B.B. Bellezza Handcrafted Jewelry and Tutorials

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings - Week 10

2012-03-12T21:20:00.000-04:00

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings: Week 10

These are a little different from what I usually make, but I love them! I may start to make similar earrings for my shop.

What do you think?

What to do with buttons

2012-03-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

I LOVE buttons! I bet a lot of you do, too!

Here are some links to buttons related posts:

Button Hair Pins Tutorial

Stacked Button Necklace Tutorial

Button Bouquet Tutorial

Upcycled Button Flowers in a Pot

Lots of Buttons Fabric Cuff Tutorial

Use it for the middle of a Fabric Flower

Use it for an accent on a Decoupage Jar (Video Tutorial)

Upcycled button bouquets or here or here

Button Pushpins

Button Rings ( I sell these at my booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER in Lancaster, PA. If you want to learn to make them, I'm working on a digital wire wrapping workshop! Make sure to join my tutorial newsletter to know when it's available!)

Dotee Doll I Made

2012-03-08T08:00:00.006-05:00

Since my swap partner has received this, it's safe to share photos of a recent Dotee Doll I sent out for a swap. (On Swap-Bot)

This is my version of a Zombie Dotee. The theme of the swap was to pick a favorite color from your partner's profile on swap-bot. One color she mentioned was silver. She also mentioned she liked (among other things) horror movies, zombies and Edgar Allan Poe.

So I made her a zombie dotee doll, and I attached a game tile piece pendant I made with a Raven and the word "Nevermore" on it.

I love how it turned out and I'm thrilled that my swap partner did, too!

If you are interested in learning how to make your own dotee doll (and I even give you some embroidery stitches) sign up for my tutorial newsletter and you'll get a link to download the tutorial once you confirm!

And then you can head on over to Swap-Bot and sign up for a swap! It's so much fun!

Wonderful Wednesday! I Don't Have Time to Scrapbook!

2012-03-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

This week's Wonderful Wednesday Freebie:

Click here to get the freebie

(This freebie works with My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software, but you don't have to have My Memories to use it!

I don't have time to scrapbook.

I have said that before. Many times.

When I think about scrapbooking, I used to think it meant pulling out piles of paper, glue sticks or double sided tape, embellishments and tons of photos.

A two - page layout could take me hours!

Then if something happened like, for example, you run out of glue, etc., and you have to put everything on hold and run to the store.

Or worse yet, you can't even get started because you have a creative block.

Or you cut your photo wrong and have to wait to get another copy.

Well, scrapbooking has come a long way, baby!

Ways to capture memories without taking so much time:

1. Smashbook

A smashbook is the unscrapbook, actually.

It is completely freeing. You don't have to do anything special. Just use the pen/glue stick to add stuff to your book. Save the memories without the fuss.

I love this idea of just documenting your day without perfection.

You can get the actual Smashbook or just make your own! Use any sketchbook and add stuff to it! (Of course, you won't have the cool pen/glue stick, though)

(*Please see below for my disclosure statement.)

2. Paper bag Scrapbook

My first paper bag scrapbook, which is really simple and quick to make.

Or use the tutorial I used for my business plan paper bag scrapbook. It's not simple and takes a little time, but once it's done, it will save you time.

You can use it just like a smashbook, with the added feature of pockets to stash memories in as well!

3. Digital Scrapbooking

I have discovered digital scrapbooking several months ago and I will never go back to regular scrapbooking.

Everything is on your computer - no searching for glue sticks, trying to find photos, etc. Your photos are on your computer anyway, right?

If you need a different kit it's so easy, just purchase it from your computer - you don't have to run to the store! Plus, My Memories (my preferred digital scrapbooking software) has so much free stuff, it will keep you going for a while!

I have a special offer for my readers from My Memories, too! Use the code STMMMS70060 to get $10 off your digital scrapbooking software + $10 additional to use in the My Memories shop.

Plus, until March 31st, you get a Free 1 year membership to RAKstar! ($247.00 value!)

Just purchase the software with the code STMMMS70060
Email me your receipt (to BBBellezza@hotmail.com)
I will email you a gift certificate for RAKstar!

* Disclosure: In this post I have posted links for products that I would receive a small commission for if you purchase. I only talk about products that I truly love and believe in. Those payments do help keep this blog going. Thanks!

DIY Green Handmade Cloth Napkins

2012-03-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

I knew right from the beginning of planning my wedding reception that I would not be using paper napkins. Yes, we are having a relatively laid back outdoor wedding. But, I would never want to waste that much paper.

I also knew that I would be making them. I didn't want to rent them because I knew I could make them for the same price as renting them, plus I could make them any size, color, pattern, etc. that I wanted.

Not to mention the added extra benefit of having a crap load of cloth napkins for myself after the wedding. No more paper napkins for us - ever!

To a lot of my non-DIY pals, this seems pretty crazy. But I'm sure that a lot of my DIY and planet-loving pals out there understand.

I have made these cloth napkins before. They are fine for around the house, but not quite right for my wedding reception.

I ended up using the Shiny Happy World free tutorial to make my napkins. The only change I made was I made mine 16 x 16. 12 was too small and I tried 18, which was too big. 16 inches seems just about perfect. Follow her directions (and don't skip all the ironing, it makes it them so much easier!) and you, too can have gorgeous cloth napkins!

So far my progress hasn't been too great (as you can see by the small pile of napkins!) But this weekend I'm taking my sewing machine to my mom's and we're going to have dualing sewing machines and knock them out!

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings - Weeks 8 and 9

2012-03-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

Week 8

Week 9

Don't Be Overwhelmed by Your To Do List

2012-03-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

(My famous To Do Book! This, along with my calendar/planner, goes with me everywhere.)

I am often told I am such an organized person. It’s true, I am! (you should see my wedding binder! ) I joke that I have a list of all my lists. (I don’t, really, but I often think that it wouldn’t be a bad idea if I did!)

Sometimes I plan to a fault. Sometimes I use it as a procrastination method – I will make lists and plan and then never quite make it to the actual “doing” part of the “to do.”

I have changed that pattern this year. The first thing that helped was my “To Do Book.” I wrote about it before. I was inspired by Goddess Leonie to create one. I wasn’t sure how it would work out because I actually usually prefer to type as opposed to writing by hand, but I have found my book to be the best tool for listing my to dos!

My lists tend to be a little overwhelming. Maybe yours are, too. Instead of getting overwhelmed, prioritize. This is how I prioritize, and it may help you, too.

The order in which I accomplish things:

Customer orders and/or concerns. If I have orders to fill or ship, or questions to answer, I always do these first. They don’t even usually make it to my to do list because I take care of them right away.
Date sensitive items. For example, I’m going away for several days to work on wedding preparations with my mom. So, although there are certain things I might prefer to be working on, I have to get ready for my trip. I have to gather up all the supplies I need for the stuff we are making, pack my sewing machine, make sure I have clean clothes to pack, etc. I really have a fun project that I want to work on for my blog, but it can’t happen until I know I’m ready for my trip.
Whatever is going to help my business the most. Of course, you’ll need to have a clear plan and end goal in mind. (Try Tara Swiger’s map for that! I did and it has helped me significantly!)
Things I don’t want to do. Sometimes I bump this up to #3 because I know I’ll feel better once I accomplish the thing that I have been putting off. Anything having to do with my new website is here. I feel completely overwhelmed by learning how to use wordpress, but I know it will be nicer and I know that I can do it. I get scared and do something else. (Or find some other way to procrastinate like, Pinterest!) Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes skipping the thing you don’t want to do will actually be fine. Sometimes it works itself out. Sometimes you shouldn’t have been doing it in the first place. But there are definitely times you should be doing something you don’t want to do.
Other stuff.

Usually, I deal with customer orders and questions first and then check my calendar for deadlines.

