Bells, bells, bells! I’m seeing them everywhere in holiday decor and I love it. So traditional, so classic, so fun!

The first bells come from Dollar Tree. We all know what I’m talking about, the bright ugly plastic with the obvious not metal finish. I have seen these done in so many ways but, I wanted to put my own spin on it and I wanted bells for my mantle.

Time for a makeover!

Jumping right in, the first thing you need to do is remove all the decorations on the bell. I kept all the pieces for my stash and actually used some already in another project.

Looks better already!

After everything is removed, wipe it down and take it outside to spray. I painted the inside and outside a matte black. Full disclosure, it was raining for days and days in our neck of the woods so I didn’t get the full coverage I wanted. I definitely recommend that.

One light coat of matte black, inside and out.

Once completely dry the fun begins. These were really easy but, took a minute so put on your favorite Christmas movie and enjoy!

You are going to need a few colors of Rub and Buff (I love this stuff!!). I purchased a pack with multiple colors from Amazon that I use all the time.

Grab a paper plate and some gloves. Some people just use their bare fingers, it is not only messy but I believe the gloves give it a more sponged look. You can also use a small natural sponge if you prefer.

Rub and Buff colors I used.

Put on your gloves, start dipping your fingers or sponge into the Rub and Buff and pounce the colors onto your bells. I started with the gold colors first then came back with the darker colors. If you feel like you have overdone the dark just add some more gold. Just keep pouncing until you like the look. 

Bell refinished and ready for finishing touches

There are 2 holes on the top of the bell. I ran a piece of jute through them and tied a knot. One thing I want to mention. I used 3 different lengths so it would hang nicely on my mantle and keeping then separated I could use them individually if I change things I up.

The Dollar Tree bells do not have clappers so I decided to use jingle bells I got at Dollar Tree. I ran a long piece of jute through the bell and then took a pipe cleaner, folded it in half, twisted the ends together to make a needle. I ran the ends of the jute with the bell through the eye of the pipe cleaner. Now you will run the needle from the bottom of the bell through the hole in the top. Pull the jute through the hole making sure the bell clapper is where you want it. I put some hot glue on the top to hold it in place so it didn’t shift.

Pipe cleaner to help thread the clapper jute through the top.

Threading through the top.

To finish off the bells I wrapped the top of the bells with the length of jute that was threaded through the top using hot glue as needed. Then I put a dab of glue on the top, cut off the excess and tucked in the ends.
                                                                         Wrapping the top of the bell with jute.

For the last step, hang your beautiful bells. I just love how these came out. They were fun, easy and in the end you would never guess they are plastic. 

Dollar Tree bell remake finished.

Finished Dollar Tree bell makeover decorating the mantle.

I love how these bells look on my mantle.

If you are curious about the large bell, I actually got 2 of them at Goodwill for $6.00 each. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was.

Such a lucky thrift store find. Huge metal bells.

All I had to do to these was remove the long, about 8 foot ribbons on both. Tucked a beautiful Martha Stewart swag from Marshall’s, 2 hand made bows from my Costco ribbon stash and 3 ornaments from Dollar Tree wired on top.

Beautiful large metal bell all decorated for Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are inspired to try one of these projects. I just love how they turned out.

I wish you happy crafting and lots of sunny Days!