This easy upcycling project turns an ordinary metal funnel upside down to create a decorative country-style bell. Layered black and brown paint gives the metal an aged appearance, while a wire hanger, homespun bow and kraft tag complete the design. Display it on a peg rail, beside a wreath or against a wooden backdrop.

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What you need

Metal funnel, approximately 10 to 15 cm across the wide opening

Dishwashing liquid and cleaning cloth

Fine sanding pad suitable for metal

Metal primer

Black or charcoal acrylic craft paint

Dark brown and reddish-brown acrylic craft paint

Small paintbrush

Small sponge

Compatible matte clear sealer

Approximately 60 to 80 cm of pliable craft wire, around 1 mm thick

A drilled wooden support bead wider than the funnel’s narrow spout opening, with a hole large enough for two wire strands

Small jingle bell with an attachment loop

Additional short piece of craft wire for attaching the bell

Checked cotton or homespun fabric, approximately 4 × 45 cm

Kraft card or a ready-made kraft tag

Thin twine

Scissors

Wire cutters

Round-nose pliers

Optional hot glue gun and glue sticks

Instructions

A metal funnel is probably not the first thing you would pick up when shopping for farmhouse decorations. But turn it upside down, and that simple kitchen shape suddenly looks very much like an old country bell.

This project uses paint to create a weathered finish, so you can get the rusty appearance without waiting for the metal to corrode. A checked fabric bow softens the look, and a little jingle bell underneath adds movement and sound.

It is also a lovely excuse to use one of those fabric scraps we keep because it might be useful someday. Today is apparently that day.

The funnel forms the decorative bell-shaped body. The small jingle bell makes the sound, so do not expect the funnel itself to ring like a traditional cast bell.

Instructions

1. Clean the Funnel

Wash the funnel with warm water and dishwashing liquid to remove grease and dirt.

Rinse and dry thoroughly, including inside the narrow spout.

Check for sharp edges, cracks or badly corroded metal. Choose a funnel with a sound body and smooth rim.

Once painted, this funnel should remain a decorative craft item.

2. Prepare and Prime the Metal

For a clean, uncoated metal funnel, lightly scuff the surface with a fine sanding pad according to your primer’s instructions.

Wipe away sanding residue.

If the funnel has an old painted coating of unknown origin, avoid sanding it. A clean, unpainted funnel is the simpler choice for this project.

Apply a metal-compatible primer, following its label directions. Allow it to dry before painting.

3. Apply the Dark Base Coat

Position the funnel with its wide opening facing down and the narrow spout pointing upward.

Paint the outside black or dark charcoal. Dab with your brush or sponge to create a slightly uneven surface.

Paint the visible inner rim as well.

Let the base coat dry completely.

4. Create the Rustic Paint Finish

Dip a small sponge into dark brown paint, then dab off the excess onto scrap paper.

Pat the colour over scattered areas of the funnel, leaving some black visible.

Add smaller patches of reddish-brown paint, especially around the rim and spout. These warmer patches create the suggestion of aged, rusty metal.

Build the finish gradually. A few irregular layers look more convincing than one thick brown coat.

Allow the paint to dry.

5. Seal the Finish

Apply a compatible matte clear sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

A matte finish suits this project because it keeps the metal looking weathered rather than glossy.

Allow the sealer to dry and cure as directed before attaching the hanger and decorations.

6. Form the Hanging Loop

Cut approximately 60 to 80 cm of pliable craft wire.

Fold it near the middle to form a loop approximately 3 to 4 cm tall. Twist the two tails together for several turns immediately beneath the loop.

Feed both wire tails down through the funnel’s narrow spout. The hanging loop should remain above the funnel.

Leave the lower wire tails accessible through the wide opening.

7. Secure the Support Bead

Working through the wide opening, thread both wire tails through the wooden support bead.

Slide the bead upward until it rests against the underside of the narrow spout.

The bead must be wider than the spout opening. It acts as a stop and supports the funnel when you lift the hanging loop.

Twist the wire tails together directly beneath the bead so it cannot slide down.

Gently lift the funnel by its loop over your work surface. Check that the bead stays in place and the wire supports the funnel securely.

The support bead should sit high inside the funnel, mostly hidden from view.

8. Attach the Jingle Bell

Below the support bead, form a small attachment loop with one wire tail. Wrap the other tail around the loop’s base to secure it.

Trim excess wire and tuck the cut ends inward with pliers.

Use a separate short length of wire to connect the jingle bell to this attachment loop.

Adjust the length so the bell hangs just inside or slightly below the funnel’s wide opening.

Secure both ends and check that the bell can move freely. Fold all sharp wire ends inward.

9. Tie the Fabric Bow

Cut a strip of checked cotton or homespun fabric approximately 4 cm wide and 45 cm long.

Pull away a few threads along the edges if you want a softly frayed finish.

Tie the fabric around the outside of the spout and make a loose bow.

Adjust the loops and trim the tails. Keep the hanging loop clear.

If the bow slips, add a small dab of hot glue beneath the knot to hold it in place. The glue secures the decoration; the wire and support bead carry the funnel’s weight.

10. Add the Kraft Tag

Cut a small tag from kraft card or use a ready-made tag.

Write a short word such as “Welcome,” “Gather” or “Home” on the front.

Punch a hole near the top and thread through a little twine.

Tie the tag beneath the fabric bow so it hangs beside the funnel without covering the whole painted surface.

11. Check and Display

Check the hanging loop, support bead and bell attachment over a table before displaying the finished piece.

Hang it from a suitable hook on a peg rail, beside a wreath or against a rustic wooden backdrop.

Keep it indoors and out of reach of small children and pets because it contains small parts and wire.

Variations

• Use red checked fabric and a small faux greenery sprig for Christmas.
• Choose faded blue gingham for a softer country look.
• Replace the printed tag with a handwritten family name.
• Make several bells from different-sized funnels and hang them at staggered heights.

A simple funnel already has the right shape for this project. The mottled finish and fabric bow give it character, so there is no need to make every detail perfectly even. A little handmade wonkiness fits farmhouse decorating beautifully.