Once that I done, I either try to tackle something that has been on my list for a while that I have to force myself to do, or do something that I believe will push my business forward.

Some days you’ll only get as far as #1. Some days you’ll have to skip #1 to #2, but only do that one day.

Some days it’s better to start of #4 for a set amount of time and then move on to #1.

How do you prioritize?

First Friday in Lancaster PA Tonight

2012-03-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Where did February go?!

Tonight is First Friday in Lancaster, PA!

Make sure to stop by BUiLDiNG CHARACTER

342 N. Queen Street, Rear Warehouses

Lancaster, PA 17603

6 pm -9 pm

You can find the B.B. Bellezza booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER. Just go to the Left and I'm the 3rd booth on the Right in the far aisle. You can't miss it, it's PINK!

Tutorial: Stacked Button Necklace

2012-03-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

I recently came into possession of a lot of buttons (to add to my growing collection.) I love buttons and even though I don't always know exactly what I am going to do with them, if I see a deal on them, I'll buy them!

I have made button necklaces before, but this is the first one like this. I made earrings in this style previously, which were so cute, too!

Materials and Tools:

Buttons ( I used 62. If you are a smaller stature person, you'll need less)

Wire (I used 24 gauge wire)

Chain

4 jump rings (I used 3 4mm jump rings and 1 7 mm jump ring)

Wire cutters

Round nose pliers

Needle nose pliers

Step #1

Pick out buttons that want to use. I used just 2 colors: purple and gray. I have a lot of those colors, plus I knew they would match outfits I have. You can definitely use different colors, more colors, etc. You'll only see the sides of the buttons, so keep that in mind.

Also the shank type of buttons won't really work for this project. (See photo below for what I'm talking about.)

Shank button. Won't work for this project.

Step #2

Cut off about 12 inches of wire.

Step #3

Make a loop on one end of the wire.

Step #4

Start stacking buttons on the one by one, like you would beads. You could add a bead on each end.

Step #5

Add a loop to the other side of the buttons and trim off the excess wire.

Step #6

Decide how long you want your necklace to be. Measure how long the button piece you just made is and subtract that from how long you would like your necklace to be. Cut a piece of chain the length that is left. Then cut the piece of chain in 2 equal lengths.

Step #7

Open a jump ring (I used a 4 mm jump ring) and add the chain to the button piece. Repeat on the other side.

Step #8

Add a jump ring to one side, for 1/2 a clasp. (I used a 7 mm jump ring)

Step #9

Open a jump ring (I used a 4 mm) and add a lobster clasp to the other side.

Step #10

Enjoy your new necklace!

Note:

You can use beading wire instead of silver wire, and then make loops and crimp.
You can use any color buttons, however, shank buttons won't work for this project.
Use any kind of chain you desire, and any clasp you would like!
You can make this necklace as long or as short as you want! Same goes for how many buttons you use!
If you have questions about how to, or need more instructions on wire wrapping loops, I have a tutorial that teaches that! Hardware Necklace and Bracelet teaches you basic wire wrapping and you make a couple awesome projects!

A REALLY Wonderful, Wonderful Wednesday!

2012-02-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

I have a great offer for you! Make sure you read all the way through to the end!

First, as usual, I have a pretty kit you can grab for free this week! This works with the My Memories Suite, but you don't have to have My Memories to use it!

Click to get your freebie!

Special Deal!

I have a really special offer for you all now through March 31, 2012!!

If you purchase the My Memories Suite now until March 31, 2012, you also get a free 1 year membership to RAKstar! This is a $247.00 value! FREE!

Each month you'll get a free HUGE digital scrapbook kit, which is compatible with My Memories!

PLUS, you'll get $10 off your My Memories Suite purchase and $10 to spend in the My Memories store when you use this code: STMMMS70060

How it works:

Purchase My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software using code STMMMS70060

Email your receipt to me at BBBellezza@hotmail.com

I will email you a gift certificate for the annual RAKstare membership!

Remember, you get $10 off the software + $10 to use in the My Memories store + RAKstar 1 year membership (cost is usually $19.95, $247.00 value!) = $39.95 savings!

Please be sure to use the code STMMMS70060 (I suggest cutting and pasting) to make sure you get the deals!

TUtorial: Button Hair Pins

2012-02-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's so easy - with the right glue! - to make these adorable hair pins!

Tools and Supplies:

Buttons of your choice
Hair pins with a little round pad on them (I got mine at Hobby Lobby, you can find them online, too)
E6000 (find this at any craft store)
Toothpicks

Step #1

If you are making a stacked button hair pin (I did for this one) add glue to one button and put it on the other button.

If you are just using one button, skip to the next step.

(notice the string of glue in the photo - I should have wiped that off! You can also pull it off after it dries, so don't worry!)

Step #2

Add glue to the pad of the hair pin.

Step #3

Place the hair pin onto the back of the button.

Step #4

Allow to dry at least overnight before wearing.

Step #5

Enjoy your new hair pins!

Buttons!

2012-02-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just got A LOT of buttons. When you are out and about, thrifting, etc., keep your eyes peeled! You really never know what you might come across!

Speaking of buttons, I have 2 ideas this week for using your buttons. Watch for 2 button tutorials this week!

Because of my new influx of buttons, I'm designing some new button jewelry, which I will be sharing soon!

Tutorial: Bracelet Made from old Slides

2012-02-24T08:00:00.004-05:00

Recently a lot of slides have come into my life. Lancaster Creative Reuse seems to have a never-ending supply of them from an Art History department. Then I also recently came across a bunch that belonged to a widower without any family. They would have been thrown out.

Where you can find slides: estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores, auctions. Just keep your mind and eyes open and you'll find them!

Supplies and Materials:

(what on earth is going on here?!?)

Slides (I used 5)

7 mm jump rings (22)

Lobster clasp

2 pairs of pliers

Step #1

I didn't take a photo, but I removed the slides from the protectors. Sometimes they are the plastic protectors. Keep those! You can find so many other things to do with them! These were the cardboard and they were pretty destroyed when I got the slides out.

Step #2

Connect the slides together with 2 jump rings, 1 in each corner.

I used 5 slides. You may not need as many. You can also add more jump rings and use less slides.

Step #3

On the end slides make a chain of 3 jump rings on each corner.

Step #4

Connect the 2 chains with another jump ring.

Step #5

Do steps #3 and #4 on the other end. When you add the final jump ring, add the lobster clasp to it before closing.

Step #6

Enjoy your unique bracelet!

If you need some extra help with jump rings or want to make more unique jewelry, check out my How to Make Extraordinary Jewelry from Ordinary Objects Workshop (a/k/a How to Make Hardware Jewelry Workshop.) Available for purchase + instant download in my Craftsy Store.

Tutorial: Flower Made from an Old Pattern

2012-02-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Supplies and Tools:

An old sewing pattern (or tissue paper)

Scissors

Wire + Wire cutters

Step #1

Cut out 4 pieces from the old pattern. I made cute little flowers, so my pieces were 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".

Step #2

Fold up the pieces together, accordion - style. (see photo)

Step #3

Cut curves on the ends.

Step #4

Cut 2 notches in the exact middle of the pieces - do not cut all the way through. (It will be more clear in the next photo.)

Step #5

Wrap the wire (or you can use string) around in the notches.

Step #6

Separate each layer of the pattern pieces, starting in the middle pulling up the layer toward the middle.

Step #7

Continue pulling up the layers, one - by - one.

I plan to make a lot of these and putting them on branches for centerpieces. You can put them anywhere you can wrap the wire around!

Get free tutorials right in your mailbox by signing up for my Emerging Creatively Tutorials Email List (and get a free tutorial when you sign up!): Tutorial Newsletter Sign Up

New Digital Workshop Available: Design - a - Doll Boy

2012-02-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

New Digital Workshop Available: Design - a - Doll Boy!

