We came home from the beach last summer with a bag of shells and absolutely no plan for them, which is how the bag ended up living on our porch for three months. Then we painted them all pastel, strung them on a piece of driftwood, and now they are a wind chime that makes the softest, prettiest clinking sound every time the breeze picks up. The shell bag has been replaced by the shell chime, and I am so much happier about it.
This is a paint-and-string project: seashells painted in soft pastel colors, hung at different lengths from driftwood or a wooden dowel with beads mixed in. It is gentle, beachy, and makes the loveliest sound — not clangy like metal chimes, just soft shell-on-shell taps.
Why You'll Love Making This
First, painting shells is deeply satisfying. Each shell takes the pastel paint a little differently — the ridges, the curves, the natural texture all show through — so every single one comes out unique. My kids lined theirs up like an art gallery when they finished painting and refused to let me string them up for a full day.
Second, it is decor with a memory attached. Every shell in ours came from the same beach trip, so when it chimes on the porch it is basically a souvenir that plays music. Even with store-bought shells, kids love that they made something real enough to hang outside.
Materials You'll Need
- Seashells in assorted shapes (scallops, conchs, clam shells — craft store bags work great, or your own beach finds)
- Pastel acrylic paints (pink, mint, lavender, baby blue, peach)
- A small paintbrush
- A piece of driftwood or a wooden dowel, about 12 inches long (for the top bar)
- Fishing line or strong craft string
- A hot glue gun or strong craft adhesive (adult job)
- Scissors
- Small wooden or pastel beads (optional, for extra color between shells)
- Twine (for the hanging loop)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Wash your shells in warm soapy water and let them dry completely. Paint each shell in a pastel color — one coat is usually enough, two if you want it more opaque. Let them dry fully.
- Cut 5 to 7 lengths of fishing line in different lengths, from about 8 inches down to about 14 inches. Varying the lengths is what gives the chime its pretty cascading look.
- Tie or hot-glue shells onto each line, spacing them a few inches apart. Tuck a bead between shells here and there for extra color. An adult should handle the hot glue.
- Tie the top of each line to the driftwood or dowel, spacing them evenly across. Wrap the line around the wood twice and knot it tightly so nothing slides.
- Tie a length of twine to each end of the driftwood, bring the two ends together, and knot them to make a hanging loop.
- Hang your chime on a porch, in a tree, or near a window that opens — then wait for the breeze and enjoy the soft clinking.
Tips for Shells That Last
If you collected your own shells, soak them in a bucket of water with a splash of bleach-free soap for a few hours first, then rinse well. Beach shells can hide sand and tiny hitchhikers in their crevices, and clean shells take paint much better.
Hot glue holds shells to fishing line surprisingly well, but for heavier shells, tie the line through the shell's natural opening or around its narrowest point instead of relying on glue alone.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add tiny starfish (craft store ones) between the shells for a full under-the-sea look.
- Paint the shells in ocean ombre: shades of blue from pale to deep on different strands.
- String on small bells between every third shell for a chime with a little more voice.
- Make a mini version on a short stick as a bedroom window decoration.
FAQs
Do I have to drill holes in the shells?
No — that is the beauty of this version. Hot glue or tight knots hold the shells to the line without any drilling. Drilling shells requires a special bit and they crack easily, so the no-drill method is much more kid-friendly.
Can it hang outside in the rain?
Acrylic paint is water-resistant once fully dry, so light rain is fine. In heavy storms or over winter, bring it inside to keep the string and paint looking fresh. Ours has survived a whole summer on the porch.
What if I do not live near a beach?
Craft stores sell big bags of assorted shells for a few dollars, and they are clean and ready to paint. No beach trip required — though the craft is an excellent excuse for one.
Is this okay for young kids?
Painting is perfect for ages 3 and up (use washable tempera instead of acrylic for the littlest ones). An adult should do the hot gluing, knot tying, and hanging.
How do I keep the lines from tangling?
Space the strands at least 2 inches apart on the driftwood and keep the length differences obvious. If they tangle in a big wind, just untwist them by hand — fishing line untangles easier than string.
