How to Make Papier Mache Bells With Vintage Paper

This article shows you how to make papier mache bells with vintage paper. These are similar to bells made during the 1950s.

If you are new to this blog: Welcome! My name is Anna and I share information on collecting antique/vintage items, refurbishing furniture and making small crafts/projects. The purpose of this blog is to show you how to use creativity and antiques to make your home beautiful. In addition to information here on the blog, you can also follow me on the following social media accounts Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.

Back Story

Several years ago, Mr SLH and I went to the antique show in Round Top, Texas.  It was mind-blowing-amazing.  There were so many items, particularly pieces of furniture, I wanted to purchase and take home.  However, we arrived via airplane and as a result, I had limited space in my suitcase.  I always find the best vintage and antique items when I have no practical means of transporting them home.  You too?  Oh, good.  I am not alone.   Despite the fact that I could fit nothing larger than 2′ x 1′ in my luggage, I had a fabulous time at Round Top.  If you ever get the chance to visit the Round Top Antiques Fair – I highly recommend going.  There are so many beautiful European antiques including  chandeliers, farm tables, cast iron planters, stone sinks and more. 

Anyway, while we were wandering around Round Top, I came across a vendor who had a giant stack of old sheet music.  Hmm, I thought, this stack of paper is something that would fit into my suitcase.  I asked the vendor how much she was asking for the entire pile and she said $10.  That was a very fair price so I promptly paid her.   The next morning as we were packing, I found a way to fit the stack of papers snuggly inside my suitcase.​

To this day, I still use the sheet music I purchased at Round Top.  It is one of my favorite materials to use for crafts, including for this project: making papier mache (or paper mache) bells.

Thrifting with the Gals

I’m excited to be taking part in the ‘Thrifting with the Gals’ series with some other amazingly talented bloggers today. ‘Thrifting with the Gals’ is hosted by a group of women who love to thrift, share their tips, tricks, styling ideas, and thrifty hauls along the way.

If you have found your way here from Rachel at The Pond’s Farmhouse, welcome!  I love Rachel’s farmhouse style and creativity. Up next is Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest who excels at incorporating thrifted finds into her home decor. You can check out each gal and their thrifty ideas at the bottom of this post!

​How to Make Papier Mache Bells Using Vintage Paper

While these bells can be used for Christmas decorations, they are the perfect addition for other events such as weddings, bridal parties, anniversaries, and even baby showers. If you make smaller sized bells, they can be used as ornaments on your Christmas tree. 

Papier Mache bells were handmade by skilled artisans in the late 1800s for tree ornaments. They were then manufactured in larger size during the 1950s-1960s for holiday decor.  Both antique and vintage papier mache bells are collectible and are not easy to find.  Here is an example of a vintage paper mache bell. 

I love vintage Christmas decor, but I am not one for vibrant colors.  (Particularly the color red) So, I wanted to try remake this type of Christmas with more muted tones by using vintage sheet music.

The first thing we need to do is gather our supplies. 

Supplies

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Most of these supplies should be available at your local craft store, such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann’s Fabric or Walmart.  (With the exception of the vintage paper.)  Where possible, I have provided links to online sources so you have access to the supplies.  Using papier mache to create these bells gives them the perfect vintage feel. 

• Large metal bell(s). I linked something similar. I purchased mine, on sale, from Hobby Lobby.  I recommend buying 2 bells – these will act as your forms.
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Jingle bells large enough to be the clapper (the ringer inside the bell). I used bells 1.5 inches in diameter – a larger bell size. 
• Activa Fast Mache – you only need to add water to this premade mixture.
• Mod Podge
• Glitter and other embellishments for the exterior of the bells (optional)
• Silver or gold pipe cleaners. I purchased my pipe cleaners from the Dollar Tree.
• Ribbon- I used 1″ wide velvet ribbon but you can use any type you desire
• Vintage paper

Creating items from papier mache can be a messy process! In preparation for this project, ensure your work surface is well covered and you have all supplies readily available.  

Prepare Metal Bells and Papier Mache

The metal bells I purchased had faux greenery and berries attached to the top, which I removed.   Place your bells on a rimmed cookie sheet and spray them with nonstick cooking spray. 

