DIY Brass Bells
Today's project is a true trash to treasure, it's a toilet paper roll craft!
Have you seen those really cool-looking rustic vintage brass bells that so many people display at Christmas time?
I happen to have one... but only one... so I decided to try to create my own bells from stuff I have on hand and a TP tube!
DIY Brass Bells
Those look pretty real, don't they? I think so. Here is the authentic one I have that I used as my model.
- Toilet paper or paper towel tubes (2 TP tubes per bell)
- Gesso (optional)
- Spackle
- Dark brown craft paint
- Metallic gold craft paint
- Rub n' Buff
- Paper straw
- Large needle
- String (to attach the clapper)
- Jute twine (to make a hanger)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step 1: Cut the parts for the bell.
You should have two toilet paper tubes or one paper towel tube. I'll assume you're using a toilet paper tube like I am, if you are using a paper towel tube, just adjust your measurements accordingly.
Cut one tube in half.
Then cut down one side of the half tube to open it up.
Step Two: Create the bell clapper.
You will use a paper straw to create a clapper (the part inside a real bell that makes the noise). cut the straw so it is about the same length as the bell.
You will also use a large needle, some heavy string (embroidery floss would work too), and the circle that you cut in step one.
Thread the needle with the string, tie a knot in one end, and then push it through the sides of the paper straw. Don't do this too close to the end of the straw or it'll just tear through. I went through it a couple times so it wouldn't slide on the string.
Next. poke the needle up through the center of the circle you cut and back down. Leave a couple of inches of string showing so the clapper dangles and is not tight against the cardboard circle, then knot it on the inside.
Glue the small ring to the top.
Glue the large strip of the tube that you cut in step one to the bottom of the bell.
Coat one: paint the whole piece with dark brown (including inside the bottom edge as far as you can). Allow that to dry.
Coat two: paint the whole piece metallic gold (do NOT paint the inside OR the clapper). Allow that to dry.
Coat three: use your finger dipped into dark brown paint and smear it over the top. Make this very rough with uneven coverage. You are creating layers to make it look old.
Coat four: finally, use your finger and Rub n' Buff and go over the bell. Rub n' Buff is a paste wax with metallic powders infused into it and it creates a beautiful, antiqued finish. I used the antique gold color.
A little goes a long way with this stuff and you do not want the entire surface completely covered. some of the gold and dark brown should show through. (My bad, I forgot to get a picture of this step but do it the same way as you did the last coat... with your fingers).
Step Five: Add the final touches.
Use a small, round paintbrush or Q-tip and add some dark brown paint in any of the recessed areas created by the spackle that appear too shiny gold for your taste. I also did this along the bottom where the cardboard strip meets the side of the tube and along the top in the same way. Wipe away any excess.
Paint inside the bottom edge of the clapper with this small brush too.
Add a jute twine hanger and display as you wish! I added mine to a Christmas wreath. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the original, authentic brass bell with my DIY brass bells!
I love the bells! They're very realistic looking and in the wreath is a perfect way to display them.
ReplyDeleteYour mantle looks so pretty and festive. The way the wreath is displayed kinda surrounded by the round baskets looks perfect!
Thanks! I wish I could do more decorating but I just don't see the point right now :)
DeleteI am impressed all to H...E....double toothpicks! They look so authentic! I also love your mantle decor and you reminded me that I have a whole bunch of vintage chenille trim myself. I'm going to have to dig it out! Those bells are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thank you Pam!
DeleteThat is so creative! I'm always surprised at how you come up with these clever ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vikki!
DeleteWow Tania, they look so realistic! What a great idea and I really like how you displayed them in a wreath. But there are so many other ways they could be incorporated into holiday decor.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! I know, I debated on how to display longer than it took me to make them I think! haha!
DeleteTania,
ReplyDeleteWOW- I had to see it to believe it! Your bells are gorgeous. You really are amazing!
Can you hear me ? I'm clapping for you :)
xo Lisa S
Thank you Lisa!
DeleteVery clever and authentic looking! You did a great job on that Tania!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThese turned out fabulous! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm and happy holidays! xo Kathleen
ReplyDeleteYour bells turned out great Tania! It definitely is a true trash to treasure project.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Deletewow, these DIY bells are totally amazing and look so real! I was late to the party this year trying to find them and they were super expensive. Your diy bells look like the real thing. I could hardly believe they weren't. You did a super job and great step by step pics. I'm sharing this on All About Home Link Party this evening. Thanks for coming by linking up!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Debra!!
DeleteYou sure fooled me! These adorable brass Christmas bells truly look authentic! Just LOVE this style of bell and will consider making some now when I need a size I don't have! Brilliant tutorial.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Donna!!
DeleteMy first time here and I am so impressed with your talent! The bells are perfect! Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks and welcome! I hope you'll subscribe and stick around!!
Delete