Discover new Valentine's Day Jewelry

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and for B.B. Bellezza that means HEARTS! 

I have all new heart jewelry! 

The hearts started out as wire.  I twist and wrap the wire.  After it's formed, I hammered the wire to harden it and help it keep it's shape.  Plus it gives the hearts a beautiful texture.

You can find all the designs in my etsy shop.

Available are:

Copper,
Silver plated copper
and Black coated copper.

You can get earrings, pendant or a gift set.

$15 each

Show your love or give a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift!  Just let me know if it's a gift and I place it in a gift box, send it to the recipient and add your custom message!

Note:  I do note have the black coated or silver plated heart necklaces listed yet, but feel free to contact me to order them.

These are all made to order, so give me a couple of extra days to get your order in the mail.

Click here to go to my shop and find your Valentine's Day gift!

Our Plastic Nightmare

This infographic is from OnlineEducation.net

What do you think?

10 Green New Year's Resolutions

 

This time of year we think about our goals - our resolutions - for the year.

 

Here's a list of 10 Green New Year's Resolutions:

 

1.  Do not use plastic bottles.

Instead, get a reusable bottle to fill up!

 

2. Use canvas shopping bags.

Don't use plastic or paper bags from the store, bring your own.

 

3.  If you don't already use public transportation, try taking it one day per week.

 

4.  Buy local food.

 

5.  Use earth friendly cleaners.  You can make your own, or purchase them already made.

 

6.  Change all of your light bulbs to compact fluorescent. 

You'll save money while you're saving the planet.

 

7.  Hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer.  Try for hang drying one load per week to start.

 

8.  Switch to cloth napkins and quit using paper ones.

 

9.  Buy fair trade products.

 

10.  Try Meatless Monday.

Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper

It's great that most wrapping you find these days is "recyclable."  They proudly print that on the packaging.  While that is a step in the right direction, we can do better!

Recycling is great, but reusing is better.  I know in my family there are gift bags that have been passed back and forth for years.  Sometimes you can even reuse wrapping paper.

A cute solution is using newspaper.  Make it cute with ribbons you have around the house, or make a cute newspaper flower to put on top.  You can even paint it and decorate it.

I show how to make the cute tassel on this package on my Tutorials blog - it's so easy!  (Click here for the tutorial.)

People won't think you're just being cheap if you make an effort to make it cute!  They'll think you're a responsible citizen!

Reflection

"Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand that things that lie ahead." ~Yvonne Woon

It’s so easy in our daily lives to feel like we don’t get enough done.  We have kids to take care of, we have “to do” lists a mile long, we have to go to work, some people have businesses that they also do on the side, or maybe your business is full time.  When you’re in the day-to-day of just living life – maybe even you feel like you’re just trying to get through the day – it’s not easy to take a moment and reflect upon the things you did accomplish.

At the beginning of last year I did take some time to reflect on the previous year.  I’ll do the same this year.  I actually took time at the halfway point of this year to see where I was.  I was amazed to actually see many of the things I wanted to achieve I actually did achieve at 6 months.  Goals I had set had been accomplished.  Or, if they hadn’t been accomplished, I had gotten a lot further on it than I realized.

I had made a list of 100 things I wanted to accomplish in 2012.  Without looking at the list – honestly, I don’t think that I did look at the list in 6 months – I had done many of the things on the list.  Even though a lot of them didn’t appear on my day-to-day “to do” list, I found myself marking them complete.

I got extreme satisfaction in this.  It made me feel so much more like I am moving in the right direction and that I am getting closer and closer to living my life in the way I want and doing the things I want to do.

Had I not taken these few precious moments to reflect upon it, I probably wouldn’t have even realized.  I probably would keep pushing forward as usual, but without realizing the satisfaction of completing so many of my goals.

I want to give credit where credit is due.  Although I usually make “Resolutions” each New Year, I never really thought about completing the previous year in this way.  I love the fresh new start of a fresh new year and usually am hurried and happy to get on with the next year and put the past year in the past.  But last year I got the Create Your Incredible Year Workbook and Calendar fromLeonie Dawson and it gave me this different perspective.

I haven’t yet started on this year’s workbook.  I’m not quite ready to put 2012 to rest yet, but I do have it all ready to go when I am ready.  I wanted to bring it to your attention in case you are craving a peaceful time to reflect and put 2012 to rest. 