This is the boy version of my Design-a-Doll Workshop. I had made only girl dolls until one day my nephew asked me to make him a boy zombie doll. I made it to look like him and he loved it. (And even noticed that the doll looked like him!)

This tutorial is so much more than a tutorial, which is why I have called it a "workshop."

You'll learn how to make a rag doll - from designing it to sewing it. I also teach you how to embroider the face, make my version of a zombie doll or do a painted face.

If you're not up for designing your own doll, I've included a pattern for the doll, too.

These dolls are so addicting to make!

The list of materials seems sort of long, but you probably have most of the materials already. I like to use up old worn clothes. I especially love to make the boy dolls with old jeans for their pants.

Save memories by using your kids' favorite clothes or blankets and making them into a doll. Or remember a loved one who has passed on.

Just $15 in my Craftsy Pattern Store. Pay and you can instantly download!

Wonderful Wednesday - Free Digial Scrapbook Kit Download!

2012-02-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted a Wonderful Wednesday post with a free kit!

This week we have photo cards:

Get it for free, here. (You don't need My Memories software to use this kit!)

The cool thing about the kit is that you don't only get the layout as it, you get all the elements that go into the layout.

I made this page from the elements:

That's me in Atlantic City, NJ on the "Throne of Love" at Ripley's Believe it or Not. I put a quarter in and I got "adorable." I don't know what that means, but it was fun!

Although you don't need the My Memories software to use this kit, My Memories is so much fun and so very easy to use!

Use the following code and get $10 off My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software + $10 off in the My Memories shop: STMMMS70060

Survey: Online Jewelry Workshop

2012-02-21T19:49:00.000-05:00

I would love to teach an online jewelry workshop, but I want to know what people would like to learn, or if there is any interest in this sort of workshop.

I would truly appreciate if you would take my short survey so I know if there is any interest and what sorts of things you would be interested in learning.

Click here to take survey

If you are in Lancaster, PA and you would like to learn how to make jewelry, please feel free to email me. I will email you when I have one scheduled.

THANK YOU!!!

Paper Bag Scrapbook Business Plan

2012-02-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Creating a business plan in writing is always a goal of mine each year. Some years I do accomplish it, save it on my computer and move on with my business. Some years I don't even do it. I know what my plan is, why write it down?

This year I am changing my business and really wanted to get things down in writing. I did that, on my computer, like normal. Here's the thing, though, I don't actually USE my business plan in that way. I never see it again.

Then I got an inspiration. I wish I could remember who gave me the idea, but it was on one of my favorite blogs, but I'm not sure which one (I tried to figure it out, but with no luck!)

I transformed my business plan into a fun, crafty, interactive book! I made a paper bag scrapbook and then added all my business info. There's plenty of room for adding in the pockets. I can change things, add things, remove things.

And I love it. I love having it out and adding more to it.

The other great thing about making my business plan scrapbook that I didn't realize is that while I was making the pages and adding information, I thought much more about my business and each response to each section. It's one thing to type it out and save it on a printer or print it; it's a entirely different thing to physically write out information by hand and make special pages.

I used this Crafty U Tutorial to make my scrapbook. I am planning on making more, for sure! I used paper bags I had around left over from when I sold Avon, so my bags are white. If you want to make a paper bag scrapbook for a business plan like I did, you can just do a search to find business plan samples to get started. I have some blank pages/empty pockets to add to my book as needed.

What do you think?

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings - Weeks 5, 6 and 7

2012-02-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

For these 3 pair, I dug into my boxes of beads and findings for stuff I have had for a while and didn't use.

Week 5:

These were made with 2 large clear glass beads and pretty silver bead caps.

Week 6:

These earrings feature a silver bead that I have always loved. I had previously made earrings similar to this for sale, but now I have my own pair!

Week 7:

These silver earrings are pretty and unique. The beads are rose quartz.

Video Craft Tutorial: Canvas Necklace Holder

2012-02-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

I made a Canvas Earring Holder previously, and now I'll show you how to make a matching Canvas Necklace Holder.

The one I made in the video holds just one necklace, which is great for display. I would love to make a whole wall of these for my necklaces!

You can use a larger canvas and have it hold several (or all!) of your necklaces. You could put several pushpins across the top and hang more instead of just one.

Supplies Needed:

An artist canvas (stretched over wood)
Tissue paper
Mod Podge
Foam brush
Thumbtacks (they should be flat across the top)
Buttons
E6000 glue (you could probably use a glue gun instead)
2 small nails
Wire
Hammer

Let me know if you have any questions! For more great tutorials, check out my Craftsy Pattern Store.

Decoupage Jar Craft Tutorial

2012-02-16T07:55:00.001-05:00

Here's my first attempt at a video tutorial! Learn how to make a decoupage jar that turns into a cute vase!

To make the button bouquet that I put into the vase at the end, click to go to the Button Bouquet craft tutorial.

Tools and Materials for the Decoupage Jar:

Jar (I used a clean and dry spaghetti sauce jar)
Tissue paper (I used a pattern, but you can use any tissue paper)
Mod Podge
Foam Brush
Sand paper
Any other embellishment and glue you need to put it on. I used:
Cord
Button
Elmer's glue

Let me know if you have any questions!

If you liked this tutorial, you may also like other tutorials I have done. Check out my Craftsy Pattern Store for more free tutorials and some for sale.

How to Make....

2012-02-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

As I am sure you have noticed, I have been focusing on "How Tos" lately. I love making different projects and I really love sharing instructions so you can learn how to, too.

Recently Craftsy opened up their pattern store! You can find all kinds of patterns, tutorials, etc. on it. I have my own store there, too.

Craftsy is great because you have access to the tutorial immediately after buying. You don't have to wait for me to send an email with the tutorial!

My tutorials are more like digital workshops. You learn everything you need to know as if you were a beginner. My "How to Make Extraordinary Jewelry from Ordinary Objects" tutorial teaches you how to make hardware jewelry as if you have never made jewelry again.

Plus, you get several different patterns for different hardware jewelry designs, from earrings to bracelets to necklaces + inspiration for customization.

If you have any questions or get stuck, I'm only an email away!

My other digital workshops are similar. The only difference is that the workshops involving sewing (Fabric Cuff Bracelet and Design-a-Doll), I do assume that you can at least sew in a straight line and around curves and corners.

If you don't want a full out digital workshop, you can opt for my individual patterns, which just include one project. For example, a pair of earrings, or one style of fabric cuff bracelet.

Terms of Use:

Please use the products you make from my tutorials in any way you want. You can make things for gifts or even to sell! If you end up teaching these in workshops in the future, I would appreciate that you don't share the tutorial with other people who want to teach, but ask them to purchase the tutorial from me.

I would love to hear about you starting a new business with the skills you learned from my tutorials!

Please do not share, copy, sell, or distribute any tutorial or any part of any tutorial, however.

Any questions about that, just let me know!

Upcoming

I have new tutorials planned for the entire year. New doll tutorials will be coming out later this month. I'm also working on an Altered Art Jewelry Workshop, Embroidery workshop + many more! Plus a lot more free tutorials right here on the blog!

What do you want to learn how to do?

New Tutorial Available: Lots of Buttons Fabric Cuff Bracelet

2012-02-12T20:17:00.003-05:00

Make your own fabric cuff tutorial with Lots of Buttons!

This is a great use of worn jeans! You can use any fabric you wish.

You just need to be able to sew in a straight line. I'll teach you everything else!

Great for people who have metal allergies and can't wear metal jewelry!

Pick it up for just $5 in my Craftsy Pattern Shop.

Tutorial: T-Shirt Necklace with Flower

2012-02-10T08:00:00.005-05:00

T-Shirt Necklace Tutorial

Materials and Tools:

T-Shirts (I used 2)
Button
Scissors
Needle and thread
Flower pattern (you'll just need the smaller flower)

Step #1

Cut the t-shirt along the bottom edge to cut off the hem.

