Inspired by a trip to Japan, we set out to recreate the peaceful beauty of temple rain chains right at home.
With 20 matching ceramic bowls and a bit of creativity, we transformed an idea into a striking garden feature—here’s exactly how we made our own DIY rain chain.
Why This Rain Chain Project Works
- Brings a touch of Japanese garden design to your home
- Repurposes second-hand materials in a beautiful and functional way
- Requires only basic tools and beginner DIY skills
- Completely customizable—mix and match your own ceramic pieces
- Produces soothing water sounds during rainfall
- Great project for using up extra materials or giving new life to found objects
What You Will Need
- 20 ceramic bowls (we used matching blue porcelain)
- ~30 ft (10 meters) galvanized steel wire
- Angle grinder with ceramic/glass blade
- Electric drill with concrete & wood/plastic bits
- Pliers with wire cutter
- Wooden board + about 20 nails
- Safety gear: gloves, goggles, dust mask, earplugs
- Ruler, pencil, scissors, paper, hammer
Step 1: Cut the Bowl Bottoms
Using an angle grinder and a ceramic blade, we carefully cut out the base of each bowl. Use plenty of water for lubrication to reduce heat and dust. Each cut took about 1 minute per bowl—20 bowls done in 20 minutes.
Step 2: Sketch and Build a Wire Bending Mold
We folded a sheet of paper, traced the wire hook shape for consistency, and transferred the pattern onto a wooden board. Then, we nailed around the edges to create a simple mold for mass-producing uniform wire holders.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Wire
Unbent a test wire to measure the full length needed. We cut 40 pieces of galvanized wire to size. Using the mold, we bent each wire into shape, forming a double-crossed hook that would support the bowls securely.
Step 4: Assemble the Rain Chain
We started with the top bowl. Two bent wires crisscrossed through the hole, and the ends were folded back tightly. Each new bowl was linked to the last by crossing the wires beneath the previous one, forming a repeating chain structure.
Step 5: Attach to the Gutter
To hang the rain chain, we drilled holes in the PVC downspout collar and threaded a new cross of wire through both the collar and the top bowl’s wire loop. The twisted ends secured everything firmly in place.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
We didn’t anchor the bottom—the chain was heavy and stable enough. Instead, we placed a ceramic water jar underneath to collect rainwater. Not only does it work well, it also makes a calming sound during light showers.
Note: Always work over a soft surface like a blanket or rug to prevent ceramic breakage. Don’t skip PPE—ceramic dust is hazardous, and grinder accidents can ruin your project and your day.
Other Details Display
- Bowl Color: Blue (symbolizes water, serene aesthetic)
- Hole Size: ~2 inches (recommend larger for heavy rain areas)
- Spacing Between Bowls: ~4.7 inches (0.12m)
- Total Drop Length: ~8 feet (2.4m + clearance)
- Wire Gauge: Flexible galvanized steel (easy to bend by hand)
- Cutting Method: Angle grinder with water as coolant
- Visual Style: Bell-shaped wire hooks, minimalist and symmetrical
- Surface to Work On: Blanket or carpeted area (to protect porcelain)
- Sound: Soft trickling in light rain; louder splashes in storms
Summary
This ceramic bowl rain chain adds charm, sound, and character to any garden space. With just wire, bowls, and basic tools, we brought a little piece of Japan into our home. If you’re into mindful DIY, this project is a must-try.
This plan is a contribution by [eyewalk]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here. If you have a plan to share, we welcome your submissions!
