My Wedding Jewelry

Since I’m a jewelry designer, one of the most important aspect of my wedding was my jewelry. In fact, a friend of mine who didn’t make it to the wedding was saying, I can’t wait to see pictures of your dress!

I replied, “The dress? Who cares about the dress? Wait until you see the jewelry!”

I knew what the bracelet would look like months prior to the wedding. I love designing, making and wearing bracelets. I also knew what the earrings would look like.

It was the necklace that I wasn’t sure about. In fact, I designed it as I made it. I changed it. Then I worried about it.

Somewhere along the way I got the impression that my husband doesn’t like “gaudy” jewelry. I wouldn’t consider the necklace gaudy, but it certainly wasn’t dainty jewelry. I don’t know what his idea of gaudy is either, really.

So, I thought about it and thought about other, simpler designs.

Then I decided that I was wearing the necklace I made. This is my wedding, too and I loved my necklace. It made me feel like beautiful. It made me feel like a bride. I felt like I could take on the world in that necklace.

By the time the ceremony started that evening, I needed to feel like I could take on the world.

My husband thought it was beautiful! And it was!

You hear that woman say they don’t feel like a bride until they get their dress.  It wasn’t like that for me. I felt more like a bride when I put on the necklace than I did when I put on my dress.

I’m not sure when I will get to wear it again, but for now it’s on display on the canvas necklace holder I made. The necklace holder is perfect for it!

Sometimes, you should just go with your gut on things like jewelry and not overthink it.  Wear what feels good to you and makes you happy. 

Jewelry has such a way of making you feel more empowered, more beautiful and more put together than anything else for me.

Ever notice your not so sure about your outfit, but then you put on a pretty piece of jewelry and you feel more confident?  Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry that puts you in a good mood?

Try a New Technique

{bracelet from my wedding}

I started making jewelry when I was a child. 


I don’t exactly remember how I got started. I do know that I have this pink unicorn purse/tiny duffle bag filled with beads. They were all just in there together mixed up. Plus there was stretch cord. 


I made bracelets mostly. In random rainbow colors. 


I got into other things and left the pink unicorn purse behind. 


Then one day, about 7 years ago I pulled out the purse again and started making jewelry again. 


Through the years I have tried new techniques. Sometimes I love the new technique, sometimes I hate it. If I love it, I keep doing it. If I hate it, I don’t do it again. I remember when I first tried wire-wrapping (one of my most favorite techniques now), I was all over the place. My wraps were a mess and I really didn’t know what I was doing. I started making rings, too. I just looked at what other people’s rings looked like and tried it in my own way. 


I did it. I figured it out. My wraps became more even and less a big mess. My designs stayed together and I did it! 


Sometimes trying something new can be intimidating. For me, making jewelry isn’t, but computer stuff is. Moving my blog over to Wordpress has been intimidating. I’m taking a class to learn the steps of how to do it, and I’m learning. 


Maybe wire-wrapping jewelry is like that for you. You’re not sure where to even start. That’s how I was with Wordpress. I am glad I found someone to hold my hand through the process. 


I’m happy to let you know that soon I can hold your hand through the process of learning to wire-wrap. I will soon be done with my latest digital program, Wire Wrapping for Beginners. I’m so very proud of this eBook and I can’t wait to get it into your hands! I will tell you more details later, but I am so excited about it! 


To make sure that you get the details about the eBook and when it's available (including an early bird special), make sure to subscribe to email updates!

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Tutorial: Bracelet Made from old Slides

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.

New Tutorial Available: Lots of Buttons Fabric Cuff Bracelet

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.

New Tutorial Available: Hardware Fabric Cuff Bracelet

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!

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

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!

New Tutorial Available: Love Hand Sewn Fabric Cuff Bracelet

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

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.

Terms of Use:

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!

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Virtual Open House III Day 2

Welcome to the Virtual Open House III - Day 2

For more information about what's going on here this week, see yesterday's post.

First, the winner from yesterday's giveaway is Brenda! 

Congratulations!

Today's Giveaway:

Hardware Bracelet

Or

Hardware Necklace and Bracelet Tutorial

Winner gets to choose whether they would like a hardware bracelet or if they would prefer to learn to make one themselves.

To Enter:
Simply leave a comment below and indicate which you would prefer to win!  If you don't have an account, you can leave your comment anonymously.  Just make sure to leave your email so that I can get a hold of you!

Get extra entries for doing any of the following.  For each item you complete, leave a separate comment:

• Get a chance for joining my facebook page.  If you are already a fan, just leave a comment saying that.
• Tweet about this giveaway.  Please make sure to include a link to this website.  Here's an example tweet you could use:  I just entered to win the giveaway from @BBBellezza at http://www.BBBellezza.com There's a new giveaway each day this week!
• Share on your facebook wall.  You can use the same example from above.  
• Join my newsletter, or leave a comment letting me know that you already are a subscriber.  (Make sure you're leaving the same email address that you are subscribed with.)
• NOTE:  if you are not internet savvy, just email me and I'll put your comment up for you!  Don't stress! 

