By making a set of bells, chimes or handbells you will learn a lot about the mechanics of bells and their fittings in a very practical way. The bells would make a very interesting talking point at a local recruitment or awareness event and making them could be a fun activity at a youth or school group.

You should think about making handbells or chimes using materials that are readily available  such as flower pots, bottles, or lengths of metal tube for chimes.  You should not expect them to be chromatically accurate.  If you’re interested in this project, have a look at some of the following ideas:

• Handbells made from terracotta flower pots
• Set of pipe chimes made from steel tubing
• Go to Switzerland and cast your own cow bells

If you’re really ambitious have a look at this YouTube footage of the flower pot peal of bells known as the Liss Campanile – the flower pots replaced the original bucket ring!  A number of peal length performances were scored on the bells.

Completed one of your 50 things?

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