I bought a roll of chicken wire for one garden project. The roll was huge, the project was tiny, and the rest sat in my garage for months. Then I started looking at it differently. That simple hexagon mesh can hold beads, notes, plants, fairy lights and even a pile of fresh greenery.
Chicken wire is cheap, easy to bend and forgiving for beginners, which makes it perfect for crafting. These 10 chicken wire DIY projects range from a glowing beaded suncatcher and a farmhouse memo board to practical garden builds and a pretty Christmas tree.
1. Beaded Chicken Wire Suncatcher
This is the chicken wire project everyone is making right now, and for good reason. You push a glass bead into each little hexagon, and when the sun hits it, the whole window glows. It’s calm, slow crafting, almost like a puzzle.
I made a small round one in an embroidery hoop first. It took one evening and now it throws little rainbows across the kitchen every morning.
Why I love it
- Glows beautifully in the sun
- Relaxing and easy to make
- Every one turns out unique
Project Card · One evening · Easy
Materials Needed
- A small piece of 1/2 inch chicken wire
- A wooden embroidery hoop, about 10 to 12 inches
- Faceted glass or acrylic beads, about 8 to 10 mm
- Wire cutters
- Thin craft wire
- Ribbon for hanging
How to Make It
- Cut a piece of chicken wire a little bigger than the hoop.
- Clamp the wire between the inner and outer hoop rings, pull it flat and tighten the screw.
- Trim the extra wire close to the hoop and fold any sharp ends inward.
- Push one bead into each hexagon so it sits snugly, or thread craft wire through the bead and twist it around the mesh to secure it.
- Work in color rows or a simple pattern, like a gradient or a flower.
- Tie a ribbon to the top of the hoop and hang it in a sunny window.
Don’t want to DIY?
Glass Beads for Suncatchers
A big mixed jar of faceted glass beads gives you enough color for a whole suncatcher, with sizes that fit chicken wire perfectly.
PRO TIP Lay the beads out on a towel in your pattern before you start. It’s much easier than deciding color by color.
2. Framed Chicken Wire Memo Board
Stretch chicken wire across an old picture frame and you get a farmhouse style memo board. Clip notes, photos, recipes and invitations to it with tiny clothespins. It’s practical and pretty at the same time.
In my experience, a big frame works best. It gives you room to add things without it ever looking cluttered.
Why I love it
- Keeps notes and photos organized
- Charming farmhouse look
- Uses an old frame
Project Card · 1 hour · Easy
Materials Needed
- A large wooden picture frame with the glass and back removed
- A piece of chicken wire a little larger than the opening
- A staple gun and staples
- Wire cutters and work gloves
- Paint or stain for the frame
- Mini wooden clothespins and two picture hangers
How to Make It
- Remove the glass and backing from the frame and paint or stain it.
- Lay the frame face down and place the chicken wire over the opening.
- Staple one side of the wire to the back of the frame, then pull it tight and staple the opposite side.
- Staple the remaining two sides, keeping the wire flat and even.
- Trim the extra wire and fold any sharp ends under so nothing pokes out.
- Add picture hangers to the back, hang it up and clip on your notes.
Don’t want to DIY?
Chicken Wire Roll for Crafts
One small craft roll is enough for a memo board, a suncatcher and several smaller projects, so it’s worth having on hand.
PRO TIP Always wear gloves when cutting chicken wire. The cut ends are sharper than they look.
3. Chicken Wire Garden Cloche
Birds, rabbits and squirrels love young seedlings as much as we do. A chicken wire cloche is a little dome that protects them while letting in sun, rain and air. It’s one of the most useful things you can make for the garden.
I make a few every spring and move them around as new plants go in.
Why I love it
- Protects seedlings from birds and rabbits
- Lets in sun, air and rain
- Easy to move around the garden
Project Card · 30 minutes · Easy
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View the 30-Day Plan Printable PDF · Instant downloadMaterials Needed
- A piece of chicken wire about 3 feet long and 18 inches wide
- Wire cutters and work gloves
- Pliers
- Garden stakes or landscape pins
How to Make It
- Cut the chicken wire to size with wire cutters.
- Roll it into a tube and twist the cut edges together along the seam with pliers.
- Squeeze one end closed and twist the wire ends together to form a rounded top.
- Shape the dome with your hands so it’s tall enough for the plant to grow.
- Fold the bottom edge out slightly so it sits flat on the soil.
- Place it over the seedling and pin the edges down with garden stakes.
Don’t want to DIY?
Wire Cutters for Chicken Wire
A sharp pair of spring loaded wire cutters makes every chicken wire project faster and keeps your cuts clean.
