. 2 Wash your seashells . If your seashells were gathered from a beach, it is best to clean them before using. Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in a large bowl and soak your seashells in the mixture for several hours. If necessary, use an old toothbrush to remove grime and calcium buildup from the shells. Rinse them thoroughly with warm water and allow them to dry completely. Advertisement 3 Mark 24 holes on the embroidery hoop. Place the hoop on a flat surface and use a pencil to mark out 24 evenly spaced points around its circumference. Do this by marking 1 point each at the top, bottom, left, and right areas of the hoop. Then add 4 more points at the midpoints between the first 4. Finally, fill each remaining space in with 2 equally spaced points. [2] X Research source 4 Drill 24 holes in the hoop. Fit your drill with a small drill bit and create 24 holes in the hoop where you marked the points. The holes should be large enough to pass your string or fishing line through. [3] X Research source 5 Drill holes in the shells. Drill a small hole through each shell using the same size drill bit as before. To help prevent the shell from cracking, you can cover the hole's location with a strip of masking tape before drilling. Remove the tape after making the hole. [4] X Research source The hole can be placed anywhere on the shell, keeping in mind that the position in which the shell hangs will be dictated by the hole's location. It's important to use a very small drill bit so that the string will fit but the shell won't crack. [5] X Expert Source Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist Expert Interview Be sure to drill slowly so the shells don't break. [6] X Expert Source Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist Expert Interview Alternatively, you might be able to simply glue gun the shells to a string. [7] X Expert Source Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist Expert Interview 6 Tie string to the shells. Cut your string into 24 separate pieces that are about 12 in (30 cm) long. Tie one end of each piece of string through the hole in each seashell using a triple knot. Cut off any excess string to neaten the appearance. [8] X Research source 7 Hang the seashells from the embroidery hoop. Begin by tying the first seashell to a hole in the wooden hoop using the full 12 in (30 cm) of string. Tie the next shell to the loop, this time positioning the knot so that the new shell hangs just higher than its neighbor. [9] X Research source Make sure that each seashell is hung closely enough to its neighbor to strike against it in the breeze. This may require using greater or fewer than 24 shells depending on the size of your shells and your embroidery hoop. 8 Repeat this process for all 24 shells. Hang each one slightly higher than the last. This will create a pleasant cascading appearance. Once all of the strings are tied to the loop, you can cut off the excess string using your scissors. 9 Hang your seashell creation. You can use the same string or fishing line to hang the wooden hoop from a hook. The string can be looped through the same holes used to hang the shells if the holes are wide enough. If not, you can drill 4 new equally spaced holes to suspend the hoop from 4 pieces of string. [10] X Research source Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Creating a Base with a Starfish Download Article 1 Round up your supplies. For this project, you will need 30 seashells, a starfish, clear stretchy jewelry cord (or fishing line), a power drill with 1/16 in (1.6 mm) drill bit, a 12-in (30.5-cm) piece of twine, and scissors. [11] X Research source 2 Wash your seashells . If your seashells were found on the beach, you'll need to clean them first. In a bucket, combine 1 part bleach with 3 parts water. Soak your seashells in the mixture for several hours. If grime and calcium has built up on the shells, try removing it with a toothbrush. Thoroughly rinse your shells in warm water and let them dry completely. 3 Drill a hole in the center of each seashell. Use your power drill and 1/16 (1.6 mm) drill bit to drill a small hole in the center of each seashell. [12] X Research source 4 Drill holes in the starfish. Make 6 holes in your starfish, one in the center, and one on each corner/point, using your power drill and 1/16 (1.6 mm) drill bit. [13] X Research source 5 Tie cord through each hole in the starfish. Cut 5 pieces of stretch cord (or fishing line) to a length of 24 in (60 cm). Tie a triple knot at the end of each cord. Thread your cord from the outside of your starfish, in, so the knot catches at the point and seashells can be hung from the cord. Repeat for all 5 corners. [14] X Research source 6 Thread shells onto your cord. Thread a seashell onto the cord and tie a triple knot to prevent it from sliding down the cord. Thread another seashell onto the cord 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) from the first one. Tie another triple knot to secure the shell. [15] X Research source 7 Continue adding shells until all the cords are full. Repeat the process until each cord is full of shells. You may want to vary the starting point for the shells on different cords so that the shells will bump into each other and create a pleasing sound. [16] X Research source 8 Create a loop to hang your wind chime. Cut a 12-in (30.5-cm) piece of twine. Thread it from inside through to the outside of the hole in the center of your starfish. Tie a triple knot on the inside to secure the twine. Then, make a loop and tie another knot. [17] X Research source 9 Display your wind chime. Hang your new seashell wind chime from a hook either outdoors or indoors. Enjoy your unique and beautiful chimes. [18] X Research source Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Making a Wind Chime from Driftwood Download Article 1 Collect your materials. You'll need 24 seashells, string or fishing line, a piece of driftwood, a power drill with 1/32 in (0.8 mm) drill bit, and scissors. [19] X Research source 2 Wash your seashells . Unless you purchased sanitized or fake seashells, they need to be cleaned. Soak your seashells in a large bowl or bucket for several hours in a mixture of 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. If dirt and calcium remain on the shells, scrub them with an old toothbrush. Soak or rinse your shells in warm water and allow them to dry completely. 