Strainer Planter Wind Chimes

4 Materials
$10
3 Hours
Medium

I have always had a thing for wind chimes, and I also love hanging planters. So I thought why not combine the two?

I repurposed a plain metal strainer and measuring spoons that I found at the thrift store to make a planter that also plays beautiful music in the sweet summer breezes.

Here are my supplies: A large metal strainer, metal measuring spoons, key rings, dog leash chain, measuring tape, sharpie, drill with a metal drill bit, and spray paint. UPDATE: I used 1" single key rings, not double. Double key rings might not be flexible enough to get through the holes in the strainer.

I spray painted the bottom of the strainer with the Rustoleum Lagoon turquoise paint. I taped off the handles because I wanted them to stay the natural metal. The bottom and the inside were kept natural as well.

Then I drilled 3 sets of 2 holes into the rim of the strainer to feed the key rings through so I could hang the planter with the leash chain, which I took apart making 3 equal pieces for hanging. Before I drilled the holes I marked the spots with my Sharpie.

Then I made more hangers out of the leash chain, and attached the measuring spoons to the bottom of the strainer using key rings.

I put a small piece of plastic just on the bottom of the planter where my chimes are hanging. There's still plenty of drainage through the holes on the sides. Then I lined the planter with some spare cocoa fibre that I had, filled it with potting soil, and planted it with some plants that hadn't found a pot yet.

I added a sweet little stained glass angel at the top. Her dangling heart says Follow Your Dream.

Then I added a little bling in the centre of the measuring spoon chimes with a large chandelier crystal, just because I love a little bling... and it really does sparkle in the sunlight.

And here's the finished strainer planter wind chime.

Here it is in my garden. Now we're not only enjoying a hanging basket of flowers, but the lovely sound of the chimes as well. To see more garden art projects check out my blog at http://thriftyrebelvintage.com/

Suggested materials:
  • Strainer   (thrift store)
  • Measuring spoons   (thrifty store)
  • Single layer key rings   (amazon)
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Tuula - Color Me Thrifty
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 of 13 questions
  • Darla Jones Council Darla Jones Council on Apr 05, 2016
    I can't wait to make one of these! How did you take apart the dog leash? Did you have to cut the chain? Thanks!
  • Debbie Sullivan Debbie Sullivan on May 07, 2017

    I sprayed my strainers & the paint is peeling off then. what should I do?


    I was maiking them for Mother's Day gifts. Help please

  • Cheryl flower lady Cheryl flower lady on Sep 07, 2017

    I LOVE wind chimes and would love to try making this one so, I have a LOT of old butter knives that are no longer needed, could you use just these to make the chimes or should they vary?

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5 of 278 comments
  • Country Gal Country Gal on Apr 16, 2020

    Turned out beautiful. I'm a DIY person I'm going to make one up. Thanks for sharing this great DIY.

  • Tamara Plihal Tamara Plihal on Jan 30, 2021

    I have looked for single key rings even on Amazon but all I can find is single ring binder rings. Nothing for single key rings. I understand the double wouldn’t work but binder rings could come apart. Can you tell me where to find them I’ve been to dollar stores Amazon and can’t find anything that says single key rings. I really want to make this thank you so much

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    • R.l15026013 R.l15026013 on Apr 23, 2023

      Why not try using some ball chain with the click lock? Like the kind on a ceiling fan pull or Keychain. It would fit right through the holes of the strainer without having to fight with the ring or pinching the loop back together tight.

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