Then, following the directions in the Activa Fast Mache, add warm water to make the papier mache mixture.  This can be a messy process, so make sure you work in an area that can be easily cleaned.  Also, I only used 1/3 of the Activa Mache package to make these bells.   Mix the papier mache solution and keep adding water and the Activa Mache until you get a paste like consistency.  If there are lumps in the wet papier mache, that’s ok.  

Apply Papier Mache

Add the wet papier mache mixture onto the metal bells.  Try to ensure there is an uniform thickness on the bells.  Take your time with patting down the wet papier mache and rotating each bell so ensure you don’t miss any spots.  Also, ensure the wet papier mache fully covers the bottom of the bells. When you are have covered the bells entirely, make a small hole in the top of the wet papier mache.  This hole will be used to attach the “clapper” (AKA the large jingle bell) and for a loop for hanging the bell. 

Let the papier mache dry on the metal bells.  I let mine dry at room temperature for 2 full days.  

TIP: You can put them in the oven set at 180 degrees for a couple hours to speed up the drying time.  However, don’t make the oven too hot or let them stay in the oven for too long – it may cause the papier mache to crack or split. 

​Apply Vintage Paper

Once your bells are completely dry, separate them from the metal bell “forms”.  Now, you can add the vintage paper.  Although I used sheet music for my first bell, I decided to use tissue paper for my second bell. You can use any thin vintage paper.  Here are some other types of paper you can use:

• Old newspaper
• Pages from old books
• Wrapping paper 
• Pages from old Almanacs or Catalogs
• Tissue paper with printed designs
• Old letters

If you don’t have any old paper in your home, you can also print out old letters from the Graphics Fairy.   Here is a a free download image of 2 vintage handwritten french letters she has on her website. 

Tear the old paper into small pieces of about 1″ x 2″.  Then using Mod Podge or white glue, attach the torn paper to the outside of the bell.  Repeat this process until the entire bell is covered with the paper.  

TIP:  It is important to tear the paper and not cut it.  Tearing the edges of the paper allows it to blend in more seamlessly.  Cutting the paper results in visible lines.  

Once the bells are fully covered, apply one final coat of glue to cover all the torn pieces of paper. Wait for the glue to dry before moving on to the next step. 

If you don’t want to add the vintage paper to the exterior of your bell, you could simply paint it using craft paint.  

Add Clapper and Loop

Remember the hole you added to the top of your bells when the papier mache was wet?  Use your pipe cleaner to create a loop that fits through the top of the hole.  Then attach your jingle bell to the other end of the pipe cleaner inside the bell.  Optional:  I decided to cover my jingle bells with glitter.  

Add Embellishments 

The last step in the process is to add any embellishments you desire.  I decided to add some vintage velvet ribbon to the top of these bells and some tiny star garland.  Here are some other embellishments you could add:

• Faux Holly
• Faux evergreens
• Glitter
• Flocking (fake snow)
• Little birds
• Faux flowers (i.e. Poinsettias)

​

Papier Mache Christmas Bells

Below are photos of the finished bells.  I can’t wait to use them next year too!   Although they took a bit of time to make, I love the end result.  The vintage paper makes the bell look authentically old. Feel free to Pin any of the images below if you want to save this post for future reference.

Thrifting with the Gals

As I mentioned earlier, below are some other Thrifting with the Gals posts.  

15 Best Ways to Thrift for Home Decor and What to Buy

Robyn knowsThrifted finds are one of the best ways to curate a cozy home on a budget!  But, it can feel overwhelming!  Check out these best ways to thrift for home decor and tips on what you should and should NOT buy when thrift shopping. Simply click on the image to read more.

Antiquing in Paris & Flea Market Shopping with the Gals

Ann goes antiquing with the gals in Paris! From trendy flea markets to exclusive antique shops along with a little vintage fashion. Immerse yourself in this city’s vintage culture!

21 Creative Old Tool Caddy Decor Ideas

Do you have an old tool caddy laying around? Lora shares 21 creative old tool caddy decor ideas will turn your vintage find from trash to treasure.

Vintage Decor and Styling Tips

Looking for ideas to decorate with vintage finds? Rachel shares how to style vintage decor in a modern farmhouse, cozy cottage, or traditional home to create a curated and cozy aesthetic. 

​In Closing . . .

Thank you for stopping by the blog today.  I hope you found some inspiration!