PRO TIP Make the cloche a little taller than you think you need. Seedlings grow fast and you don’t want them pressing against the wire.
4. Chicken Wire Christmas Tree
A cone of chicken wire filled with fairy lights makes a glowing Christmas tree that looks lovely on a porch or in a corner. It’s light, simple and perfect for small spaces.
Roll the wire into a cone, twist the seam together and slip a string of lights inside. That’s it.
Why I love it
- Glows beautifully at night
- Perfect for small spaces
- Folds away easily after the holidays
You’ll need: chicken wire, wire cutters, pliers, warm white fairy lights and a small star topper.
5. Chicken Wire Wreath with Greenery
Chicken wire shaped into a ring makes a perfect wreath base. You simply poke stems of greenery through the holes. It holds everything firmly without any glue or floral foam.
A tip I picked up: start with the biggest greenery first, then fill the gaps with smaller stems and flowers.
Why I love it
- No glue or foam needed
- Works for every season
- Easy to change the greenery
You’ll need: chicken wire, a metal wreath ring, fresh or faux greenery and a ribbon.
6. Chicken Wire Fence for Garden Beds
A short chicken wire fence around a garden bed keeps out rabbits, chickens and the family dog. It’s cheap and quick to put up, and you can take it down easily at the end of the season.
Bury the bottom few inches of the wire in the soil. Rabbits like to dig under.
Why I love it
- Keeps out rabbits and pets
- Cheap and quick to install
- Easy to remove after the season
You’ll need: a roll of chicken wire, wooden or metal garden stakes, zip ties and wire cutters.
7. Framed Earring and Jewelry Holder
A small frame with chicken wire is the perfect earring holder. Dangle earrings hook straight through the hexagons, and studs push right in. Add a few small hooks along the bottom for necklaces.
I love that you can see every pair at once, so they actually get worn.
Why I love it
- See every pair at a glance
- Looks pretty on the wall
- Made in under an hour
You’ll need: a small picture frame, chicken wire, a staple gun, gold paint and a few cup hooks.
8. Chicken Wire Pendant Lamp Shade
Shape chicken wire into a dome and you get a pendant shade that casts beautiful hexagon shadows at night. Paint it black for a modern farmhouse look or leave it silver for an industrial feel.
Use an LED bulb. It stays cool, which is much safer inside a homemade shade.
Why I love it
- Casts gorgeous patterned shadows
- Fits farmhouse and industrial style
- Costs very little
You’ll need: chicken wire, a lamp shade ring, a pendant light cord kit, black spray paint and an LED bulb.
9. Chicken Wire Storage Basket
A chicken wire basket with a wooden base is great for onions, potatoes and garlic. The open mesh lets air flow around them, which helps them last longer. It also looks great on a farmhouse counter.
Fold the cut edges over twice along the top. It keeps hands safe when you reach in.
Why I love it
- Lets produce breathe
- Rustic farmhouse look
- Sturdy with a wooden base
You’ll need: chicken wire, a square of plywood for the base, a staple gun, rope for handles and wire cutters.
10. Chicken Wire Trellis for Climbing Plants
Climbing plants like peas, cucumbers and sweet peas love chicken wire. The small holes give their tendrils lots of places to grab. Staple the wire inside a simple wooden frame and stand it behind your bed.
Honestly, it works just as well as an expensive trellis for a fraction of the price.
Why I love it
- Perfect grip for climbing plants
- Much cheaper than a store trellis
- Easy to build in an hour
You’ll need: four wooden boards for a frame, chicken wire, a staple gun and two stakes to hold it upright.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size chicken wire is best for crafts?
For crafts like suncatchers and jewelry holders, 1/2 inch chicken wire is best because beads and earrings fit snugly. For garden projects, 1 inch wire works well and is easier to shape.
How do you cut chicken wire safely?
Wear thick gloves and use sharp wire cutters. Cut along the twisted parts of the mesh so the ends are shorter, then fold any sharp points inward with pliers.
What beads fit in chicken wire for a suncatcher?
Faceted glass or acrylic beads around 8 to 10 mm fit most 1/2 inch chicken wire. Test a few beads first, since mesh sizes can vary a little between brands.
Does chicken wire rust outside?
Galvanized chicken wire resists rust for several years outdoors. For extra protection on garden projects, choose vinyl coated chicken wire.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Wire DIY Projects
Chicken wire DIY projects prove that simple, cheap materials can turn into something beautiful. Start with a small beaded suncatcher or a memo board, then use the rest of the roll in the garden or for holiday decor. Grab a pair of gloves and some good cutters, and you’ll be surprised how much you can make from one roll.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.