DIY Recycled Plastic Lid Wind Chime – A Fun, Eco-Friendly Outdoor Craft

If your junk drawer is overflowing with mismatched plastic lids (I see you, rogue peanut butter tops and juice caps), this is the perfect way to give them new life! This cheerful wind chime is made entirely from recycled materials and is a great weekend craft for kids or adults who don’t mind a little drilling and dangling.

It’s lightweight, colorful, and makes the gentlest rattle in the breeze—just enough to say “I’m here, and I used to be landfill.”

Hang it from a tree, your patio, or even on the fence by the veggie garden. Bonus points if you match lid colors to your outdoor decor!

Get more details about this project

What you need

A variety of clean plastic lids (different sizes and colors look great)

Cotton cord, twine, or fishing line

A large stick, driftwood, or metal rod for the top base

Drill with small bit (or hot nail for melting holes—use caution)

Scissors

Optional: beads, bells, metal washers for extra sound

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Lids

Wash and dry your plastic lids thoroughly. Remove any paper labels or sticky residue. If you want to decorate them further, you can paint them or add stickers—just make sure they’re weatherproof if going outdoors.

Step 2: Drill the Holes

Using a small drill bit, carefully drill a hole near the edge of each lid. If you’re using thick lids, it helps to place them on a wooden block and go slow. For smaller kids, an adult can use a heated metal skewer or nail to melt holes through.

Each lid needs at least one hole—some can have two if you want to link them vertically.

Step 3: Cut and Prep Your Cord

Decide how long you want your wind chime strands to be. Cut several lengths of cord or twine. Three to five strands works well for a balanced look. Tie a thick knot or add a small bead at the bottom of each cord to stop the lowest lid from slipping off.

Step 4: Start Threading

Thread your first lid onto the cord and tie a knot above it to hold it in place. Continue adding lids up the cord, spacing them 2–3 inches apart and knotting above each one.

Mix up colors and sizes for a playful look. If you want sound, try threading a metal washer between some of the lids so they clink in the breeze.

Step 5: Attach Strands to Your Base

Tie each cord strand to your stick, branch, or chosen base. Space them evenly and adjust the hanging lengths for a staggered effect.

Step 6: Add a Hanging Loop

Tie a longer cord to both ends of the stick so you can hang your wind chime from a hook, branch, or nail.