Of course, planning for 2013 is also a big part of the workbook.  I have heard it again and again from other women who have also used the workbook that if you just set the intention for your goals, they start to – almost magically – start to come true.  Even without you actively thinking about them!  When you look back at your list of 100 things you want to do this year, so many of them are done.  (And you don’t have to make a list of 100.  Make a list of however many you want.)

I hope you take some time to reflect upon your year and make some goals for next year sometime soon.  I wrote a post on my Emerging Tutorials blog about reflection with some ideas.  If you would like to check out Create Your Incredible Year, click here.  There’s a life version and a business version or a combo pack.  (I got the combo pack!  This is the first year for the business version!)  (Oh, and feel free to take advantage of the deal I have at the end of the post here!  I'm offering free tutorials when you purchase the planner, workbook and calendars!  Or join the goddess circle!)

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday!  And a beautiful new year!!

Blue Vintage Bead Necklace and Earrings Gift Set

I'm so happy to show you my latest eco-friendly jewelry design!

Blue Vintage Necklace and Earrings Gift Set

The blue beads reflect the light so beautifully!

 

 

This set was created from a vintage necklace.  The necklace was no longer wanted and it was pretty horrible.  However, the beads are still gorgeous!

 

This set is the perfect gift for any woman in your life.  It's a beautiful color that any woman would love, and the earrings and necklace compliment each other perfectly.

 

Plus, the set is gift-ready in an adorable handmade gift box.

 

 

 

The pendant on the necklace is 1 1/2" long.  The necklace is 24" long (and can be shortened easily.)  I wire wrapped the pendant with silver plated copper wire.

 

The earrings are 2" long from the top of the earring wires to the bottom of the bead.  The earring wires are made with surgical steel wire that's lead and nickel free.

 

 

 

This set is available in my online store for a wonderful price - just $25!

 

Click here to purchase.

 

(Note:  I have only one set listed, but I have supplies to make a few more.  Let me know if you need more than one set.)





Event: Lititz Main Street Market

Upcoming Event that I am so excited about!

Main Street Christmas Market
December 14th 5pm - 9pm
December 15th 9 am - 3 pm

This is an indoor event in Rudy's Hall, 27 E. Main Street, Lititz, PA.  It's the building on Main Street with all the windows.

The event coincides with Loving Lititz Every 2nd Friday, so there will be so much for you to do in Lititz that weekend!  Most - if not all - of the vendors are Lititz residents.

What:   Main Street Lititz Christmas Market

Where:  Rudy's Hall
              27 E. Main Street, Lititz, Pennsylvania

When:  December 14, 2012 5 pm - 9 pm
            & December 15, 2012 9 am - 3 pm

Who:  Lititz locals:  handmade items and food

Price:  Bring a canned good for your entrance fee

Also - parking is free in Lititz right now.  You don't have to feed the meters!

I can't wait to see you in my hometown!

Any questions, let me know.

Event: First Friday Lancaster, PA

Friday, December 7, 2012
6 pm - 9 pm

First Friday in Downtown Lancaster, PA!

Make sure to stop by BUiLDiNG CHARACTER!  It's newly expanded!

342 N. Queen St., Rear Warehouses
Lancaster, PA 17603

A couple of new things I will have available in my booth:

Upcycled Red Chandelier Crystal Earrings

Upcycled Key Ornaments!

Make sure to stop by!

Online Order Deadlines for Christmas Arrival

As I write this, it is only the beginning of December.  But this month always goes so very quickly, I wanted to warn you of my shipping deadlines for online orders.

The very last day you can place an online order that I will guarantee (well, as much as you trust the post office) is December 17, 2012.  If you place an order after that, I cannot guarantee I will get it in the mail on time for Christmas delivery.

This is for most all United States deliveries.  If you are outside of the United States, we're past the deadline for Christmas delivery.  However, I truly believe I could get something to Canada on time yet.  Email me if you have questions.

If you place an order after December 17th, your order will still be processed up until December 21st at 5 pm EST and mailed shortly thereafter, but, again, I cannot guarantee Christmas delivery at that point.  I will not be processing orders from December 21st - December 25th.

If you are local to Lancaster, PA or can pick up an order there:   Place your order up until December 20th if you can pick it up at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, 342 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA.  Please let me know when you are checking out.  I will let you know when you can pick it up and refund your shipping charge as well.

