Terracotta Bell ~or~ Spring Ding-a-ling

Terracotta Bell ~or~ Spring Ding-a-ling
A Nancyfangles Whimsical Creation

I know that I have mentioned the versatility of Terracotta pots on several occasions.
This design is sure to get you seeing things from another perspective...Upside-down that is!
This terracotta bell will add a touch of whimsy to an outdoor garden space, a porch, a patio or even indoors.
You can decorate it with a garden motif, something fabulous for fall, or a charming Christmas design...

Supplies: Terracotta pot (I used a mid-sized pot, but wouldn’t a tiny-terracotta bell be so cute?!)
Decoupage supplies*
Along piece of strong cording, twine, yarn... (Better to be too long, than too short)
A vintage Jell-O-mold or similar
2 beads, one large for top, one medium for inside
Some kind of flat piece to use as the clapper (I used a decorative shell flower-a button would work)
A flat washer or large flat button (that will fit inside the top of the bell)
(a small lid with a hole in the middle would work)
Monofilament(fish-line)
 Technique:    Clean, paint and decorate your pot. (Make sure to invert it before decorating)
I decoupaged my pot but you can paint yours, cover it in fabric or mosaic? Use your imagination!
Make a hole in the bottom of the Jell-O mold (make sure your cord will fit through it)
Fold cord in half to form a loop and tie a knot a few inches down to form the hanger.
Thread un-looped ends of cord through a large bead, and down through the hole in the terracotta pot.
Thread cord ends through washer (or button) and then through the second bead.
Tie a knot as close to the bead as possible to tighten everything up.
Thread cord ends through the hole in the Jell-O mold and adjust mold to hang down enough so that you can see it, and so it can easily swing to hit the inside of the pot
Tie another tight knot to hold it in place.
Leave enough cord to form a small loop and tie one last double knot in the cord.
Cut off any excess cord
Thread a piece of monofilament through the hole in the clapper, and through the loop in the cord.
Adjust the clapper so It will hang below the Jell-O mold allowing it to catch the breeze
and tie the monofilament in a tight knot to secure. Trim excess.
Hang and Enjoy!
*(Find my decoupage technique in my July 31st column or contact me at:
https://www.facebook.com/HandmadeinEllijay/)