3 Drill holes in the shells. Use the power drill with 1/16 in (1.6 mm) drill bit to drill one hole in each shell. You can place masking tape over the spot before drilling to prevent the shells from breaking. The hole can be placed anywhere on the shell, just keep in mind it will affect the orientation of the hanging shell. [20] X Research source 4 Cut your string. Cut your fishing line or thread into pieces. The number of pieces depends on the size of the driftwood. You can cut all the pieces of thread at the same length, or vary the lengths for a more eclectic look. [21] X Research source 5 Tie the string to the driftwood. Wrap the thread around the driftwood and tie a double knot to keep it from coming off. Keep in mind you want each piece close enough to its neighbor that the shells will bump into each other. [22] X Research source You can hide the string and knots by decorating the top of the driftwood with shells that you hot-glue on. 6 Add shells to the string. Thread a seashell up the string and tie a knot under it to prevent it from slipping down. Continue until all the strings are filled with seashells. [23] X Research source 7 Hang your driftwood. Tie string to each end of the wood and anchor it to the ceiling or hang the strings from a tree branch. Enjoy your seashell creation. [24] X Research source Advertisement Community Q&A Search Add New Question Question Do I have to put clear nail polish or mineral oil on my shells? Community Answer No, but oiling them will keep them shiny and strong. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 19 Question Can I use wire instead of string? Community Answer Wire does not sway or move like string does, so if you want the shells to move in the wind you shouldn't use wire. But if you just want something to hang shells on, wire is a good choice. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14 Question How do I put holes in shells without a sharp utensil? Community Answer You can use a drill to make a small hole in the shells. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 27 Helpful 10 See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Video Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Things You'll Need Using an Embroidery Hoop Seashells (24) String or fishing line Embroidery hoop Power drill with 1/32 in (0.8 mm) drill bit Scissors Water Dish soap Pencil Masking tape (optional) Creating a Base with a Starfish Seashells (34) Starfish (1) Clear stretchy jewelry cord (or fishing line) Power drill with 1/16 in (1.6 mm) drill bit Twine (12 in or 30.5 cm) Scissors Water Dish soap Making a Wind Chime from Driftwood Seashells (24) String or fishing line Driftwood Power drill with 1/32 in (0.8 mm) drill bit Scissors Water Dish soap You Might Also Like How to Make a Beaded Wind Chime How to Drill a Hole in a Seashell (Without a Drill) How to Make a Shell Necklace How to Make Wind Chimes From Old Silverware How to Make DIY Bamboo Wind Chimes Building and Tuning a Wind Chime at Home How to Hang Wind Chimes How to Make a Wind Chime Out of a Glass Wine Bottle How to Blow a Conch Shell Step-by-Step Guide for Making a Stunning Dreamcatcher How to Make Wooden Beads How to Paint on Sea Shells How to Make Feather Fans How to Hang a Decorative Fishnet Advertisement References ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html ↑ Nicole Bolin. Crafts & DIY Specialist. Expert Interview ↑ Nicole Bolin. Crafts & DIY Specialist. Expert Interview ↑ Nicole Bolin. Crafts & DIY Specialist. Expert Interview ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html More References (15) ↑ http://cozyseasidehomestead.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-seashell-windchimes.html ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.u-createcrafts.com/creative-guest-lee-la-la/ ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/Sea-Shell-Wind-Chimes.html ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/Sea-Shell-Wind-Chimes.html ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/Sea-Shell-Wind-Chimes.html ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/Sea-Shell-Wind-Chimes.html ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/Sea-Shell-Wind-Chimes.html ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/Sea-Shell-Wind-Chimes.html About This Article Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist This article was co-authored by Nicole Bolin and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell . Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle. This article has been viewed 199,924 times. 17 votes - 94% Co-authors: 15 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 199,924 Categories: Nature Crafts Article Summary X Creating seashell wind chimes is a simple and inexpensive way to remember a seaside vacation or spend some memorable time with your child. For this project, you’ll need 24 shells, string or fishing line, an inner wood hoop, a power drill, and a pair of scissors. Wash your shells in a solution of 1 part bleach with 3 parts water. Then, mark 24 evenly spaced holes on your embroidery hoop, then use your power drill to create holes large enough to pass your string through. You’ll also need to drill small holes through each shell. Cut your string into 24 separate pieces that are about 12 inches long, tie one end of the string through the hole in each seashell, and tie the other end onto the hole in the embroidery loop. To learn how to make a wind chime from driftwood, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No In other languages Spanish Japanese Print Send fan mail to authors Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 199,924 times. Reader Success Stories Rand Moore Mar 3, 2017 "Thank you for the info. I had questions about drilling through seashells and cracking. Thank you." Share your story Did this article help you? Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy . Co-authored by: Nicole Bolin Crafts & DIY Specialist Co-authors: 15 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views:  199,924 94% of readers found this article helpful . 17 votes - 94% Click a star to add your vote Rand Moore Mar 3, 2017 "Thank you for the info. I had questions about drilling through seashells and cracking. Thank you." Share yours! Quizzes & Games What Instrument Should I Play Quiz Take Quiz What Type of Witch Am I Quiz Take Quiz What Crystal Do I Need Quiz Take Quiz What Piercing Should I Get Quiz Take Quiz You Might Also Like How to Make a Beaded Wind Chime How to Drill a Hole in a Seashell (Without a Drill) How to Make a Shell Necklace How to Make Wind Chimes From Old Silverware Trending Articles What’s the Name of My Crush? Guess My Body Count Are These Dating Scenarios Red or Green Flags? What Country Is My Personality Quiz Trending Articles Am I a Girl's Girl? Which Villain Archetype Would You Be? One Has to Go: Food Edition Can We Guess Your Rice Purity Score? Take the Quiz. 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