Step #2

Cut off strips about 1” wide across the bottom of the t-shirt. The strips will be in loops.

I used a large man’s t-shirt. I needed about 5 strips, but I was able to double them. If you are using a smaller t-shirt that you can’t double, you’ll need about 10 strips. You have to be able to fit the strips over your head, so you can check to see if you can double them or not.

Step #3

I didn’t get a shot of the next step, but it’s easy and you’ll see what I mean when you try it. Stretch each loop. When you stretch them, they will curl under like you see above.

This is what they look like after you’ve stretched them. I have these doubled as well.

Step #4

Cut another strip and cut it in half. Stretch it to make it curl.

Step #5

Twist the 2 pieces together.

Step #6

Twist it around the loops to hold them together.

Step #7

Sew it so it stays on. You don’t need to worry about it being too neat because we’ll cover it up.

Step #8

Use the smaller flower of the pattern. (This is the same pattern from my Newspaper Flower Tutorial and Fabric Flower Tutorial.) Cut out 6 flowers.

Step #9

Gently stretch the flowers. They won’t really curl up too much.

Step #10

Lay out your flowers. Put one on the bottom, then fold 2 and place them side by side (as seen in the photo below) and 2 more and place them side by side going the other way. Place one on top.

Step #11

Add a button on top.

Step #12

Sew all the flowers and button together. Be careful to catch all the layers of the flowers.

Sew diagonally, 3 times around one direction and 3 times the other direction.

Do not tie off the thread.

Step #13

Sew the flower onto the necklace where you wrapped the extra pieces around.

Step #14

Enjoy your new necklace!

To get the PDF version of this tutorial, head over to my Craftsy Shop to download it for free!

Tutorial: Button Bouquet

2012-02-09T08:00:00.007-05:00

Button Bouquet Tutorial

This is such a fun and easy project! If you love buttons like I do, you’re going to love these cute bouquets! Plus you need very few materials!

Materials:

Buttons (about 2-4 per “flower”)

Flower wire

Tool:

Pair of pliers

Step #1

Pick out buttons and make them into little bunches. I like to use 3 or 4 buttons for each little flower.

I love using large buttons, but I don’t often have them. If you are like me, you have a whole stash of buttons you love and don’t know exactly what to do with. This is a great way to put them on display so you can see them all the time!

Step #2

Loosely bend your floral wire in half.

Step #3

Place your first button on the wire. Take the top button and slide it onto the wire. The top of the button should face the bend. (In other words, the back of the button will be faced towards the 2 ends.)

Step #4

Add the rest of your buttons for your first flower in the same way.

Step #5

Use your pliers and twist the floral wire. I like to twist tightly next to the buttons first. Then I hold the pliers on the wire, but twist using the buttons.

Move the pliers down further as you get sections twisted.

(Ummm, you can notice leftover glue on my fingers from a project I did right before this. Sometimes glue just doesn’t wash off, I guess!)

Step #6

Twist all the way to the end of the floral wire.

That’s it! You have one flower for your bouquet.

If you have a button with a shank, here’s how to make a button flower:

Step #1

Loosely bend the floral wire in half and place the wire through the shank. Center it on the wire.

Step #2

Slide another button onto the wire in the same way as you did before.

Then continue the tutorial as above.

After you get a bunch of these individual flowers you can make a bouquet!

You can put them in a vase:

I put colorful beads in the bottom of the vase!

Or pull a bunch together and tie a ribbon around them:

They made lovely presents!

If you would like a PDF version to save of this tutorial, head on over to my Crafty Pattern Store and you can download it for free!

Tuesday Tip for Greener Living: Paper

2012-02-07T10:21:00.000-05:00

Lately I seem to have a problem with paper. I keep printing things out. Then I decide that I don't need it. Or I print out a tutorial to proofread - and believe me there are some errors I only catch if I print - but then I have this pile of paper. It seemed like such a waste.

Then I started (or really, re-started) to do something. I started saving all that paper. Now I print on the back.

Yes, it's really simple. (Sometimes the best tips are!)

Sometimes we forget about such simple things. I'll blame it on working at a law firm. So much personal information is at the law firm and the papers with personal information have to be shredded.

At home, a draft of a tutorial with corrections on it does not need to be shredded. I can print on the other side. I can draw out ideas on the other side. I can print another tutorial on the other side.

But, I certainly don't need to throw it away.

The Burning Question: How do you want it all to Feel?

2012-02-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

Your day, kissing, next success, friendships, nervous system, money-making… How do you want it all to feel?

I want my day to feel like sunshine on the first warm days in the beginning of spring. (Fresh, warm, new and free)

I want kissing to feel like the dance scene in West Side Story.

I want my body to feel like a bird flying freely.

I want smiling to feel like drinking orange juice.

I want my friendships to feel like apple pie on a cold nice. (Warm, sweet delicious.)

I want my nervous to feel like the calmness right before falling asleep.

I want my gigs to feel like how I think Tom Brady must feel. Redemption. Success. At being passed over and then becoming one of the best.

I want my neighborhood to feel exactly how it feels: Friendly, creative people around, not too big, not too small.

I want my integrity to feel like a child's. Pure, innocent and incapable of lying.

I want my money-making to feel like a river. Freedom and flowing. Nothing to stop it.

I want my word to feel like the Rock of Gibraltar.

I want my laughter to feel like a child's giggle.

I want the end of the day to feel like a completed project. All of the parts come to gether and I feel satisfied by what I created.

I want being of service to feel like love.

I want my love to feel like a road trip. Happy, fun and with limitless possibilities, but not necessarily without bumps and challenges. Maybe we get a little lost, but we're together and eventually find our way home again.

I want my writing to feel like making jewelry feels like to me.

I want my ideas to feel like waves crashing on the sand. Big and continuous.

How do YOU want it all to feel? Head over to Danielle's orginial post.

New Tutorial Available: Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet

2012-02-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Learn how to make a Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet!

Make this unique bracelet using worn denim and leftover hardware. Denim only gets better with age, so when you outgrow or have ruined your jeans, save them! Cut around the worn parts to make this bracelet.

This bracelet is great for people with metal allergies - no metal touches your skin!

All you need to know already is how to sew in a straight line. I'll teach you everything else!

The Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet is just $5.

(Note, if you want to learn how to make several different types of cuffs and get ideas for customization, try my Fabric Cuff Workshop! Just $15)

With all my tutorials, if you get stuck, you'll have my email for help!

******************************************************

I now have a pattern store on Craftsy! Craftsy makes things easy and smooth. After you pay for your tutorial, you can immediately download it. On etsy you had to wait for me to email your pattern, which could be within 24 hours. Unless I get feedback that convinces me otherwise, I'll be listing my tutorial/patterns on Craftsy from here on out.

Enjoy!

First Friday in Lancaster PA Tonight + New Items!

2012-02-03T14:17:00.000-05:00

Today is Lancaster, PA's First Friday!

Come on out to BUiLDiNG CHARACTER

342 N. Queen Street, Rear Warehouses (come through the arch!)

Lancaster, PA 17603

Open until 9 p.m.

My both plus 35+ other vendors selling art, handmade items, antiques and gently used clothing.

I'm bringing some new pieces tonight, including:

+ even more!

Tutorials Now Available on Craftsy!

2012-02-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to tell you about Craftsy! If you love to create, Craftsy is the place for you. You'll find tons of projects and classes to take whether your passion is sewing, crochet, embroidery, jewelry, etc., etc., etc.. And now you can also find patterns!!

Soon all of my tutorials will be available on Craftsy, but there are a few there now. There's even a couple for FREE!

Just pay through paypal and instantly download the PDF file! No waiting!

