hese soothing shell wind chimes are an easy, breezy project you can make in less than an hour and enjoy all summer.

You'll need:

• 15-20 shells (see step 1 below for directions on size, weight, etc.)
• 10' - 12' of monofilament fishing line
• 5" - 10" piece of driftwood (approx. 1" in diameter) or a beach sign – to use as a base
• Scissors
• Craft drill with 1/8" bit
• Super Glue® or hot glue gun
• Teacup hook

Directions:

1. Select your shells carefully. Lightweight shells make a delicate tinkling sound and heavier shells make a deeper one. For multi-tones, use a variety of kinds and sizes. (Capiz shells are the most melodious, so these make an ear-pleasing choice.) When possible, choose shells that already have a hole – it'll save time – and be sure to collect more than you need. Shells may break during drilling. (Shells can be purchased at most Michaels® Stores.)
2. Lay out shells in a design you like. Arrange by size or color – whatever you find appealing.
3. Select your windcatcher (or base). If you're using driftwood, it needs to be 5"-10" inches long and approximately an inch in diameter. A pre-made beach sign is another fun look. The weather will distress it, adding to its appeal.
4. Using a craft drill with a very small bit (1/8"), drill a hole in the top of each shell, unless your shells already have holes.
5. Cut the fishing line into ten lengths, each about 12"-14" long. Tie triple knots, one over the other, to create a ball knot at the end of each string.
6. Working from your design, slide the first shell down to the bottom of a string, resting it on the knot. If you want each chime to have two shells, tie triple knots about 2" above the first shell, then slide a second shell down the string until it rests on the knot. Leave 5"-6" of string above the shell to secure the chime to the wind chime.
7. Following the directions above, make ten chime strings.
8. Drill ten small holes all the way through the driftwood (or beach sign). The holes should be close together, leaving just enough space between them so the shell chimes will barely touch when strung through.
9. To attach the chimes to the driftwood (or beach sign) base, thread the top of each string of shells through one of the holes you drilled in the driftwood and secure it with a triple knot. Stagger the lengths of the string chimes, making some shorter than the others, so the shells will bump into each other, creating "music." When you're happy with the way the chimes look and sound, trim the knots and secure each with a dab of Super Glue® or hot glue.
10. Screw a teacup hook into the top of each end of the wind chime to ensure an even balance once hung.

Hang your wind chime on a tree or a porch beam and wait for a breeze!

For more shell crafts ideas, click here!