NOTE:  I am not taking any new custom orders until sometime in February.  The delivery deadlines pertain to items I have in my online store already made.

Any questions, let me know.  I'm always willing to try to help you out of a desperate situation with express mail at your own cost.

Artwork Scrabble Tile Pendant Subscription - January

 

 

Looking for a great gift this holiday season?  How about a gift that keeps giving all year long?

 

Anyone who loves art or unique jewelry will love an Artwork Pendant Subscription for Christmas! 

 

This month's pendant is:

 

Tree of Life, Stoclet Frieze by Gustav Klimt

 

About artwork pendants:

• Collectible pendant with a collectible card.  Learn about the artist!
• Express your love of art with a new famous artist pendant each month.
• Perfect size for wearing everyday.
• Silver plated bail can be easily polished with your jewelry polishing cloth and matches all of your silver pieces.
• You choose the cord size so it will fit if you are plus sized or petite (and everything in between!)
• Cord easily slides out so you can use with other jewelry you have (and the cord works with big hole beads like Troll Beads or Pandora.)
• Your Artwork Pendant will fit on other chains so you can mix and match for a unique look.
• Feel good about the packaging, which is made with renewable resources in ethical conditions.
• Look forward to your new pendant consistently each month.  What a great way to start a new collection!
• Feel good about wearing a piece of jewelry that is ethical and eco-friendly.

Either pay monthly (and cancel any time) for $15 per month or pay for the entire year up front and save 10%!  Save the shipping and basically get the cord for free! 

If you're giving it as a gift, email me a message and I'll send a card from you!

Click here to learn more and to purchase Artwork Pendant Subscription.

 



Upcycled Red Chandelier Crystal Earrings

I have always been fascinated with beautiful chandeliers.  Maybe you, too, love the way the light hits the prisms and sends splashes light all over the room. 
 
Years ago I bought a huge lot of chandelier crystals from a broken chandelier and made tons of beautiful jewelry.  I was hooked from then on.
 
I have never, however, seen red crystals like these. 
 
They are a gorgeous red color.

Do you wear a lot of gray and black (I know I do!)?  These are the perfect compliment to go along with them.
 
Need some beautiful earrings for an upcoming holiday party? 
 
Need the perfect holiday gift?
 
These Upcycled Red Chandelier Crystal Earrings are for you!

 
They aren't too heavy - the crystals are small.  The entire earring from the top of the hook to the bottom of the crystal is about 2 1/2".
 
You can see in the top photo how they reflect red light!
 
They won't agitate your sensitive ears - I use nickel-free surgical steel earrings!
 
Find them in my etsy shop.  Click here to order.

Event: This Saturday! City Arts Market

This Saturday, December 1st is the Annual City Arts Market!

It's the 6th annual City Arts Market!  The market house has be newly renovated and there are going to be more vendors, food, a kids' room and raffles.

More than 50 local vendors (including me and my mom) with so many unique handmade items perfect for gift shopping.

You know that everyone on their list has everything they can think - so go with unique gifts this year.  Buy handmade and buy local!

Vendors include:   jewelry (that's me!), pottery cards, handbags, baby stuff, photography, knitted goods, glass and so much more!

Art of Recycle (who happen to be amazing and magical) are hosting the kids room with free activities for all ages.  You can get lunch from the food vendors, and enjoy live music.

If you're used to Eastern Market and it being outside, don't worry, this is inside.  There isn't any heat inside the market, though, so dress in layers.

There is usually no problem finding parking around the neighborhood.

If you have been there before, there are changes, such as it's only 1 day!  So much sure you get there on Saturday.

Details:

What:    City Arts Market
Where:  Eastern Market
             308 E. King St, Lancaster, PA 
When:   Saturday, December 1, 2012
             9 am - 5 pm
Who:     B.B. Bellezza and Carecycled (my mom's business) + 50 other handmade craft                   vendors, food vendors, kid's room and live music
How:    It's easy, just show up.  :)

I have some unique new upcycled jewelry that I haven't shared yet there!  Perfect for your gift-giving!  My mom will have candles in tea cups, desert dishes and other candles, wood coasters made from a fallen tree (such a perfect gift and very inexpensive), sewing kits and more!  

See you on Saturday!!

Warmly,
Kim

P.S.  If you can't make it on Saturday, you can always come to my booth at Building Character and shop 7 days a week, with extended holiday hours.

