July is the heart of summer, y’all—the perfect time to slow down, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy the beauty all around us. One of my favorite ways to remember a summer walk, a camping trip, or even just a backyard stroll is to turn those little found treasures into something special. And what better project than a homemade wind chime to catch the breeze and sing the songs of summer?

Crafting wind chimes from nature is simple, relaxing, and gives new life to the things you collect—like shells, sticks, feathers, and smooth stones. Each piece tells a story, and together they make something beautiful that dances and jingles in the wind.

What You’ll Need

  • Sturdy stick or small branch (for the top bar)
  • Twine, string, or fishing line
  • Natural items: shells, acorns, feathers, driftwood, pinecones, pebbles with holes, or even dried seed pods
  • A nail or small drill (for making holes, if needed)
  • Scissors

Let’s Get Started!

1. Pick Your Treasures:
Go on a little nature hunt—whether it’s at the park, the beach, or your own backyard. Look for items that can hang and catch the wind. Flat shells and small pieces of driftwood work great. If your rocks don’t have holes, you can wrap wire or twine tightly around them to hang them securely.

2. Prep Your Base:
Take your stick or branch and clean it up. You can paint it if you like, or leave it natural for a rustic look. Tie a piece of twine to each end to make a hanger so you can display your chime later.

3. Attach Your Finds:
Cut different lengths of string or twine. Tie one end of each to your nature treasures and the other end to your branch. Mix up the sizes and textures—maybe a feather here, a shell there, and a smooth stone in between.

4. Test the Sound:
Gently blow on your chime or hang it in a breezy spot to hear its music. Some pieces will clink, some might rustle—it’s all part of the charm.

5. Make It Your Own:
Add beads, painted touches, or write a little memory or word on your items. This chime isn’t just pretty—it’s a story of your summer adventures.

Wind chimes made from nature’s gifts are more than just decorations—they’re reminders of time well spent, of walks taken, of quiet moments outdoors. Every little jingle in the wind brings a bit of peace and beauty to your porch, patio, or garden.

So next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out for nature’s little treasures. Gather ’em up, get crafty, and let your summer memories sing in the breeze. Happy crafting, darlin’!