A few weeks ago I shared my wreath. It was lush and full — so much so that the cluster of decorative bells on it kept getting caught when I tried to close the storm door. I decided to remove the bells and give them a fresh, brighter look so they could become a new holiday accent elsewhere.
Disclosure:
This post mentions products I used. Purchasing through links in the original post may earn a small commission that helps support the blog. There is no extra cost to you.
This post mentions products I used. Purchasing through links in the original post may earn a small commission that helps support the blog. There is no extra cost to you.
What I used:
- Chalk-style paint (Americana Chalky Finish or similar)
- Metallic lustre (white frost)
- Dark decorative wax (antique brown or similar)
- Chalkboard paint
- Old plastic bells
- An old silver tray
- Twine and a traditional wooden clothespin
- Green ribbon for a finishing touch
These bells came from an old holiday decoration I’d had for years. Over time many festive items start to look dated, but you don’t have to throw them away — a little upcycling can give them new life. The bells were originally cheap plastic with a yellowed gold tint, so they needed a makeover.
How I transformed the bells
Step 1: I started by painting the outside of each bell with a chalk-style paint. A few thin coats gave a smooth, matte surface that hid the original plastic finish.
Step 2: To add subtle shine, I brushed a metallic white frost lustre over the top section of the bells. The effect is delicate and classy — it brightens the bells without being too flashy.
Step 3: I finished with a dark decorative wax along the rim and in the stamped details to bring out the design and give the bells an aged, handcrafted feel. The wax provides depth and makes the ornament details pop.
Repurposing the tray
Since the bells were now bulkier, they wouldn’t work on the wreath in the door. I dug through my stash and found an old silver tray with a faded pattern — a little seventies-meets-eighties — and decided it would make a perfect backdrop.
I painted the tray with chalkboard paint to disguise flaws and give it a matte, modern look. A couple of coats was all it needed for full coverage. The result is a muted black surface that makes the metallic touches on the bells stand out.
Assembly and finishing touches
To hang the bells from the tray I threaded twine through each bell, then attached a traditional wooden clothespin to secure them to the tray’s rim. A simple green ribbon tied across the top added a festive, finished look and softened the contrast against the dark tray.
The finished piece combines upcycled bells and a repurposed tray for a compact, stylish holiday accent that won’t get squashed in a doorway. It’s a small project with a big impact — perfect for a hallway, entry, or even as part of a table vignette.
This project checks all my boxes: thrifted finds, simple techniques, and a festive result. If you enjoy DIY upcycling, try transforming small plastic ornaments with chalk paint, metallic highlights, and wax to give them a fresh, handmade look for the season.
More holiday ideas are shown below.
Christmas Wreath
Christmas tree inspiration
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