DIY Christmas Bells: An Easy Antique Brass Makeover

I’ve always loved vintage Christmas decorations, and these DIY Christmas bells were a fun addition to my collection. Aged finishes and beautiful details can add so much character to your holiday decorating.

While looking for Christmas bells to hang on our fireplace, I found a set with the shape and size I wanted, but the brass finish wasn’t quite the vintage look I was after.

I decided to give them an antique finish with decorative wax. It was such an easy little project, and I love how they turned out.

I’ll show you how I created the vintage look so you can try it with your own Christmas bells.

Why I Chose an Antique Brass Finish

I love decorating with brass, especially during Christmas. It goes perfectly with greenery, velvet ribbon, warm lighting, and many of the decorations we bring out year after year.

However, not all brass finishes look the same. Some are bright and polished, while others have a softer, aged finish that adds character.

For this project, I wanted the bells to look as though they had been part of our Christmas collection for years.

I had previously used Behr decorative wax on gold frames and vase makeovers, so I decided to try the same technique on the bells. It was an easy way to tone down the shiny finish without completely covering the brass color.

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Supplies for DIY Vintage Christmas Bells

You only need a few supplies for this project, and you may already have some of them at home.

• Decorative Christmas bells: Choose bells with a shape and size you love. I used affordable brass-colored bells from Amazon.
• Behr Decorative Wax in Dark Antique: I used this to create the aged look.
• Firm paintbrush: I found an inexpensive brush at the dollar store.
• Paper towels or an old rag: Use these to remove excess wax and blend the finish.
• Parchment paper: To protect your work surface.
• Ribbon or jute string: For hanging and decorating your finished bells.

You can find the exact bells and ribbon I used in my Amazon Storefront.

How to Make DIY Vintage Christmas Bells

This simple project doesn’t require special equipment or much time. The key is to build the antique finish gradually so you can control how much of the original brass remains visible.

Step 1: Apply the Decorative Wax

Begin by placing parchment paper over your work surface. Make sure your bells are clean and dry before applying the wax.

Dip your firm paintbrush lightly into the decorative wax. Using short brushing and stippling movements, apply a small amount over the bell’s surface.

Pay particular attention to the decorative details, edges, and the area around the top hook. These areas benefit from a darker finish that can bring out the bell’s shape and character.

I didn’t apply wax deep inside my bells, just around the visible edges.

Start with a little wax and add more as needed. You can always build up the finish, but it’s easier to work gradually than to remove too much.

Step 2: Remove the Excess Wax

After applying the wax, use a paper towel or old rag to wipe away the excess.

This is where you’ll begin to see the transformation. The brighter brass softens, while some darker wax remains around the details and edges.

For a more aged look, add another light application in selected areas and blend again.

I prefer a finish that still allows some of the original brass to show through. This gives the bells an antique look without making them too dark.

Allow the wax to dry according to the product instructions before handling or decorating your bells. For my original project, I let them dry for about 30 to 60 minutes before styling.

Step 3: Add Ribbon and Decorate

Once your bells are ready, it’s time for the fun part.

Choose a ribbon or hanging material that works with your Christmas decorations. Velvet ribbon is beautiful with antique brass. Linen ribbon or jute string can also create a lovely look.

You can hang the bells individually or group several at different lengths.

I used mine to decorate our fireplace mantel, and I love how the antique finish looks alongside the rest of our Christmas decorations.

How to Decorate with Vintage Christmas Bells

One of my favorite things about this project is how many ways you can use the finished bells. They are easy to move around as your Christmas decorating changes, and you can bring them out again each year.

• In a Table Setting: Smaller bells make beautiful Christmas ornaments. Add them to your table setting with velvet ribbon for a simple but beautiful holiday touch.

• On a fireplace mantel: This is how I displayed mine. Hanging bells from a mantel adds a beautiful detail, especially when paired with greenery, ribbon, or other traditional Christmas decorations.

• On a Christmas wreath: A few vintage-inspired bells can make a wreath feel a little more special. Attach them near the bottom with ribbon, or incorporate smaller bells into the greenery for a decorative accent.

• On a decorative basket: I love adding a few bells to a basket filled with seasonal greenery, blankets, or wrapped gifts. Tie them to the handle with ribbon or jute string for an easy finishing touch.

• For Christmas gift wrapping: Smaller bells can also make lovely gift toppers. Add one to a wrapped gift with ribbon for a decorative detail that the recipient can keep and reuse.

Tips for Creating a Beautiful Antique Brass Finish

After working with decorative wax on several projects, I’ve found that a few simple details can make a difference.

• Work in light layers. Start with less wax than you think you’ll need. It’s easier to add more color than to remove a heavy application.

• Leave some brass visible. The contrast between the original finish and the darker wax is what gives the bells their aged appearance.

• Pay attention to the details. A little darker wax around raised edges, seams, and decorative features can help create the look of an older piece.

• Don’t worry about making every bell identical. Slight variations in the finish can give a collection a more natural, vintage-inspired appearance.

Before buying new bells, take a look at what you already own. If you have decorations that you no longer use because the finish doesn’t suit your style, they may be worth updating.

A Little Antique Charm for Christmas

I couldn’t be happier with how these DIY Christmas bells turned out. A simple way to change the finish of an inexpensive decoration became one of my favorite little Christmas projects.

I especially love finding ways to make affordable decorations look more like the pieces I would naturally choose for our home. Sometimes a small change in color or finish is all something needs.

If you have a set of Christmas bells that could use a makeover, I hope you’ll try this project. It’s a fun way to spend a little creative time preparing for the holidays, and you’ll have something beautiful to decorate for years to come.

More Decorating & DIY Inspiration

If you enjoyed this little Christmas project, here are a few more ideas to inspire your next decorating or DIY project:

• Brass Home Decor That Adds Warmth and Character
• How to Paint a Light Fixture (Fast, Budget-Friendly Upgrade)
• DIY Accent Wall Ideas that Give Character to Any Room

Have you tried giving Christmas decorations an antique finish? I’d love to hear what you’ve made or how you would style these vintage-inspired bells in your home.

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