The new name for my tutorials store is Emerging Creatively and I am going by my married name (and no, the big day didn't happen yet, I figured we were close enough and I'll have plenty of other places to change my name): Kimberlie Kohler.

I'm working on a new website, too! I'll let you know when it's ready. (It's not even close at the moment!!)

Tutorial: Canvas Earring Holder

2012-02-02T08:00:00.003-05:00

Especially since starting my 52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings project, I have realized I need a better storage solution for my earrings. Up until now, they were just in a drawer, hopefully pairs were close to each other.

I came up with a better solution:

Canvas Earring Holder Tutorial

Materials:

Canvas
Tissue Paper
Mod Podge
Scissors
Lace or Ribbon
Hammer
Nails
Floral Wire

Step #1

Prepare your canvas. I don’t have photos of what I did because I had already started this for a different project when I had the idea for the earrings holder.

I used a 8” x 10” canvas, though in the future I would use a larger canvas to fit more earrings (I used what I had around.)

To get the effect above, I used tissue paper. I just added a thick layer of Mod Podge to the entire canvas and around the sides.

I crinkled the tissue paper and started placing it on the canvas, wrinkling it and places as I went along. If you happen to rip it, just add more tissue paper. You won’t even notice when you’re done.

{update} I did a video for a Canvas Necklace Holder and showed how I did the tissue paper on the canvas. It's at the beginning of the video.

You can see how I went all the way around the canvas edges.

Then let the canvas dry completely.

Once it’s dry, trim any excess tissue paper.

Step #2

Cut out several pieces of lace or ribbon. Cut it to fit across the canvas with extra to wrap around the back and be secured in the back.

I cut out 6 pieces, but ended up only using 5 of them. When designing, consider your earring collection. I have a lot of dangly earrings, so I need more room between rows of earrings.

Step #3

Take the first piece of ribbon or lace and pull around the back. Hammer a nail through the lace or ribbon into the wood from the canvas. Attach both sides.

Make sure that your nails are not longer than the thickness of the canvas or they will poke out of the front.

(View from the front.)

Step #4

Continue securing all the ribbon and lace. Trim off the excess ribbon or lace.

Step #5

Hammer in 2 more nails toward the top of the canvas. Don’t hammer them in all the way. This will secure the wire to hang the earring holder.

Step #6

Cut off a length of floral wire and twist around the nails on each side.

Step #7

Hang up, fill up with earrings and enjoy your organized earrings!!

Like my tutorials? Sign up for my FREE tutorial newsletter! When you sign up, you'll get a free Hand sewn Dotee Doll Tutorial! Plus, you'll get my free tutorials (like this one) right in your inbox in an easy-to-read PDF version (and you'll get it first!) plus lots of free information!

New Tutorials! Fabric Flower Cuff Bracelet and Freestyle Sewing Cuff Braclet

2012-02-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

I have a couple new tutorials available in my etsy shop! First, the adorable Fabric Flower Cuff Bracelet tutorial.

and

Freestyle Sewing Cuff Bracelet!

These are both available in my etsy shop right now and just $5 each.

If you want them both plus 2 more and the Love Cuff Tutorial all in one, purchase the Basic Fabric Cuff Tutorial for just $15!

Believe it or Not: Newspaper Flowers

2012-01-31T08:06:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, my fiance and I went to Atlantic City, NJ for his birthday. As you may remember (or as you can tell from my flickr stream!) we like to visit weird places. Lucky for us, there is a "Ripley's Believe it or Not" on the boardwalk!

As a child my family visited the Ripley's in Toronto. I remember it being interesting, but scarey. As an adult, I found it fascinating.

One of the many wonderful rooms in Ripley's was full of amazing visionary art! The photo above is one of the pieces. They are, "believe it or not," flowers made from newspapers. If you click on the photo, you'll be taken to my photostream and can check out all my photos from our trip.

I'm amazed and inspired when I see artists reusing and repurposing everyday things - waste, in fact - to make amazing art!

Maybe these flowers will inspire you to take your newspaper flowers to the next level!

Cardboard JFK

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings - Week 4

2012-01-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Week 4 earrings.

These are large earrings and make a statement! I love them! Made with reused washers

Feel Great About Completing a Project.

2012-01-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

Today started out really productive and positive. I took photos for a new free tutorial for my tutorial newsletter subscribers. In the process, I finished a super cute project.

After I finished the project and the photo, I felt tired and I decided to take a "quick" nap.

It has been a long week. I have been sick and haven't had a lot of sleep. I feel asleep for a lot longer than I meant to. When I woke up I felt icky and that I was wasting the day!

I felt bad. Then I saw that cute little dotee doll, and felt a lot better. Why? Because I accomplished such an adorable project! Plus, I have a great start on sharing the project with others so they can also bring cuteness into the world.

Sometimes what you need is a completed project to see what you have actually accomplished. The dotee doll did that for me.

I expect the dotee doll tutorial to be going out to my newsletter subscribers at the beginning of the week. You can get on the list to get the tutorial by signing up for my Emerging Creatively Tutorial Newsletter.

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings - Week 3

2012-01-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sneak Peek at New Hardware Line

2012-01-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

I've been working on some new designs for my hardware line. Here are 2 new necklaces and ways to wear them. Plus a pair of earrings.

Here's a sneak peek at an unfinished bracelet design:

It gives you a pretty idea where I'm going with this bracelet.

I have at least one more necklace in process and ideas for a couple more, plus more earrings and bracelets.

I'm thinking of a strong empowered woman while I'm making these. I feel empowered and strong wearing the new pieces and I want other woman to feel it, too.

I'm still working on the line, but it will be available soon!

Remember to sign up for email updates to stay in touch!

Subscribe to my mailing list:

New Tutorial Available: Love Hand Sewn Fabric Cuff Bracelet

2012-01-20T22:25:00.001-05:00

Love Hand Sewn Fabric Cuff Tutorial

25 pages of instructions, full color photographs and hints. You’ll learn the basics of hand sewing a cuff bracelet and then find inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization as well!

This is a great project to take on the go with you!

This is a beginner tutorial - I'll teach you everything you need to know. Get stuck? Email me for help!

Each tutorial contains:
● A list of materials and tools needed to complete the tutorial.

For the Love Cuff Tutorial, you’ll need embroidery needle, embroider floss in pink and heather gray (or other color of your choice), scissors, chalk, a button, 2 colors of denim and an old t-shirt in pink or any other color of your choice.

● Detail instructions on how to complete the project. I have written this tutorial as if you have no idea what you are doing.

● Helpful hints.

● Colorful close up photos. I make the project and stop to take photos at each step to show you. 2 ways to learn: words and photos.

● Inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization!

● Printable pattern.

● My email address in case you get stuck along the way.

Purchase the Love Hand Sewn Cuff Tutorial

Hints and Tips:
● Create without worrying about the outcome and enjoy the creating itself.
● You don’t have to follow my instructions exactly. Try something different or use a different material. That is why I write these tutorials. I want you to feel comfortable trying something new!
● I love reusing and recycling. (No doubt you know that if you’ve visited my blog www.BBBellezza.com!) I strongly encourage you to try reusing materials to make these projects.
● You can make memorable keepsakes by using special fabrics or incorporating special objects into the cuffs. I do recommend that you practice prior to using irreplaceable items.

Terms of Use:
You may use this tutorial to create products that you sell. You do not have my permission to share, distribute or sell the actual tutorial - or any part of any tutorial - itself.

If you wish to teach this tutorial in a workshop, that is is okay with me. However, if you know of other teachers who wish to teach my tutorials, please refer them to purchase the tutorial from me.

All of this for just $5!!!

After you make the payment, I'll email you the 25 page PDF + love cuff pattern within 24 hours - or most of the time much sooner!

