7 Best Decorative Brass Fasteners For Crafting With Bells

Finding the right way to attach a decorative bell to a piece of fabric, leather, or paper can turn a simple craft project into a professional-looking home accent. Choosing the wrong fastener often leads to bells falling off after only a few weeks of use or, worse, damaging the material they are attached to. Selecting the correct hardware ensures that holiday wreaths, wind chimes, or festive door hangers stand up to the daily wear and tear of a busy household.

Darice Brass Brads: Easiest for Simple Projects

When crafting for a seasonal project like paper garlands or holiday gift tags, convenience is usually the top priority. Darice brass brads are the industry standard for lightweight applications where the fastener needs to be opened and closed by hand.

These fasteners require no specialized equipment, making them ideal for crafters who do not have a dedicated workshop. Simply poke the two prongs through the paper or thin fabric and fold them flat against the back to secure the bell.

Because these are made from thin-gauge brass, they are not suitable for high-tension areas or items that will be handled by children daily. Use them primarily for stationary decorative displays where movement is minimal.

Tandy Leather Rivets: Strongest for Heavy Bells

Leatherwork and heavy-duty home decor projects require a fastener that refuses to budge. Tandy leather rivets offer a permanent, professional-grade solution that handles the weight of larger cast-iron or thick metal bells with ease.

Unlike brads, these rivets require a setting tool and a hammer to compress the two components together. Once set, they create a clean, rounded aesthetic on both sides of the material, which adds a high-end look to custom keychains or door pulls.

Consider these for projects that see high traffic, such as a bell on a pantry door that rings whenever someone enters the room. While the initial setup requires a small investment in tools, the durability far outweighs the cost over time.

Dritz Brass Eyelets: Best for Threading Ribbon

Sometimes a bell is not meant to be attached directly to a surface, but rather dangled from a decorative ribbon or twine. Dritz brass eyelets provide a reinforced hole that prevents fabric from fraying or tearing over time.

By installing an eyelet into a piece of fabric or cardstock, you create a smooth, metal-lined channel for your ribbon to pass through. This protects the integrity of your material, especially when using delicate materials like burlap or heavy-duty ribbon.

These are particularly useful for renters who want to create removable seasonal decorations without damaging doors or walls. Focus on the eyelet diameter to ensure the ribbon slides through smoothly without binding.

Tim Holtz Hex Fasteners: Most Decorative Option

For projects where the hardware itself is meant to be a design feature, Tim Holtz hex fasteners offer an industrial, vintage appeal. These pieces go beyond simple functionality and add a layer of texture to scrapbook pages, wall art, or shadow boxes.

The hexagonal shape provides a more grounded, sophisticated look than standard round brads. They are best suited for adult-focused home decor projects rather than basic children’s crafts, as they complement rustic or steampunk-inspired aesthetics.

Because of their unique shape, ensure the material being fastened is sturdy enough to support the flat back of the hex head. Avoid using these on flimsy materials that might tear under the weight of the thicker metal.

Miniature Brass Brads: For Tiny, Delicate Bells

When working with miniature bells on small ornaments or detailed embroidery, standard fasteners will look oversized and cumbersome. Miniature brass brads provide a subtle hold that keeps the focus on the craftsmanship rather than the hardware.

These are essential for tight spaces where a bulky rivet would prevent the bell from sitting flush against the surface. They are inexpensive and usually sold in large quantities, making them a low-risk purchase for those who enjoy intricate, small-scale work.

Be mindful that the prongs on these miniature versions are very soft. If you attempt to use them on thick or stiff materials, the prongs may snap or bend out of shape during installation.

Hillman Split Rings: Reliable for Constant Motion

If a bell is attached to a dog collar, a wind chime, or anything subject to constant movement, a rigid fastener might eventually fatigue and break. Hillman split rings offer a dynamic connection that allows the bell to swing freely.

The circular design mimics a standard key ring, allowing the bell to move 360 degrees without putting stress on the anchor point. This is the most practical choice for items located in high-traffic hallways or outdoor entryways where the wind or movement will be frequent.

Check the gauge of the wire to ensure it fits the loop on your specific bell. Thicker rings offer more security but may be too large for delicate hanging loops.

National Hardware Posts: A Secure, Reusable Hold

Chicago screws, or binding posts from brands like National Hardware, provide a threaded, mechanical hold that is arguably the most secure option for heavy-duty mounting. They consist of a male and female screw that lock together, making them perfect for leather belts or thick fabric straps.

The greatest advantage of this fastener is that it is fully removable and reusable. If you want to swap out a holiday-themed bell for a generic one after the season ends, these posts allow you to disassemble the project without destroying the leather or fabric.

While they are the most expensive option per unit, their longevity makes them a sound investment for heirloom-quality crafts. Always test the thickness of your material to ensure the post is long enough to fully engage the threads.

Matching Fastener Size to Your Bell’s Hanging Loop

Success in crafting often comes down to precise measurements before the tools even come out. Before purchasing any hardware, measure the interior diameter of the bell’s hanging loop.

• For thin loops: Use miniature brads or fine-gauge wire rings to ensure a snug fit.
• For thick, cast-metal loops: Prioritize split rings or leather rivets, as these can handle the wider opening and heavier material weight.
• For flat tabs: Choose eyelets or standard brass brads, which accommodate the flat profile of ribbon or paper.

Always aim for a fastener that fills the majority of the loop space without forcing it, as a loop that is too tight can cause the metal to snap under pressure.

Tools You’ll Need for Setting Brads and Rivets

Basic home crafting only requires a few essential tools to ensure professional results. For brads, a small awl or a thick needle is necessary to pre-punch the holes, preventing the material from puckering.

For rivets and posts, a small ball-peen hammer and a flat, hard surface like a dedicated craft anvil or a thick piece of scrap wood are essential. Using the proper setting tool for your specific rivet size is non-negotiable, as an incorrect tool will lead to bent or crushed hardware.

Maintain a small magnetic bowl on your workspace to keep these tiny components contained. It prevents them from rolling off the table and disappearing into carpets or floor vents.

Brad vs. Rivet: Which is Right for Your Project?

Understanding the fundamental trade-off between speed and permanence is the key to successful crafting. Brads represent the “fast and temporary” end of the spectrum, ideal for light paper crafts and seasonal displays where you might change the decor next year.

Rivets and posts belong to the “permanent and heavy-duty” category, designed for projects that need to withstand years of use. If the item will be handled, hung in a drafty area, or used as part of a functional home accessory, prioritize a rivet or a screw-post.

Do not sacrifice structural integrity for the sake of an easier installation process. A few extra minutes spent properly setting a rivet will save hours of repair work later on.

By carefully selecting the right hardware for your specific bells and materials, you can create long-lasting accents that enhance the character of your home. Whether opting for the simplicity of a brad or the rugged reliability of a screw-post, the right choice ensures your hard work remains intact and beautiful. Focusing on quality fasteners is a small investment that prevents frustration and keeps your holiday and home decor projects looking their best for seasons to come.