Button Pushpins

Button Pushpins Group , originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

Cute way to use buttons! I have been making these for myself for quite a while, so I made a couple sets for my shop, too. Super inexpensive and super cute!

Snowed In Sale Details - In Person at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, or Online

SNOWED IN SALE!!

Here's the plan! :)

If you read my last post, you know that here in Lancaster, PA we're expecting a bunch of snow starting tonight and going into the weekend. Tonight is also First Friday in downtown Lancaster. Also, I hate traveling in snow.

SHOPPING IN PERSON
At my booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER
342 N. Queen Street, Rear Warehouses, Lancaster, PA
Tonight at First Friday

1. BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is open tonight for normal First Friday celebrations. You can make purchases as normal from my booth, whether I am there or not. The following only applies to special deals that I have promised.

2. I'm going to head on out to BUiLDiNG CHARACTER to my booth for as long as I deem it safe. (Granted, I probably have a much lower tolerance for driving in the snow than most people do...you have been warned. lol) But for as long as I am at my stand, I will be offering a free Valentine's Day Zine (while supplies last) to anyone who makes a purchase of $15 or more. (You can also purchase the zine.)

3. Also, my facebook fans and email subscribers got a notice of a secret sale just for them at First Friday at the beginning of the month. While I am there you can take advantage of the deals that I offered. You can check the B.B. Bellezza Facebook page for updates as to when I will be there and when I have decided to leave. You may also take advantage of that sale in my online shop if you decide not to take on the snow (and great free shipping!), and after I leave BUiLDiNG CHARACTER.

SALE ONLINE
B.B. Bellezza Etsy Shop

1. For everyone - I will be offering free shipping within the United States for tonight and all day tomorrow in my Etsy Shop. (I have already changed the shipping.)

2. PLUS: A free Valentine's Day Zine for purchases over $15

3. PLUS: Everyone who makes a purchase either in person while I'm at my stand at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER or online tonight or all day tomorrow will be entered into a drawing to win a $15 gift certificate and free shipping to be used in my Etsy Shop.

4. Newsletter subscribers and facebook fans: can use the code that I sent out at the beginning of the month, in addition to the above.

So, make sure you check out the B.B. Bellezza Facebook Page (and if you're not a fan already, while not become one now?) to keep current as to when I am going to be at my booth BUiLDiNG CHARACTER tonight and when I will be leaving because the in-person deal will only be available while I am there. (Remember, though, you can get the same deal online!)

The winner of the drawing will be announced on Sunday, right here!

UPDATE:
I am officially home and safe and snug. Please feel free to take advantage of the online special above. And be safe!

Snowed In?

Tonight is First Friday in downtown Lancaster, PA. But, we're supposed to get a foot or more of snow. I don't know if I will be making to my stand there tonight or not - I am waiting to see when the snow starts before making a final decision.

However, if I don't make it in, I am going to have a fun Snowed-In Sale tonight in my Etsy Shop starting at 6 pm. I'll let you know how this plays out and what the sale is then.

That also means that those people who are email subscribers and fans on my facebook fanpage may not be able to get their discount in person tonight. However, if I'm not there....I will be offering free U.S. shipping and the same deal in my Etsy shop, plus some more fun!

Stay tuned to here my blog for the latest! I will know more in a few hours.

New Packaging for B.B. Bellezza

The boxes are handmade and each features a button and pink ribbon. I also used pink tissue paper inside.

The box mimics my stand at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER and business cards. I think they are adorable.

I'm sending all orders from Etsy in them from now on and plan to have them available when I am doing events.

What do you think?

Covered Bridges

Covered Bridge 3, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

I love covered bridges. It may be because of the history of them or the romantic clickity-clack of going over them. I also think they are so pretty architecturally-speaking. And, of course, I do love all things old.

They have been here for times when things were simpler, before cars and before computers. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the modern amenities and I would be completely lost without my computer; but I love thinking about simpler times, too.

This photo is from a road trip we recently took to Maryland. It's the Jericho Covered Bridge and it is believed to be haunted. It is right before you get to the sweet Village of Jerusalem Mills in Hartford County Maryland, which is preserved as it was years ago with old buildings.

It's amazing to think about how many covered bridges are still standing, especially in my county of Lancaster, PA. To think that now we have bridges made of concrete and steel that are built to withstand harsh rains and floods. Sometimes these concrete and steel bridges don't even last. I am grateful to still have these historical beauties all around.

Don't forget to make a wish as you pass through one!

Upcycled Button Flowers in a Pot

Upcycled Button Flowers in a Pot , originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

I made this little creation last night. I have been making these button flowers for a while, but in stems, not in a "planted pot." I stopped at the craft supply store to get more stems to make some more bouquets, and these terracotta pots were next to the stems, along with the Spanish moss. I then pictured this lovely pot of button flowers and decided to go for it.

I was picturing a more evenly dispersed, full pot of button flowers in the pot, as well as the flowers making a perfectly round umbrella over the pot. I like it with all its imperfections, though, I think it looks very natural.

I was thinking I would sell this at my stand at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, it would make a fabulous Valentine's Day gift, after all. But, I think that I love it. Lately I have been a lot better about not trying to keep everything I make, so maybe it's time for a little gift for myself....

Old Cemetery

Cemetery 19, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

We visited this cemetery in Maryland that had some of the oldest graves I have ever seen. This is a photo of the oldest graves in the cemetery.

I think it is hauntingly beautiful.

Old Buildings

As some of you may know (although many of you may not, I am realizing), my boyfriend and I love to go on road trips to weird and historical places. We also write a zine about our adventures (well, my boyfriend writes it, I do everything else, though!) called Outta the Way.

I love old buildings, especially those with a history behind them. I also love to take photos. Usually I have more than 100 (usually more like 150-200) for every road trip. Honestly, they are not all gorgeous pieces of work. Many are for reference - we were there, this is what we saw - that sort of thing. But, sometimes we take really beautiful photos.

I took the photo used in the pendant above. It's of the Star Barn in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. I think it is a nice photo but mainly because of how beautiful the sky was that day. Also, the architectural of the old star barn is simply stunning.

I have started, and plan to continue to make pendants from my photography. They will most likely be featuring old buildings, cemeteries, etc. from the places we visit.

I really like to try to use recycled pieces in my jewelry as much as possible, but the glass pendants such as what you see here is not. However, in this piece, for example, I am featuring a photo of a building that is trying to be saved from the wrecking ball. I think that is important, too. I think that it can start a conversation and spread the idea that we don't have to tear down every old building to make yet another strip mall. Or even just "hey look at this cool building" and then people won't want it to be torn down.

Just in case you are interested, this piece is listed in the Outta the Way Etsy Shop.