Rain chains are an appealing and practical alternative to traditional downspouts, providing a visually captivating way to transport water from the roof of a building down to a catch basin on the ground or into a rain barrel.

Simple DIY rain chain with instructions at My Home My Style
Rain chains have been used in different areas of the world for hundreds of years as decorative elements on homes and for water collection.
Being able to see the water coming down rather than hiding it in a plastic or metal downspout adds visual interest to a home or garden, and the chain also enhances the noise of the falling water, creating a variety of beautiful sounds. They are especially gorgeous in winter when water dripping down the chain turns to ice.

Quick and easy DIY rain chain from All Things Heart & Home using mini terra cotta pots
If you have ever shopped for rain chains you probably noticed they are not cheap! Thankfully you can easily make your own out of inexpensive or repurposed materials.
Your chain can be as simple as just a chain or as elaborate as your imagination will allow.

Copper rain chain via Tool Using Animal on Instructables
Browse through these inspiring rain chains – they might just spark your creativity for a weekend craft project.

Gorgeous stone and wire rain chain via Elderberry Street
As long as your chain provides a vertical pathway for water to move from the roof to the ground, you can get as creative as you want and experiment with a variety of materials to create a functional work of art.

Rustic chain leading to a rain barrel, via Old House Crazy

Beautiful ombre terra cotta rain chain via Design Sponge

Rain chain using mini steel buckets via Curbly

Make a rain chain using spoons, via Birds and Blooms

Flower pot rain chain via Cut Out & Keep

Tin bucket rain chain & barrel via Timeless Treasures
Here’s a video showing how you can make your own super simple rain chain using binder rings:
As you can see, a rain chain can be made out of just about anything! A few inexpensive materials, a little time, and some creativity are all you really need.
11 Beautiful DIY Rain Chain Ideas — Homestead and Survival
Thursday 10th of April 2014
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