Purchase the Tutorial

New Tutorial Available: Fabric Cuff Tutorial

2012-01-17T20:22:00.004-05:00

January is National Hobby month. Yay! What that means for you could be anything from practicing your clarinet to watching a lot of movies. Or maybe it means it’s time to get crafting!

Good news for you if you’re interested in getting crafting, I have a new tutorial for sale! I have put so much time and love into this tutorial. The first of many I have planned for the new year.

Fabric Cuff Tutorial

It’s 41 pages of instructions, full color photographs and hints. You’ll learn the basics and then find inspiration and ideas for personalization as well!

You’ll get the instructions for the Basic Fabric Cuff. Then you’ll find instructions for the Freestyle Sewing Cuff, Hardware Cuff, Lots O’ Buttons Cuff and Flower Cuff. At the end are hints and ideas for further customization.

Additionally, you’ll receive a 25-page tutorial for the Hand Sewn Love Cuff. You’ll learn how to hand sew a cuff and get ideas for customization for that as well. Sew on the go!

Each tutorial contains:

● A list of materials and tools needed to complete the tutorial. You’ll need a sewing machine, scissors, thread, needle, paper, pen, ruler, fabric (I recommend worn out jeans), and a button. (For customization you’ll want a pile of buttons, hardware, and/or additional different fabric. For the Love Cuff Tutorial, you’ll need embroidery needle, embroider floss in pink and heather gray (or other color of your choice), scissors, chalk, a button, 2 colors of denim and an old t-shirt in pink or red.)

● Detail instructions on how to complete each project. I have written this tutorial as if you have only the basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine. You’ll have to be able to sew in a straight line.

● Helpful hints.

● Colorful close up photos. I make the project and stop to take photos at each step to show you. 2 ways to learn: words and photos.

● Lots of inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization!

● Patterns for flower cuff and love cuff. I’ll show you how easy it is to make a pattern for the cuff itself.

● My email address in case you get stuck along the way.

Hints and Tips:

● Create without worrying about the outcome and enjoy the creating itself.

● You don’t have to follow my instructions exactly. Try something different or use a different material. That is why I write these tutorials. I want you to feel comfortable trying something new!

● I love reusing and recycling. (No doubt you know that if you’ve visited my blog!) I strongly encourage you to try reusing materials to make these projects.

● You can make memorable keepsakes by using special fabrics or incorporating special objects into the cuffs. I do recommend that you practice prior to using irreplaceable items.

You may use these tutorials to create products that you sell. You do not have my permission to share, distribute or sell the actual tutorial - or any part of any tutorial - itself.

If you wish to teach this tutorial in a workshop, that is is okay with me. However, if you know of other teachers who wish to teach my tutorials, please refer them to purchase the tutorial from me.

Price:

For all this, the price is just $15!

Fabric Cuff Tutorial

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Maybe this tutorial isn't quite for you? Sign up for my new tutorials email list and be the first to know when a new tutorial is available!

5 Environmentally Friendly Ways to Purchase Clothes

2012-01-16T20:13:00.001-05:00

We don’t often talk about recycling clothing. Until recently, it didn’t even occur to me that people would throw clothes away! But according to the Nation Resources Defense Council, Americans discard 68 pounds of clothing per year. We buy cheap, disposal clothing and then quickly get rid of it when the new trend comes out, wasting valuable resources - both in making new clothes and landfill space with the trashed clothing.

When you consider all the different ways to reuse clothing, it’s astonishing that much would be thrown out.

I did a post about some ways to reuse clothing. Obviously you can donate it, pass it on to a friend, use it for rags, etc.

I also gave some tips for usingworn out or stained clothes in crafts.

However, we also can help the environment by how we purchase clothes!

Here are 5 environmentally safe ways to purchase clothes:

1. Go for quality, well-made clothing that will stand the test of time. Quality over quantity.

2. Purchase your clothing from consignment shops. (If you're in Lancaster, PA, make sure to check out BUiLDiNG CHARACTER in downtown Lancaster for 2 reused clothing store options in 1 location!)

3. Purchase your clothing at thrift stores. You never know when you’ll find a major label at a major discount at Good Will, American Rescue Workers or Salvation Army! Check for their sales. Usually certain days are half-off clothes. Good Will has a discount card you can purchase to get even better deals!

4. Yard sales are a great way to get clothes at really cheap prices. You can often find clothes that are almost like new. This is especially true of children’s clothes! Look for ads for yard sales in your newspaper or on craigslist.

5. Join Freecycle and find clothes for free. Of course, if you are getting clothes for free, make sure to also list clothes that you no longer need on Freecycle as well.

Make sure to save your worn out jeans for a tutorial that I will be launching on Wednesday, January 18, 2012! Make Jewelry from Jeans!! If you want to know as soon as it’s available and get on the list for future tutorials, sign up for my Emerging Creatively Tutorials newsletter:

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings

2012-01-15T19:56:00.000-05:00

A new year brings on new goals, new resolutions, a fresh start. Or so we think. As I move along in my life the years go so quickly and before you know it, another year has passed and you don’t even know what happened.

Through the years I've tied making a more visual, physical reminder of my year. I’ve tried (without success) to document my life in daily photographs. I’ve tried to create every day for a month (although I did create each day, I didn’t really work very much on the project I was attempting to finish) and other daily projects, all without success.

This year I decided to try something different. Instead of daily, I’ll be making something weekly. And instead of it being a huge project that takes a lot of time, I’ll be making earrings. 1 pair per week.

Each week I will make 1 pair of earrings. I’m making them for myself (although if you all love the design, I may put them in my line). I’ll share my earrings each week here on my blog.

Since 2 weeks have passed this year already, I have 2 pairs of earrings to share.

Week #1

This pair was made with washers, beads made from lava and clear glass beads. I have already worn these earrings quite a bit.

Week #2

Earrings made from bobbins from a sewing machine. I actually use plastic bobbins with my sewing machine because that's what they came with. I love the metal and have a few sets from a large sewing kit I got at a yard sale. I think they make adorable earrings!

How do you like my new earrings? Have you considered doing something like this for the new year?

The Beginning of My Goddess Year

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

2012 Creating My Goddess Year Workbook and Planner

If you are a woman - any woman - I believe you will find Goddess Leonie inspirational, truthful and full of love and joy.

Recently I purchased "2012 Creating My Goddess Year Workbook and Planner."

It is gorgeous - lots of colors, fun fonts and art throughout. I got right to work on filling out the excercises, which are thought provoking and help get your mind in the right place when starting out a new year.

There are worksheets to fill out to help you ease out of 2011 and plan and dream for 2012.

To Do Book

One thing that I really found helpful is making a "to do book” as Goddess Leonie describes. She tells you how to do this in the workbook, but she previously did a video on this

here’s her video:

Ask Goddess Leonie: The To Do List Book from Goddess Leonie on Vimeo.

If you know me, you know I have a list. Or rather a few lists. I have read a bunch of books and I have tried all kinds of different ways to organize my lists. Usually I can't figure out how to keep my list with me, while still being able to keep it constantly changing.

If my list isn’t with me, it’s sort of pointless. I’ve tried to find ways around this that have improved the situation (like putting my lists on google docs so I can access them anywhere I have the internet; however, I don’t have internet access everywhere I go.)

Now I have finally found the solution! Goddess Leonie's "to do list book." Or as I like to call it, the Big Book of Beautiful Bounty.

After reading about it in "Creating My Goddess Year Workbook and Planner," I got straight to work on it. Just like Goddess Leonie suggested, I put one goal on each page. Actionable tasks go underneath.

The best part, is that no matter where I am, I can take the book with me. It fits in my purse! It travels!

I saw the video when Goddess Leonie first showed it and I didn’t really think it was for me, but after reading about it again, I realized that it was the perfect solution. In perfect time for the New Year!

