For Whom The Bell(s) Tolls
My Mother passed away last year and I found these small bells in her crafting box. They were tarnished and tied together with satin rope. My assumption was she tried to make wind chimes and finally gave up. In memory of her various interests in building, sewing and crafting, I decided to finish what she had started.
I took a trip to Hobby Lobby and found some ideas that I felt would give these bells a new life.
Original bells as I found them in the bottom of her crafting box.
My interpretation of giving these tiny bells a new life. I think my mother would be happy that I took my time and effort to make something that she had started.
I must have walked up and down every isle in Hobby Lobby trying to find something to hang the bells on, then I spotted this and knew it would somehow work.
Always looking for a good deal, so into the cart it went.
Before spraying the bells, I spent time removing the tarnish. Using RUST-OLEUM hammered metal, everything received two coats.
Just barely got enough paint, sea green, to dab on the bells and holder
Used Valspar clear premium finish to seal everything.
There were 10 bells, so I had to make 10 strings of beads. Mind you, I am not a jewelry or bead crafter so this was very tedious work for me.
For those of you who are expert bead crafters, I beg your forgiveness. I did the best I could. Once the 10 strings were finished, I added the bells and attached them to the base frame. I found some pre-strung beads on sale at Michaels for $2.99 each and used as fillers for gaps. To complete the look, some artificial plants were plopped inside.
For me, this was a labor of love and a tribute to my Mother. And a daily reminder of what a talented person she was.
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Thanks Penny. I enjoyed doing this.
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You're awesome!
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Beautiful. Mom wasn’t the only talented member of the family!