Winner will be chosen tomorrow morning around 8:00 am Eastern or so!

FREEBIE:

Get this freebie with any purchase from my online shop today:

Free cord of your choice!  Choose black, white, natural, dark brown or pink in the length of your choice.  (If you don't make a choice, you'll receive 18" black cord.)  Just leave a note when you're checking out of your preference.

Discount:

Don't forget to use this coupon code to get 20% off in my online shop all week VIRTUALOPENHOUSE

Click on "coupon code" and enter the code when checking out.

Good luck!

(Note:  discount and freebies are for my online etsy shop only.  If you wish to purchase a tutorial with the discount, please purchase from my etsy shop and put the discount code in there.) 

UPDATE:  Comments are now closed for this giveaway, but giveaways are happening every day this week 10/31/2010 - 11-6-11!

Recycled Cuffs - Sneak Peeks

I've been sewing my fingers off!  These new cuff bracelets are made from reused clothing - jeans, khakis, t-shirts, sweaters - and embroidery and hand-sewing. 

I have been really enjoying the very low-tech-ness of the process, sewing them entirely by hand.  The repetitiveness of creating them is very relaxing.  I think it's also notable that the only new parts of these pieces is the embroidery floss (and the designs!!)

These are a few of the many new cuffs to come for my fall line!  There are many more cut out and ready to be sewn.

Truth be told, these aren't completely done.  They need to have buttons sewn on yet, but I wanted to share what I have so far!

Don't forget, my new fall line will be premiering on Thursday, September 2, 2010 online starting at 3 pm, and First Friday, September 3, 2010 at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER 342 N. Queen St, Warehouse C, Lancaster, PA 6 pm - 9 pm.  At both events, all my new pieces will be 15% off.

What I'm Working On.....

I've had an interest in embroidery for a while.  I used to do counted cross stitch when I was younger.  I was usually frustrated by it and I'm not positive that I ever finished a piece.  

I think that perhaps I enjoyed using the thread and the motions of it, but not the strictness of it.

A couple years ago I came across a show (I cannot remember what it was!) where they were doing embroidery from their own drawings!  It intrigued me, but I also had it stuck in my head that I actually couldn't draw, so it wasn't for me.

But, for the last couple of months I have been making little illustrations and kind of liking them.  And now I've decided to put some on some denim cuffs!

I've also been enjoying hand-stitching different fabrics and textures onto cuff bracelets, which feels like a natural compliment to embroidery to me.

In my new fall line, you'll find a lot of new hand-stitched and embroidered denim cuff bracelets.  (Above is a photo of one that I made previously - photos for the new fall line aren't quite ready yet.)  All the materials used are upcycled from clothes and jeans that have been donated to me.  The clothes are too worn out to continue as actually clothes, but I can cut little pieces from them to make jewelry.

I can't wait to start sharing my new pieces with you!

Summer=Bracelets

I think summer is the perfect time of year for bracelets!

We lose the sweaters and long sleeves in favor of short sleeves, tank tops or sleeveless shirts and dresses.  It's the perfect time to show off your wrists with some fun, quirky, unique bracelets!

Wear them alone or layer them for a fun look!

How to Upcycle a Chandelier

This is my latest creation!  

The focal point of this ring is an upcycled crystal from a chandelier.  The chandelier was damaged and could not be fixed, so I bought the pieces to use in jewelry.  

You've no doubt seen my earrings

Necklace

and bracelet

all made from the crystals from the chandelier.

This ring is the latest in the line.  They coordinate to make a nice set, or you can wear them separately.

All the pieces are now available in my Etsy Shop or at my booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER. (Rings will be available at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER tomorrow)

Sadly, though, I am coming to the end of my chandelier crystal supply, so there won't be many more of any of these pieces.

What's New?

These are some new items that are listed, or will be listed, in the B.B. Bellezza Etsy Shop:

 Upcycled Classic United States Stamps Coasters

Created with upcycled ceramic tiles and canceled stamps.  Each and every stamp on each of the 4 coasters was individually placed on the coasters.

Upcycled Vintage Map Ceramic Coasters

Made with upcycled ceramic tiles and maps from a vintage atlas.  This set features the United States.

This necklace reminds of a tree or the woods.  I actually love this necklace and considered keeping it for myself; however, I already have so much jewelry! 

(Will be listed in my Etsy Shop soon!)

Ocean Treasures Charm Necklace (Will be listed in my Etsy Shop soon)

This necklace is full of treasures from the ocean:  sea glass, pearls, shells and pewter charms of a mermaid and anchor.

Pink and Purple Nature Charm Bracelet

Full of pink and purple beads, flower charms, leaf charms, and more!  It's a treasure hunt for your wrist!

Black and Clear Cross Charm Bracelet

Plus even more of beaded, charmed goodness!