This is just one tiny little juicy tidbit in the "2012 Creating My Goddess Year Workbook and Planner." It’s over 100 pages. I am working through it myself right now!

It is soooo affordable and you instantly get it in your email. I’m planning my yearly goals and dreams in it.

Who wants to join me? Let me know if you are already doing it and want to talk about it.

If you haven't gotten it yet, head over to get your copy now: 2012 Creating My Goddess Year Workbook and Planner.

Fabric Flower Tutorial

2012-01-14T15:30:00.002-05:00

Fabric Flower Tutorial

This tutorial is similar to my Newspaper Flower Tutorial, but uses fabric instead!

These make great gifts because unlike regular flowers, these flowers never die! Use old worn out clothing for fabric and your helping the planet twice (once for not cutting flowers and again by reusing fabric.)

Materials and tools:

Fabric (for tips, see How to Use Recycled Clothing in Craft Projects)

2 Buttons

Floral Wire

Flower Pattern (pdf)

Scissors

Pliers

Straight pins

Instructions:

Step #1

Print out and cut the flower pattern. Alternatively, you could draw your own. The flowers are 2 sizes, one is smaller than the other.

Step #2

Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out the fabric. You'll cut 3 of each size. You can use 2 different colors like I did here, or you can use just one color.

Next we're going to put all the pieces in a pile in order.

Step #3

Put a large flower right side down first.

Step #4

Fold the other 2 large flowers in half - right side out - and place them next to each other as shown in the photo.

Step #5

Place the smaller 2 flowers on top of the larger in a similar manner, but place them the other direction.

Step #6

Place the final smaller flower on top, right side up and unfolded.

Step #7

Fold the floral wire in half.

Step #8

Place a button on the floral wire.

Step #9

Before we start placing the fabric on the floral wire, we need to place small cuts in the fabric. I cut each as I need them. Take the top flower and fold it in half, and fold it in half again. Make a tiny cut in the fabric. (It will make 2 cuts.)

Step #10

Take the top flower off the pile, cut slits in it (as described in step #9) and slide it onto the floral wire, right side facing the button.

Step #11

Place the first of the folded flowers onto one prong of the floral wire.

Step #12

Add the next flower on the other prong of the floral wire.

Step #13

Add the next folded flower, going the opposite direction as the first 2. This time, you'll place both prongs of the floral wire through the hole.

Step #14

Place other folded flower onto the floral wire just like in the previous step.

Step #15

Add the final flower, wrong side toward the other flowers.

Step #16

Add the second button.

Step #17

With your pliers, twist the floral wire. I like to make sure the first twist is tight to the button.

Step #18

Then twist the entire floral wire. I usually hold the pliers on the wire and twist the flower. Then as it is twisted, move the pliers down the wire.

Step #19

Enjoy your never-dying flower!

Want more ways to reuse clothing and make awesome stuff?!? I'm releasing a new tutorial next week! To get on the list to be the first to know when it's available, sign up for my new tutorial newsletter (Emerging Creatively)

Sale and New Year Update

2012-01-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone is ready for a fresh new start and new year.

I have a lot planned for this wonderful new year that I want to tell you about.

Artwork Pendants

First off, as you may know, I have started a new website, ArtworkPendants.com

This website will have just artwork pendants (I previously called them art charms). I’m working on a whole new line up of pendants and a collector’s card to make collecting them fun and easy! They are mostly scrabble tile pendants and glass tile pendants that feature art! Either art from a famous person (Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Van Gogh, etc., etc.) or art from an indie artist (Stephanie Corfee, Iolanda Reinsmith, David Gerbstadt, Lauren Startzman, etc.)

If you want to continue to hear about Artwork Pendants, head over and sign up for the newsletter. The website is currently under major construction. If you sign up, I’ll let you know when it’s up and running and send you the collector’s card free when it’s ready!

Tutorials

I have also been very hard at work on a new tutorial and will be ramping up both my tutorials for sale and free tutorials on my blog!

I get so many questions about how to sell on etsy, eBay and lots of other questions about online sales and marketing that I have decided to write a course for the beginner! I’ll give out more details as they are available, but make sure to get on the email list for tutorials so you know when it’s coming!

To get more focused tutorial newsletters, sign up here. I’m working on a free tutorial to send subscribers for signing up and I’ll send it to you when it’s ready. You can expect free tutorials and announcements about new tutorials in that newsletter! Puts tips and techniques I won’t share elsewhere!

B.B. Bellezza Green Handmade Jewelry

New green handmade jewelry is on its way, too!

Sale

Right now use the code “NEWYEAR20” (without the quotes) to get 20% off in my etsyshop for a limited time! OR use code “FREESHIP” to get free shipping. Pick one code and save! (For some instructions on how to use coupon codes on etsy, see my little tutorial here: How to Use Coupon Codes on Etsy)

Payments

There have been a lot of questions regarding payments on etsy lately. It’s been confusing for a lot of people, so if you have been confused, you are definitely not alone!

In order to pay via credit card, you have to chose “pay via paypal.” You can then either use your paypal account if you have one - OR - put in a credit card without a paypal account. (You do not have to have a paypal account nor do you have to sign up for one).

Of course, if you have any questions about this or anything else, please feel free to contact me. Just hit reply to this email!

Thank you all for a wonderful year and I’m looking forward to a new one!

How to Use Recycled Clothing in Craft Projects

2012-01-10T20:45:00.000-05:00

You can use fabric from old, worn out or stained clothing for craft projects in the same way that you would use new fabric.

With 700,000 or more TONS of clothing being tossed in the landfill each year, every time you can reuse clothing helps.

Tips for using worn clothing for craft projects. (Note: there are lots of people who need clothing, so if you have perfectly good clothing you simply do not want anymore or that doesn't fit you, consider donating as a first option.)

1. Left the clothing intact until you know what you are using it for. Cutting apart the clothes actually won’t make sense until you know the size of your project. Or maybe you’ll come up with a creative idea for a sleeve that you wouldn’t be able to make if you already cut apart the sleeve.

2. Use the little pieces of clothing for little projects. This is fairly obvious, but to get the most out of a piece of clothing for a project, use the smaller pieces (i.e. the collars, sleeves, etc.) for smaller pattern pieces of your project or for smaller projects and leave the bigger pieces for bigger projects.

3. Launder the clothing prior to using it in a project. I often have friends give me clothing to use in my projects in addition to my own old clothes. I’m pretty sure that they probably washed it already, but instead of finding out after-the-fact, I wash it prior to use.

4. Look for small holes or stains that will be in the way of your project and work around them.

5. Denim is fabulous! You can always find an awesome project to do with it. It seems like it’s one of the most popular fabrics, so there’s always a lot around!

* Make sure to save your denim for a new tutorial I will be launching next week! It combines denim and simple sewing skills, plus lots of other basic and easy-to-learn skills to make unique and artful pieces of jewelry! To be on the list to be one of the first to know, sign up for my Tutorial Newsletter.

Email Marketing Kickstart by Tara Gentile - Review

2012-01-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

Click here to view more details

Have you been wanting to get started with email marketing and not sure where to start? Or maybe (like me) you already have a email list, but aren't really sure what you're supposed to be doing with it. Maybe you're overwhelmed by how to get started.

Tara once again hits the nail straight on the head with this 30 - day workshop.

It comes in perfect bite size daily inspirations. You get actionable tasks to take each day.

Email marketing is one of the most important thing you can do to promote your business and nurture your customers! Tara will show you how to create a strategy and start to profit.

I'm only on day 4 and already I'm gaining valuable information. I can't wait to get the next email from Tara each day!

Check out all the details of Email Marketing Kick Start here.

{Full disclosure: I am an affiliate of this program, which means that if you click that link and make a purchase, I get money for it. I only promote products I believe in with people or companies that I stand behind. I'm taking this course myself and have given my true feelings on it.}

What to do with old clothing?

