Follow this step-by-step tutorial for a brilliant DIY project that turns metal mixing bowls into show-stopping large jingle bells!
No one will ever guess that these gorgeous distressed brass holiday bells were made from metal bowls!
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
In this fun and creative DIY project, I’ll guide you through the steps to craft these charming and budget-friendly decorations. They will make a delightful addition to your festive home decor.
DIY Holiday Bell Craft
Holiday bells are having a major crafting moment right now.
I have seen SO many videos with “hacks” to make your own unique bells in different finishes and sizes.
Of course, I decided to hop on the holiday bell crafting bandwagon as well!
In the past, I’ve made modern bells from wine glasses, jute rope bells using a paper cup base, and even mini shot cup bells.
But today I’m going jumbo.
I picked up some metal mixing bowls from the dollar store.
They had three sizes available, and I used the smallest ones. Feel free to use any size bowls you like.
Video Tutorial
Watch this quick video tutorial to see how this craft came together:
Large Jingle Bells
Follow this step-by-step tutorial for a brilliant DIY project that turns metal mixing bowls into show-stopping large jingle bells!
Materials
- 4 small metal mixing bowls
- wood ring, approx 2-inches in diameter. Or use a larger ring if using larger bowls.
- E6000 glue
- white spray primer
- Modern Masters paint in color brass
- FolkArt home decor chalk paint in color Maui Sand
- paper towels
- FolkArt home decor chalk paint in color Rich Black
- twine
Tools
- heat gun
- painters tape
- assorted paint brushes
- miter shears or heavy-duty craft scissors
- pencil
Instructions
- Watch the video tutorial before you begin, and let that be your visual guide for this project.
- Use a heat gun or blow dryer to remove stickers from the bowls. Be careful, because the bowls will be hot.
- Apply E6000 glue around the top rim of a metal bowl. Set another bowl on top, forming a bell shape.
- Use miter shears or heavy-duty craft scissors to cut a wood ring in half.
- Apply E6000 glue to both cut ends of a wood ring half.
- Then center the glued ends on top of the metal bowl jingle bell, forming a hanger.
- Add small pieces to painters tape to hold the bowls together while the glue hardens. If you don't do this, the top bowl may begin to slide off center.
- Repeat steps 2-7 to make a second bell.
- In a well-ventilated area, spray both bells with white spray primer. You will need to do several coats, turning the bells at varying angles to get complete coverage. Allow the primer to completely dry.
- Use a wide paint brush to apply a coat of brass paint over the whole bell. Blot away excess paint with a paper towel, removing brush strokes and creating a distressed texture. Repeat on the second bell. Let dry.
- Apply splotches of gray chalk paint to a bell, and then dab with a paper towel. Repeat with the brass paint. Alternate with both paint colors, dabbing with a paper towel, until the desired finish is achieved. Repeat this process on the second bell.
- Use a pencil to outline a jingle bell cutout pattern on the bottom of each bell.
- Fill in the pencil outlines with black chalk paint. Let dry.
- Hang the bells with twine.
Here are the finished oversized bells:
I simply hung these bells with some rustic twine, layered with lambs ear garland. This really creates a classic neutral farmhouse look.
Feel free to add these bells to any style Christmas decor you like.
Don’t forget to PIN these DIY large jingle bells for later:
I will try these!! I have seen other Bells made from Dollar Tree bowls and they don’t look quite this rustic!
Very cute. I love how real these look when finished. Would be so cute on a front door. Not sure if theyed hold up in the weather? Thanks for sharing!