P.P.S.  I have another show coming up on December 14th and 15th in Lititz, PA!  More details coming soon!

Welcome to the Cyber Monday Festivities!

Welcome to the B.B. Bellezza Cyber Monday Festivities!

Today is going to be a fun day of Discounts, Free Gifts and Door Prizes!

There are a few ways to participate:

1.  Be a newsletter subscriber!  Just by subscribing you'll get 2 chances in each door prize drawing for the door prizes.  You'll also get a free gift with your order of $12 or more!

2.  Like my facebook page.  You'll get 1 entry for each door prize drawing.

3.  Tweet about the sale or door prizes (Find sample tweets below!  make sure to get my twitter handle in your tweet so I know you tweeted @KimberlieKohler)

4.  For every $10 purchase from my shop (today only), you get 1 entry for each door prize.

Discounts:

Available in my Etsy Shop only.  Choose either:

20% off your entire order, use code CYBER20
or
Free Shipping, use code:  CYBERFREE

(You don't have to use paypal in my etsy shop.  You can enter your debit or credit card!)

Free Gift with Purchase:

If you are a newsletter subscriber, you'll get a free gift with your order over $12.  When you check out, make sure to put that you are subscriber in the "notes to seller" and what email address you subscribe to me with so I can verify it.

Door Prizes:

As a reminder, here are the ways to gain entries in the door prize drawings.  I will be monitoring each of these prior to each drawing, so you can join in throughout the day even if you missed some of the drawings.

• 2 entries for joining my email newsletter;
• 1 entry for liking my facebook page;
• 1 entry for tweeting about the festivities (the sale or the door prizes);
• 1 entry for every $10 purchased from my online shop today only.

Important:

I will choose the winner at the time indicated from all possible entries at the time of the drawing.  The winner will be announced on my facebook page, twitter and under each door prize here.

The winner has until 12:00 midnight tonight (Monday) to contact me with their mailing address to claim their prize.   (Email:  BBBellezza@hotmail.com)

Sample Tweets:

I just entered to win a Cyber Monday Door Prize from @KimberlieKohler & you can, too!  Find out how here:  http://www.BBBellezza.com

Having fun with @KimberlieKohler 's Cyber Monday Sale & Door Prize drawings.  Find out more:  http://www.BBBellezza.com

I hope I win the __________ during @KimberlieKohler 's Door Prize drawings and Cyber Monday Sale!  http://www.BBBellezza.com

Here are the Door Prizes:

All of the following times are in United States Eastern Standard Time.

Click on the Link to read more about similar products.

9:00 AM EST

Hardware Earrings
$12 Value

Winner:  Steph Parsons

12:00 noon EST

Clock Hand Earrings

$12 Value

Winner: Terry Scholl

3:00 pm EST

Joy Glass Tile Pendant/Ornament
$15 Value

Winner: Helene Colleu

6:00 pm EST

Upcycled Chandelier Crystal Ornament
$12 Value

Winner:  Robin Hartman

9:00 pm EST

Glass Tile Ornament/Pendant with Matching Cord

$20 Value

Winner:  Meghan Barbato

Good Luck!!

Don't forget the great deals in my etsy shop today!  You choose your own deal either 20% off your order (CYBER20) or Free Shipping (CYBERFREE).

Click here for a handy tutorial that shows you how to use coupon codes on etsy.

Any questions, let me know!  

Cyber Monday Festivities!

Monday, November 26, 2012 is Cyber Monday!

I have a great special going on AND some fun door prizes throughout the day.

Read on . . .

SPECIAL:

In my online shop get a discount or free shipping.

You can chose 1:

20% off your entire order with this code:  CYBER20
or
Free shipping with this code:  CYBERFREE

(Can use on Monday, November 26th only.)

If you need some help using this code on etsy, click here for my handy tutorial, How To Use Coupon Codes on Etsy.

Special Bonus Gift:

If you are a newsletter subscriber - you get a free gift with purchases over $12. (HINT:  Sign up now to get in on the fun!)

To join, fill in the simple form below:

Subscribe to our mailing list

DOOR PRIZES:

Throughout the day on Monday I will draw winners for door prizes.
To get entries for the prizes, do one or more of the following:

• Get 2 Entries for being a Newsletter Subscriber (fill in the form above - or if you're already a subscriber, do nothing);

• Get 1 Entry for liking my Facebook page;

• Get 1 Entry for tweeting about the sale/door prizes; and

• Get 1 Entry for every $10 purchased from my online shop.

