The 2008 Ringing Bells Project
Revised in 2009
Sample Video of Ringing Bells
Our newest Project for Belardo Lights 2008: The Ringing Bells...Check out the YouTube video above.
of The Ringing Bells
As background information for this project, we already have three animated bells in the Belardo Lights display. There's room in the center
of those bells for a larger version of animated bells to be the centerpiece of our ringing bells in the display. After investigating some store-bought options for putting
a larger set of bells in the display, we decided to build our own for cost and energy usage purposes. The photo above shows a tracing of the artwork for what we're trying
to create with the project. The bells will be on individual lighting circuits so they be alternated to simulate a "ringing" motion.
Holes Punched every 0.7 inches
After outlining the figure with colored ink for the different lights, and inserting punch hole markings every 3/4", the paper is attached
to the Coroplast backing to prepare for hole punching.
After the holes are punched, it was time to insert the lights. Tedious work, but this is where the figure really comes to life.
The various colors are inserted and connected together where appropriate.
While working in the garage on the lights, Happy Stephen came out to see what the noise was about and he stayed awhile to give
some moral support for the project. Not to mention, he likes dancing to the music! He gave the bells his stamp of approval, sealed with a grin...
Red Lights Lit
Moving right along...The green-colored lights are now inserted, and the red lights were just finished. Whew! Our fingers are
getting sore. This project took two weekends to build between all the steps.
And Tied Down to One Side
All of the wires for the various lights are joined together and brought down to the bottom of the figure in 3 circuits
(body, left bell, and right bell). Various unused lights are taped up and held in place by cable ties. It's time to build a frame.
The Ringing Bells Come To Life
This photo showcases the final product with all the lights turned on. We used the Target Gold Pearlized lights for the
actual bells (aren't they great lights?)...
Installed on The Ringing Bells
In trying to keep this figure as light as possible, we constructed a small frame to help keep the figure rigid and painted it
the same color as the house to blend in. This set of bells will be suspended in a window above the garage. We hope you enjoyed the description of building
our Belardo Lights Bells...They're going to look great in the display this year, so please stop by and check them out...