I’m enamored with rain chains, perhaps it’s because we’re about to float away with all the rain we’ve gotten in the past few weeks. Or maybe it’s because I’ve been seeing them everywhere, whatever the reason, I love ’em!
What’s not to love?
If it’s true that, into every life a little rain must fall, why not give yourself a gift for those rainy days? Rain chains can be functional but they are also quite beautiful…all that lovely water flowing down through cups over links of chain…
…and coming to rest in a river rock basin.
Traditionally, rain chains are made of cooper, but I thought I’d try using one of my favorite things. If you’ve been hanging out with me this spring and summer, you know I’m nuts about all things Terra Cotta, so it was only natural for me to use sweet little Terra Cotta pots and a large Terra Cotta saucer.
I googled and found THIS adorable painted flower pot rain chain at Fabric Paper Glue and adjusted Mandy’s measurements …
Here’s what ya need, everything can be found at The Home Depot
* 10 little pots (you can use all in one size, I decided to try 2 sizes-either way if fine!)
*11 feet of chain~I used black
*Small section of a tiny chain (found this at The Home Depot in the Lighting area). A link of small chain goes through the hole in the pot to connect them to the larger link of chain.
*River Rocks (pond pebbles)
*Terra Cotta Saucer
*Needle Nose Pliers
~First I aged the Terra Cotta with the easy technique I showed you HERE. Giving Terra Cotta a patina adds character and it’s not hard at all!
The smaller of the two size pots I used had holes in the bottom that weren’t big enough so I CAREFULLY put the needle nose pliers into the hole, turned them around slowly making the hole bigger. (One of my pots cracked so be careful 🙂 )
Divide the chain into 8 equal parts & 2 longer sections for the top and the bottom. (Use the needle nose pliers to pry the links apart and reconnect them)
Connect the pots using a link of the smaller chain putting it through the hole then attaching it to another link of chain.
~The longer links of chain go on the top and the bottom, the length depends on where you’re hanging your rain chain.
You’ll want a bit of the chain landing in the saucer full of river rocks…
The rain water flows into the saucer and it’s kinda lovely with all those smooth stones…
I attached my rain chain to the gutter on my back deck where rain spills over. We can see it from inside the house and from the screen porch. It’s so pretty when it’s pouring rain. I know this because we’ve gotten to see it in action every day since I hung it up…pouring rain for days peeps 🙂
The Husband, that sweet man, helped me take pictures during a deluge…
We came inside soaking wet, him growling about the things he does for me and me tickled because I got to play in the rain 🙂
This was a quick and easy project and I’m thinking I picked the very best week of the year to make this little rain chain~
~Rain or shine, have a beautiful day my friends~
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
July 8, 2013 at 8:46 amI love it, what a great idea and great tutorial. We could sure use some of that rain. Hugs, Marty
Robin says
July 8, 2013 at 12:00 pmOh Marty! Honey I wish I could send you a day of showers like we’ve been having!!! xoxo
Angela says
July 8, 2013 at 9:49 amI’m so glad you did this project!! I’ve been looking at copper ones to buy but this is even better! Hope your rain subsides and you get some sunshine soon!~~Angela
Robin says
July 8, 2013 at 12:00 pmAng, I love the copper ones! But truly this one is easier on the wallet! xo
Rachael says
July 8, 2013 at 12:36 pmVery pretty!! I just made a rain chain too. Except I used PVC pipe caps, spray painted a pretty bronze metal color. You can see it on my blog here http://fromnorthtosouthblog.com/2013/07/05/here-comes-the-rain-chain/
Robin says
July 8, 2013 at 6:05 pmRachel, I love the bronze ones! How brilliant to use spray paint! xo
Elizabeth says
July 8, 2013 at 12:54 pmVery neat project!
Allyson says
July 8, 2013 at 2:01 pmThis is so cute, I love it! My son would have so much fun with this! [email protected] Superhero
Robin says
July 8, 2013 at 6:04 pmAllyson, you’re right this would be something an older kiddo could help with! xo
Lindsey, the Redhead Baby Mama says
July 10, 2013 at 7:19 ambeautiful! I doubt I’ll ever get to have one at this house because any settling water draws mosquitos! 🙂
Robin says
July 10, 2013 at 8:23 amLindsey, I may end up drilling holes in the saucer so the water can drain! We have giant mosquitoes too!
Carla Harrod Hampton says
July 14, 2013 at 3:49 amI think they are very cool too! I was wondering if the “rain stays mainly on the chain” or does it kind of go everywhere and splatter on each of the flower pots? I guess I am curious about how efficient they are in getting the water from the gutter to the ground without making a huge muddy mess since I will be having mine dripping into my flower bed. Need to know before I take the plunge and make one! They look like a great conversation piece and add a bit of “artsy” to your home. Thanks for sharing!
Robin says
July 14, 2013 at 7:54 amCarla, My pots aren’t as effective as ones that stand straight up, there are also rain chains (DIY) that are only chains! They look like they would be more efficient. Mine isn’t in place of a downspout so it doesn’t have to be super efficient, I just love watching it! good luck, pls. let me know what you decide to do! xo
Julie Garmon says
July 16, 2013 at 11:45 amDelightful in every way! And what about the photography??!! Actually shows the rain.
Love. Love. Love this idea!
Robin says
July 16, 2013 at 7:50 pmThanks Julie, xo
Robin says
July 17, 2013 at 7:39 pmThanks Jewels xoxo
Ann Taylor says
January 11, 2014 at 11:54 pmI’m confused! You said you age them and they are used outside for rain chain. Love the idea! But when I click on for aging instructions you said you painted, sanded and painted again, sanded and then said that the painting instructions say you cannot use these outside. Did I miss something or what?
Robin says
January 12, 2014 at 3:54 pmAnn you’re right the paint instructions suggest not using the paint outside but I did it anyway and it worked great! Mine have been outside for months ! Let me know if you have any more questions…
Lynn says
March 28, 2014 at 10:49 amI like this and you could run the chain down into a potted plant so that mosquitoes are not a problem. My QUESTION: How did you attach it to the gutter?
Robin says
March 29, 2014 at 7:48 pmLynn, we used a big S hook…oh and I love the idea about it running into a potted plant! xo
Mindy says
April 4, 2014 at 8:34 amI LOVE this idea and can’t wait to make one for myself. The only thing I am confused about is where, how you use the smaller chain. Can you please give me more direction on how this is attached? Thank you!
Robin says
April 7, 2014 at 8:26 pmMindy, thank you! The small chain goes through the tiny holes in the bottom of the pots and connects the larger chain! I’d love to see your rain chain if you make it!!! Let me know if you have any more questions! ox
linda says
February 26, 2017 at 3:04 pmget the pots and rocks at the dollar tree
Tracie says
April 6, 2017 at 5:18 pmThis is very cute! Perhaps someone could brain storm a way to have the pots stand up, without destroying the look. I am new to the DIY life, but enjoy doing the projects.