The wonderfully familiar sounds of the holidays often get shut out while we're keeping warm indoors. Hang this wreath where it will be heard (on a door, for instance), and bring the ring of sleigh bells to all the rooms in the house. Form 16-gauge wire into a circle. Make a closed loop at one end with needle-nose pliers. Thread jingle bells onto the open end in any size and color combination. When the wire is full, join its ends by twisting the unlooped end into a hook, and fasten it onto the closed loop. Tie a piece of ribbon into a bow; secure it to the bottom of the wreath with 24-gauge wire.
Jingle Bell Wreaths
The wonderfully familiar sounds of the holidays often get shut out while we're keeping warm indoors.
Martha Stewart Living, December/January 1998/1999
I'd think the bells were more along the line of 16mm. If you search for "bell wreath video" on Marthastewart.com or google.com you will see a video of Martha making the wreath.
Are these bells 8mm in size?
I have looked at this wreath under a microscope and it is 3 bells wide. I've tried everything I know to get mine to have that thick look. Could I get more instruction. Thanks
I just made one of these in about 5 minutes! I am not even a craft-y person, but this came out so beautiful and professional-looking... and so quick! Here's a tip: wrap the wire around something perfectly round (I used a can of tomatoes) for a very crisp look.
These are so easy to make. I was able to make 4 while sitting and watching tv, and they are soo cute. Check out some pictures on my blog http://loveandpastry.blogspot.com/2010/11/jingle-bell-wreaths.html
Even though it's currently May when I'm writing this post, I was actually able to find both silver and jingle bells at my current Walmart in their craft section, next to the Martha Stewart craft products. Try there.
Are there directions to tiw the bow? It looks like it has double loops on each side...
Does anyone know how much this wreath will cost to make and/or how many bells you would need? Thanks
Here is where you can get the bells(called Hourai Bells):
Toho Shoji NYC
http://www.tohoshoji-ny.com
http://www.tohoshoji-ny.com/newiteminfo.html
Can someone suggest which size bells are most effective for creating this wreath? I have searched and searched and cannot find a recommendation. Thank you.
I made this wreath as a gift for my family members last Christmas. It was a simple craft but the end result was great! It is easy to make different sizes depending on how much wire you decide to use. Plus you can easily change the entire look from one wreath to the next by changing up the bell size, color, and ribbon! I will probably make a few more this year for friends! Merry Christmas!!!
genisus
Any suggestions as to what size bells I should buy?
You can buy the bells at Toho Shoji in New York City. They have a website, but you'll need to email your order and fax your payment info. The bells (referred to as "Hourai" bells) come in lots of sizes and colors. This place is wonderful to deal with - professional and very quick. Hope this helps.
I made these many years ago with gold bells and a red ribbon. They have lasted each year. I think next year, the ribbon needs to be changed out, but other than that, they've held up well. I made many smaller wreaths with small bells and use them as ornaments on my Christmas tree and they add another shiny burst on the tree. Really easy to make, just make sure you get a lot of jingle bells.
Many years ago I saw the original show when Martha made this wreath. She purchased the bells from a shop in NYC. I thought it was Tinsel Trading, but I don't see bells on their website. Does anyone remember the name of the shop?
made the bell wreath and the glass ball wreath 5 years ago and they are still enjoyed by all who see them at Christmas. I have some red beads for a cranberry wreath but do not have the instructions. can you post them please
keep up the great work.
yay... i dnt know martha, but my sheikhy-poo tells me she's wonderfull. and i can really see that.such great ideas she has. : )
Fun and Easy... love to try!
This was a fun EASY craft!! Who doesn't like the sound of jungle bells?
I love the simple and elegant but easy to make ideas Martha Stewart has on her website. I just love it!
NEVERMIND.... DISREGARD THAT!!
Is it just me...because i can't get the picture directly ABOVE!!