Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Reuse Paper Bags and Make a Cool Scrapbook


Paper Bag Scrapbook

This is a simple tutorial to make a paper bag scrapbook. It is a great way to use up paper bags that you have laying around.

Once you make the basic book, you can embellish it however you would like. Other ideas I have thought about is to use just one bag and make a cool card for someone, filled up with something fun. Or fill the inside with paper and you have a really cool notebook or journal - take notes and save mementos in the open part.

One thing to note: This is not acid-free! Don't use your irreplaceable photos for this project because they will be ruined eventually. You could make copies of your precious photos and mementos.

What you need for this project:

1. Paper bags (I used 3, but you could use less or more)
I used smaller bags, but you can use larger bags to make a larger scrapbook.
2. Ribbon, lace, string or yarn
3. Hole punch
4. Any embellishments and glue to attach them - scrapbook paper, fabric, buttons, etc.

How to:

1. Fold each paper bag in half.


2. Line up the bags. Alternate the closed ends and open ends.

3. Line up folds like a book one bag inside of the next as pictured below.

4. Punch holes in all the bags at the spine side. I punched holes in each bag individually and then marked all the other bags from the first bag. Ideally, your holes will be in a straight line, unlike mine! :)

5. Cut pieces of ribbon, lace, string or yarn to tie through the book.

6. Tie each piece of ribbon, lace, yarn or string through the holes you punched out - through all of the bags and tie on the outside.



Now you have your basic scrapbook/journal/card/etc. Every other page has an opening to put things in. You can add extra photos there or save other things.

7. Finish your scrapbook by adding whatever embellishments you would like.
I added a fabric flower with a button on a piece of paper, then glued that to the front. I also make a pull-out with ribbons from a piece of scrapbook paper that I can add photos to or journal on.


This project is only limited by your imagination! So have a great time!

Again, remember that these books are not acid free and will not last forever.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Hugs & Kisses From Studio B


Here's what my setup looks like for the Hugs & Kisses from Studio B show. It's a 4' x 2' table that I've jam-packed with all kinds of B.B. Bellezza goodies.

We were worried about the impending snow storm, so my boyfriend and I went up last night to set up. I was sure when I looked at the photos today that I wouldn't like how I set it up. But, I do. I like it. I think it's cute.

I used my normal hinged bulletin boards with cute button thumbtacks for my scrabble tile pendants and domino pendants, white - wrought iron trellis for necklaces and shutters for earrings. I use old decanters to display charm bracelets. I forgot to grab a business card holder from my stand and didn't have any at home, so I improvised with a tea cup. I actually think the tea cup is adorable and will probably use idea again.

Studio B is located at 39A E. Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, PA
It's an adorable town. I hadn't been there before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's cute!

The Hugs & Kisses Show runs:
Wed, February 10, 11 am - 2 pm
Thur, Feb 11, 11 am - 2 pm
Fri, Feb 12, 11 am - 7 pm (with champagne toast)
Sat, Feb 13, 11 am - 3 pm

Monday, February 08, 2010

One World One Heart

Photo

I almost missed the magic carpet, but I jumped on just in time!

Welcome to the B.B. Bellezza blog!

I am a jewelry artist, focused mostly on using recycled/upcycled items to make wearable pieces of art. My inspiration comes from nature and the preservation of it. I feel like we throw too much away and I try to reuse as much as I can.

Here on my blog, I share simple tips for recycling, tutorials for making things from recycled items as well as showing my latest projects. I also like to show photos from the places I go, which include a lot of odd, old, abandoned and historical places.

the giveaway:

I am giving away 2 of my Upcycled Scrabble Tile Pendants.

Love (in Chinese)

and
Recycle

to enter:

1. Have a blog (this is a blogging event, after all!)
2. You can be from anywhere in the world
3. Leave a comment on this post
4. Make sure that your comment has a way for me to get a hold of you. (either a link to your blog or your email address)

I am picking 2 separate winners - each will win one of the pendants. The winner will be announced right here on February 15, 2010. I will also get in touch with the winners.

I look forward to meeting you all! Good luck!

To check out everyone participating, grab your magic carpet, click on the image above and hold on!