60 Beaded Bells
January 20, 2011
Well, look at this!
Twenty red bells. Twenty white bells. Twenty green bells.
Sixty beaded bells! Wahoo!
And along with the bells comes a full year of blogging. Such stick-to-it-tiveness is rarely seen in my somewhat ADD personality and I must admit I jingled that last completed bell with a bit of bravado.
They say if you successfully blog on a topic for a year, you become an expert on that particular topic (although I can’t remember who said it). The point being that successful blogging requires frequent entries, which in turn requires extensive research. Whatever knowledge the blogger initially lacks is supplemented by the comments.
Whether Beaded Bells is successful is certainly subjective, but the concept of expertise applies nonetheless. In the 12 months since I’ve started this blog, I’ve become an expert bell beader (surely this refined skill will land me a six figure job somewhere, don’t you think?). I’ve also learned a lot about our family.
I’ve learned factual things, like my grandmother’s first name, Ruth, was chosen by her mother. And her three middle names are family names: Esther, after her maternal Uncle Edward Hornburg; Eliza, after her fraternal grandmother Eliza Hooge; and Bertha, after her maternal Aunt Bertha.
I’ve also picked up many insightful things. Things like children, as perceptive as they are, may or may not view things in a completely accurate sense. Or, family lore, as we historically know it, may differ from family to family.
Throughout the year, however, one thought has continually awed me. It’s the idea of fate. Or, as we Christians know it—God’s plan. How God uses one sometimes seemingly simple event in our lives to fulfill a huge, master plan, not only for ourselves, but for generations to come. Like, say, my brother Joel and his wife Cindy, who both had to work in Wisconsin for a time so they could meet each other. Now today they’re married, living in Michigan and have two beautiful daughters.
Or think about George and Ruth. Think how their impulsive decision to buy a grocery store in Henderson, MI, determined the lives of generations and generations beyond them.
That idea is a bit scary, isn’t it? It certainly puts a lot of responsibility on the things we do and the decisions we make. I guess that’s where using God as a guide comes in handy.
Each of us has great life stories and to wrap up this 1-year blogging odyssey, we’re going to hear from two guest writers who are willing to share theirs. Stay tuned!
As for me, folks, this is it. It’s been so-o-o much fun! Thanks to all who faithfully followed and commented—hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
God’s blessings,
Di
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jer 29:11.
January 27, 2011 at 8:59 am
Congratulations, Di. That’s a huge accomplishment!
January 27, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Nice work, Di. It’s been fun reading about your family and sparking old memories of my own.
January 28, 2011 at 1:56 am
Thank you for keeping up with this for the full year! I really enjoyed reading your blog, and learned so much about our family. :)
January 28, 2011 at 6:30 am
Thanks Ann and Rhonda for joining our family for the year! We always enjoyed your input. It’s interesting to note that, while each family is unique, in many ways we’re still the same.
Becky, glad you enjoyed the project. And thanks for all your input. Comments are the life of a blog!
August 7, 2011 at 12:05 pm
My Grandmother made these too, but now we cannot find the pattern anywhere. Do you still have a copy or do you know where I could get one?
August 8, 2011 at 4:49 am
Rachel, I bought the kit from Herrschners. It includes the pattern and beads for 4-6 bells (can’t remember how many). From there I bought beads at various stores, like Ben Franklin, JoAnn Fabrics, etc.
Have fun beading!
November 28, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Could anyone please please please send me the beaded Christmas bell pattern???!
I made these 40 years ago with grandmother and would to make them with my grandchildren.
Any help advice websites anything would be appreciated.
Thanks!
November 28, 2011 at 9:09 pm
The pattern is available from Herrschners here: http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?sku=513214
December 9, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Hi OMG I can’t believe I found these bells. After looking at them I was wondering if you could send me the pattern! I had learned to make them years ago When I was 12 and have since forgotten how to make them. We have a handful of them on our tree and I would like to add to the collection. I have tried every website out there and even sites that claim they have the patterns don’t exist!
December 28, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Could you please send me the pattern? I have hunted this pattern for years. I made them 6 years ago and lost the pattern and would now like to made some for grandchildren.
Please help me if you can,
Rhonda
January 11, 2012 at 7:54 pm
I received a beaded bell (like the Herrschners) from my now deceased grandmother some 25 ot 30 years ago. I have searched for the instructions and cannot find that particular pattern. My grandmother showed how to make them and I have a few from then but can’t remember how to make them. Could you please send me the instructions? I would love to make some for my grandchildren.
Thanks,
Susan
February 25, 2012 at 8:24 am
Do you have the pattern for the bells?
Thanks,
Sherryl
September 2, 2012 at 11:10 am
Please I would also love to have this pattern. My mom made me a few of these many years ago. The last few years she lived with me and had started to make them for my girls but she passed after a short illness. I would love to be able to finish the project she started and pass them on to my children
September 3, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Please I would also love to have this pattern. My Grandmother made these for me but has since passed away and now I would love to make them for my grandchildren. If anyone would be willing to share the pattern, I would be very appreciative. Thank you!
Viv
January 3, 2013 at 8:54 pm
I came accross this blog looking for the pattern. My mother made us three bells, three snowflakes, three candy canes, and three wreaths. The snowflakes are detailed and 3d which I can not find either. If you happen to see this could you at least tell me where to start. Thank you
Donna
November 11, 2014 at 9:10 am
My grandma did these as well but unfortunately I don’t have the pattern and can’t find it anywhere:( I was wondering if you’d be willing to share the pattern?? Thanks so much