A shell wind chime is a simple, inexpensive way to brighten a garden or patio in summer and remember a seaside holiday. The project is also a fun way to spend time with a child, who can help develop this summer decoration. You only need a few tools and materials, and the design can be adapted easily. Arrange the shells in your own pattern to create a unique, beautiful piece.
Materials for a shell wind chime
Gather your materials. For this project, you’ll need 30 shells of relatively uniform size, a starfish, string or fishing line, a drill with a small bit (0.8 mm or less), and scissors.
Shell wind chime craft: instructions
1. Start by making a hole in the center of each shell. A drill makes this easier, but a hammer and nail can also work. Then drill holes in the five points of the starfish and one in the middle. The starfish will be the base of your wind chime.
Drilling the starfish
2. Now build the base. Cut five pieces of fishing line, each about 70 centimeters long. Tie a triple knot at the end of each strand. Thread the line from the outside of the starfish to the inside, so the knot sits securely. Repeat this for all five points. Now you are ready to attach the shells.
Line through the five points
3. Using the same threading method, from outside to inside, start tying the shells onto the fishing line. After each shell, tie a triple knot so the shells stay spaced in a row. Leave about 10 centimeters between each shell, or adjust the spacing to suit your design.
Knots
4. Repeat the process until all five strands are filled with shells. The more varied your shells are, the livelier the result will be.
Tie the shells and leave space between them
5. Now create a loop so you can hang the shell wind chime. Cut a 30-centimeter piece of string. Thread it from the inside through the center of the starfish and secure it with a triple knot.
Hanging loop 
Done!
Arts and crafts with the kids
Theresa V. Adams
miranda_shida
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
