Beaded Christmas Bell — PDF Tutorial | Recycled Coffee Pod Decoration

Turn a recycled coffee pod into a beaded Christmas bell — and tick off the most satisfying make of the season.

This is a genuinely clever project. A clean aluminium Nespresso-style pod becomes the structural base for a two-tone beaded bell covered in Gem Duo two-hole beads, pearls, and seed beads. The beadwork builds from the top down in rings, with the coffee pod dropped inside partway through before the whole structure is drawn closed. It finishes with a beaded hanging loop and a tiny bell ringer inside — and it actually jingles. A great stash-buster that makes a beautiful gift.

This 7-page PDF includes 18 fully illustrated steps covering the complete beading process, from the first Gem Duo ring through to attaching the hanging loop and bell ringer. Includes finished photos of multiple colourways.

Bead list (per bell): 1 clean aluminium coffee pod (approx. 3.4cm × 3.2cm), 30 × Gem Duo or Diamond Duo two-hole beads, 18 × 3mm pearls (A), 24 × 4mm pearls (B), 12 × 4mm pearls (C), 3g size 11 seed beads (D), 3g size 11 seed beads (E), 2g size 8 seed beads (F), 1 × 6mm round pearl, 1 × craft bell component.

Skill level: Beginner to intermediate — basic stitching knowledge required.
Techniques: Two-hole bead work (Gem Duo), working in the round, netting, picot, loop and bell ringer attachment.

On A String is a small Australian beading business created by Paula — a beader, teacher, and maker who believes the craft is better when it's shared. Every tool is designed from the beading table. Every tutorial is written from experience.