As a kid I used to come up with some of the best ideas in the middle of the night. But I could never wait until daylight to launch my plan. Instead I opted to work quietly and furiously in my dark bedroom during the wee hours of the morning.
My parents were too busy snoring to notice.
That memory came back to haunt me recently. One night when I was exhausted, I couldn't fall asleep because this idea of making a bell out of a coffee mug popped into my head. I tossed and turned all night, stumped as to how to drill a hole through the cup.
As I discussed it with a friend the next day, we managed to find a clever alternative. Just in time for the warmer weather.
Now that spring is here, you'll want to clear out some of those coffee mugs or teacups -- seeing that hot drinks aren't in high demand anymore.
Select a few of them that look good upside down and follow the directions to transform your drink ware into cheery "drill-less" hanging bells for your porch or patio.

Supplies:
2 pieces of twine or thin, colored cording (12 inches each)
2 medium buttons
E6000 glue
1 coffee mug or teacup
Pencil
2 washers (1 inch wide)
Decorative item to dangle
Large wood bead
Directions: Thread the twine through one of the buttons. Repeat for second button.
Apply a dollop of glue to the bottom of one of them. Attach it to the inside center of the mug. Use the pencil to press it into place. Let it set for 30 minutes.
Turn the mug over so the bottom is facing up. Apply another dollop of glue to the second button and attach it to the top of what is becoming your bell. Let it set for 30 minutes, then lay the mug on its side for 24 hours so the glue will cure.
Stack the two washers (they act as the ringer), string through the twine hanging inside the mug, and tie a knot. You may need to glue the washers to the knot. Tie or glue on a decorative dangling item to the twine. At the top of the bell, slide the wood bead through the cording.
Tip: You can also drill a hole through the mug; use a diamond or masonry bit.
* For more artsy goodness, check out http://www.CraftyChica.com *

Labels: outdoor