I love a backyard project that looks a little bit unexpected, and this giant set of wind chimes definitely does that. If you’ve got a stash of empty wine bottles, an old wagon wheel, and a corner of the yard that needs some personality, this is the kind of upcycled build that turns scrap into something really striking.
This project is best for confident DIYers who don’t mind working slowly and carefully with glass. I’m usually fitting projects like this into a busy weekend between work, grocery runs, and figuring out dinner, so I built these steps to be practical and manageable. The end result is a colorful, dramatic garden piece that catches light beautifully and moves with the breeze.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash all 30 bottles, remove the labels, and let them dry fully so you can see the glass clearly while working.
2. Inspect the wagon wheel for weak welds, sharp flakes, or cracked metal, and wire-brush off anything loose so the frame is safe to hang.
3. Mark one drilling point on each bottle about 1 1/2 inches below the neck ring, and place painter’s tape over that spot to help reduce bit wandering.
4. Set one bottle on the towel or rubber mat, keep the marked area wet, and drill slowly with a glass drill bit until you pass through the glass without forcing it.
5. Rinse away glass dust, smooth the drilled area if needed, and fit a rubber grommet into the hole to protect the hanging cord from abrasion.
6. Repeat the drilling process for all 30 bottles, working in small batches so you can stay patient and consistent; this is the part I spread over two evenings with a podcast on.
7. Cut 30 lengths of nylon cord, varying them between 18 inches and 42 inches, so the bottles will hang at staggered heights for a fuller look.
8. Tie one jump ring to the top end of each cord and thread the other end through a bottle’s drilled hole, then knot it securely inside the neck area so the bottle hangs upright.
9. Add a bead or metal washer above or below the bottle if you want a little extra sound and spacing, then place a small dab of silicone on knots if you want added security.
10. Lay the wagon wheel flat and space the 30 bottle cords evenly around the outer rim, attaching each jump ring to a spoke junction, rim hole, or an added S-hook point.
11. Step back and adjust the spacing so the bottles are balanced visually and won’t knock too hard into each other in a light breeze.
12. Attach three equal support lengths from the wagon wheel to a central S-hook or chain connection point, checking that the wheel hangs level before lifting it fully.
13. Hang the finished piece from a heavy-duty outdoor hook on a sturdy pergola beam, porch beam, or thick tree limb, making sure it has enough clearance to move freely.
14. Test the movement with a gentle push, trim any uneven cord ends, and make final spacing adjustments until the bottles hang cleanly and catch both light and wind.
Variations & Tips
Color Pattern: Group bottles by color in a repeating pattern if you want the finished piece to look more intentional from a distance. Green, amber, and blue glass together always feels especially pretty in the evening light.
Safer Sound: If you want less clinking, leave a little more space between bottles and use soft nylon spacers or beads to reduce hard contact.
Weather Tip: Hang this project in a spot that gets breeze but not constant strong wind. In storm-prone areas, I’d bring it down seasonally or at least before severe weather rolls through.
Drilling Tip: Let the drill do the work and keep the glass cool with water at all times. Rushing is the fastest way to crack a bottle and lose your momentum.
Wheel Substitute: If you can’t find a wagon wheel, a large metal bicycle rim cluster or a steel hoop can create a similar look, as long as the frame is sturdy enough for the bottle weight.
Hanging Support: Thirty glass bottles get heavy quickly, so always overbuild the hanging hardware. I treat outdoor hanging projects the same way I treat meal prep containers in my kitchen: if the support system isn’t reliable, the whole thing becomes more stressful than fun.