Sample Tweets:
I just entered to win a Cyber Monday Door Prize from @KimberlieKohler You can, too!  Find out how here:  http://www.BBBellezza.com
Having fun with @KimberlieKohler 's Cyber Monday Sale and Door Prize drawings.  Find out more:  http://www.BBBellezza.com
I hope I win the ___________ during @KimberlieKohler 's door prize drawings and Cyber Monday Sale!  http://www.BBBellezza.com   (fill in the blank with what you hope to win!)
I will choose winners for the prizes from all the possible entries at following times:  (All times in Eastern Standard Time)
9:00 am Hardware Earrings  ($12 Value)

12:00 noon  Clock Hand Earrings ($12 Value)

3:00 pm Ornament/Pendant ($15 Value)

6:00 pm Upcycled Chandelier Crystal Ornament ($12 Value)

9:00pm Ornament/Pendant with Matching Cord ($20 Value)

Winners will be announced shortly after each time on the B.B. Bellezza Facebook Page and Twitter.  You have until midnight EST on Monday to email me your address if you win.  (If you don't, you forfeit your prize.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Remember:  Get on the newsletter list to get a free gift with purchase and 2 entries for the door prizes.  Plus a reminder email on Monday morning! 

Over the next few days I will be adding a lot more to my Etsy Shop!   

See you then!  

December Artwork Pendant Subscription

Artwork Pendant Subscription

Conveniently and easily get the artwork of your favorite artists in a wearable form each month!

Introducing the Artwork Pendant Subscription!

Each month get:

• A pendant made with a miniature print of a famous artist.  (This month is Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh)
• Cord or chain to match
• Artist Bio Card
• Cute cotton bag.

2 Subscription Options:

1.  Monthly charge - cancel at any time.

or

2.  Pay for the entire year up front and get an additional 10% off.

Read all of the details and sign up here.

Note:  I will retire each pendant online as they are used for the subscription.  So, this is the only way to purchase these pendants from me online.

***THIS MONTH ONLY***

Get an extra free cord - in the size you choose when subscribing - with your regular subscription!!

Letter Slots

I love old letter slots.  I live in an old borough full of history with many old houses.  I always notice the letter slots on the doors.

They remind me of the old days back when I had pen pals and actually hand wrote letters, put a stamp on them and then mailed them.  They create such a nostalgic feeling of simpler times.

There's something about brass on doors, too.

Not to mention that font on the "LETTERS."  Absolutely beautiful.

Did you have a pen pal growing up?  Have you thought about getting one as an adult?

12 More Ways to Reuse Paper Bags

Paper bags have been a bit of a controversy.  Are paper bags better than plastic?  I have a previous blog post with Ways to Reuse Paper Bags, which includes a video documentary about whether plastic or paper are better for the environment.  Click here to watch the video and see the first 8 Ways to Reuse Paper Bags.

I think we all can agree that reusing canvas shopping bags is best.

If you still find yourself with paper bags here are even more ways to reuse the paper bags you end up with:

1.  Use a dust mop?  Struggle to get the dust and dirt off it?  Put it in a paper bag and put a rubber band around it to secure the bag.  Then shake the dust mop to get the dust and dirt off.  Carefully remove the paper bag.

2.  Remove wax.  Heat the wax through a paper bag, moving the paper bag around to use new portions to pick up the wax.  Do not use a printed bag as this may cause the ink to run.

3.  Reuse as gift bags.  Use acrylic paint to cover any printed areas or glue on decorative paper.  Use decorative punches to decorate the edges, add ribbons, etc.  Get creative!

4.  Place fruit in a paper bag to accelerate ripening.

5.  Make a mailer with paper bags.  Click here for a tutorial on how to do this.

6.  Make an amazing butterfly wreath!!

7.  Make paper!

8.  Use them to protect surfaces when your painting, gluing or doing other messy crafty projects.

9.  Cut out eyes and decorate to make a mask.

10.  Make a kite.

11.  Use them to separate your recyclables.

12.  Cut into strips and tape them to make chains for decorations.

You can also make a Paper Bag Scrapbook.  Click here to get my original, simple Paper Bag Scrapbook.

Find out more about my updated Paper Bag Scrapbook there and how to get the step-by-step instructions for free, too.