2012-01-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

Various reports state that anywhere from 700,000 to millions of TONS of clothing end up in the landfill each year. Reports state that up to 10% of landfills are clothes.

I cannot believe that! I personally cannot remember ever throwing away a piece of clothing, even as a child. There are so many ways to remove clothing from your closets without having to throw them away, I can’t believe that so much does end up in the landfill.

Here's what to do with your old unwanted clothing:

1. Check with friends and see if they would like clothing you don’t want anymore. You could even throw a Clothing-Swap-Party, where everyone brings the clothing they don’t want anymore and everyone trades clothes!

2. Give them to charity. You can take even old, worn out clothes to be donated because they will be made into rags or commercially recycled. My local Goodwill raises money by selling damaged clothing to the commercial recycling market. (Check with the charity first, I don’t know if all donation centers do this.)

3. Cut them up and use them for rags for cleaning your home. T-shirts are particularly great for dusting!

4. Make crafts out them! Anything you can make using fabric, you can make using old clothes.

I’ll be sharing a free tutorial later on this week that is just one of many projects you can make with recycled clothing.

Follow along this week and get tips on how to use your clothing for projects, a free projects and stay tuned next week for the launch of my latest tutorial, which make great use of recycled clothing. Sign up for my tutorial newsletter to be the first to get in on the action!

12 More Ways to Reuse Glass

2011-12-27T21:41:00.000-05:00

1. Candle holders: Put Epsom salt in the bottom and place a candle on top to make Epsom Salt Snow Mason Jar Candles. (Or use any jar or glass you have around.)

2. Snowman altered bottles. You can even take an online workshop to learn how to make these.

3. Light bulb ornaments.

4. Use as vases.

5. Catch fireflies.

6. Use empty wine bottles as candle holders for taper candles.

7. Make a snow globe.

8. Give gifts in them - chocolates, hot chocolate, little collections of crafty things for your crafty friends, homemade salsa.

9. Fill them up with bath salts that you make yourself .

10. Ribbon dispenser. Just cut a slot in the top of the lid.

11. Fill them with stones and sue them as bookends.

12. Memorabilia specimen jars.

Previous posts on B.B. Bellezza about reusing glass:

Don't Throw Out that Broken Mirror (and don't recycle it either!)

15 Ways to Reuse Glass

2011 Christmas Shipping Deadlines (and Custom Order Deadlines)

2011-12-05T20:04:00.000-05:00

2011 Christmas Shipping Deadlines

Outside of the United States:

Asia

Australia

Canada

Caribbean

Mexico

Europe

Middle East

Place your order from my shop by December 8th (this Thursday!) for shipment in time for Christmas.

(If your area isn't listed and you are outside of the United States, the deadline has already passed!)

Within the United States, the last day to order from me is December 16th for shipment in time for Christmas.

I can no longer take International custom orders in time for Christmas.

The cutoff for custom orders within the United states is December 9th (this Friday!) at the very latest. Please contact me ASAP if you might have a custom order!

Thank you for your loyal support!

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be This Weekend?

2011-12-02T18:32:00.000-05:00

Friday, December 2, 2011

First Friday 6 pm - 9 pm

The B.B. Bellezza Booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER

342 N. Queen Street, Rear

Lancaster, PA 17603

Saturday & Sunday, December 3 and 4, 2011

9 am - 4 pm each day

Holiday Arts Market

at Eastern Market

308 E. King Street

Lancaster, PA 17603

Find lots of great artists' work! This is the 5th year and there's always a great variety that can't be found anywhere else!

I'll have some great ornaments, lots of pendants, clock hand earrings, hardware earrings, a new style of crystal earrings, plus much much more!!

See you there!

Reuse Glass Jars: Memorabilia Specimen Jars

2011-11-29T20:17:00.000-05:00

I take a lot of little road trips to strange and interesting places. Sometimes I pick up little do-dads here and there. Maybe it's a ticket stub from the museum we went to. Maybe it's an interesting stone I found along the way. Perhaps another little souvenir.

From a very young age I have been a scrapbooker, so I have been collecting things for my scrapbooks my entire life. Unfortunately, the older I get and the more responsibilities I have, the less time I have for scrapbooking.

I have discovered digital scrapbooking, which you no doubt have noticed if you are a frequent visitor here! I find it to be so relaxing and much more simple than the old way. I don't have to bring out a bunch of paper and supplies and spend days on layouts. (I am an affiliate, but that doesn't take away from the fact that I love My Memories. I have a discount for you if you're interested in giving digital scrapbooking a try!)

Even so, there are plenty of tangible items that I have laying around that I can't bear to give up, but I have no where to put them.

I came up with an idea for keep the items! Glass jars! Sort of like specimen jars, but with memorabilia instead.

For example, the beach is a popular vacation destination. Maybe you've even already done this: gather sand and sea shells and place them in a jar (a reused jar, of course!)

I think this is a great idea for any destination. I always have ticket stubs, little trinkets, stones and whatever else I might find and pick u along the way. Just place them in a jar.

Then you can even make a cute sticker with the date, where you were and what you did. (You could even use the My Memories software to make the sticker.)

How cute would a bunch of jars lined up on your shelf from your different travels be? Or use them as bookends!

I haven't actually tried it yet, but I will definitely share when I make the first one!

Other ideas:

Gifts: Make them for gifts! Put little things in the jar that remind you of the person you are making it for. Think of the secret jokes you share or the fun times you have had together and find small inexpensive trinkets to commemorate them.

If you go on a group trip - make one for each of the participants for a holiday gift. Then you get to remember the fun you had all over again.

Have a friend you haven't seen in a while? This would be a great way to get reacquainted with them! Send them a memorabilia specimen jar with some of the fun memories you had in the past.

Wedding: Fill up jars with little things about the Bride and Groom - maybe little known facts - and use them as centerpieces for the reception.

These could even be used as personalized wedding favors in smaller weddings.

They don't have to be expensive. The point is the actual memory, not the cost.

Are you going to make a memorabilia specimen jar? What will you put in your jar? Click on comment and let me know.

Review of the book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2011-11-29T09:47:00.001-05:00

I finally got a chance to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

This book was captivating. Set in Mississippi in 1962, the book is told through the voices of 3 very different women. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is just out of college and living with her parents. Aibileen Clark is a 50ish black woman who is a maid and becomes one of Skeeter's friends. Minny is the third narrator and she is a younger outspoken maid. I have always been pulled in by books that had several different "voices." One of my favorites like that is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.

The three woman begin to work together on a book about the "Help," filled with stories - good and bad - about being a black maid in a white household in Mississippi in the time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I couldn't put it down. However, I also wonder if the author really portrayed the nitty gritty of the time period accurately. Yes, the book is entertaining and highly readable, but I think the unrest of the time period in Mississippi is a little brushed over. The reactions about what could have happened to any of the woman participating in the project felt a little played down to me.

However, overall the book is definitely worth a read!

(Full disclosure: I am an affliate of Amazon, which means if you click on the image above and purchase this book, I receive a small percentage of the sale. Amazon in no way influences me to write this review, what to write or my opinion. My opinions are freely given.)

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New Tutorial Available: Fabric Cuff Tutorial

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5 Environmentally Friendly Ways to Purchase Clothes

Subscribe to our mailing list

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings

The Beginning of My Goddess Year

Fabric Flower Tutorial

Sale and New Year Update

How to Use Recycled Clothing in Craft Projects

Email Marketing Kickstart by Tara Gentile - Review

What to do with old clothing?

12 More Ways to Reuse Glass

2011 Christmas Shipping Deadlines (and Custom Order Deadlines)

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be This Weekend?

Reuse Glass Jars: Memorabilia Specimen Jars

Review of the book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett