Flower Pot Bells

What you need: 5 - 2 1/2" red clay or plastic flower pots; Acrylic paints in white and holiday colors; Holiday stencils; 1 roll of 1/2" wide holiday ribbon, color of choice (red, gold, silver, plaid, etc.); 1 Pkg. Christmas bells (small); scrap cardboard; Spray paint (optional) holiday color of choice.

What to do: Note: If desired, you may paint all pots (inside and out) with spray paint before beginning this project but be sure to allow to dry completely before beginning following steps.

1. Freehand paint holiday designs on pots or use stencils to paint on. Be certain that you paint designs upside down as pots will be hanging upside down when project is completed.

2. Cut cardboard rounds the size of the base of the pots. Cut a slit in the center of each cardboard round just large enough to push the ribbon through.

3. Cut strips of ribbon of different lengths so that the pots will hand at different lengths.

4. Weave one strip of ribbon through two bell loops and tie in knot about 1 1/2 to 2" above bells depending on where you want the bells to hang at pot opening.

5. Thread the free end of the ribbon through the cardboard round. Push the cardboard circle down to the knot you made above the bells.

6. Thread the free end of ribbon through the hole in the bottom center of the flower pot and pull until cardboard round is flush with the inner bottom of the pot.

7. Arrange all the pots so that they will hang at different lengths, then tie a knot at top of all ribbon ends. Make a bow with any remaining ribbon to cover knot at top.

If desired, you can use spray glitter to cover the top (bottoms) of each bell pot for a more festive look.