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: 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!

8 Tips for Surviving the Lititz Rotary Club Craft Show

The Annual Lititz Rotary Club Craft Show is August 11, 2012 8 am - 4 pm.  

It’s called the “Big One” for a reason.  This show is huge!!

I am lucky enough to live in Lititz, so I did the show in chunks last year, with breaks back home in between to rest, but if you aren’t that lucky, a little planning may help you out this year. (And I’ll be selling my handcrafted jewelry this year, so look for me in the 200 block of East Main Street!) 


The show covers 2 blocks of Broad Street, the Lititz Springs Park, and 2 blocks of East Main Street.  It’s a lot of ground to cover, so you better be ready! 


Tip #1 


Download and print the show map so you can plan your attack and keep track of where you are, where you are going and where you have been. 


Tip #2 


Be prepared.  


Pack water, wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes in layers.  Even bring a bag you can roll behind you with all your purchases to make it easier. While shopping at big shows my family would take turns running stuff back to the car throughout the day so we didn’t have to carry everything with us. 


Tip #3 


Attendees arrive early to this show.  The show runs 8 am to 4 pm, so plan to arrive just shortly before 8 am to shop. 


Tip #4

There are 2 different areas to park:  1 is walking distance, the other one will shuttle you in.  Find them on the map and decide where to park.

Tip #5 


There are 3 main areas of the craft show (and they are all connected, you won’t miss any of them!):

• Broad Street
• Main Street
• Lititz Springs Park

I would start by going up East Main St., starting at the 200 block (the vendors are on 1 side there), hang a left onto Broad Street and go up one side and back down the other side.  Then continue down Broad Street on one side and back down the other to where the park is.  Then stroll through the park’s vendors.

Lititz Springs Park is a great place to get off your feet if you need to rest a bit.  There are park benches and plenty of ducks to watch!  The spring runs through the park. 


Tip #6 


Finding food.  


There are food vendors all throughout the show. As a Lititz resident, I highly recommend Rosie’s Lunch trailer.  Get a double cheeseburger with everything, and thank me later.  Rosie’s is always on Broad Street, across from Lititz Mutual Insurance.  (And Rosie’s is there every Saturday, in fact.) If you want a sit down experience, try Tomato Pie on Broad Street or head up Broad a little further to the Sandwich Factory.  On E. Main Street you have 2 options for pizza and/or subs, I prefer Ninos.  There’s also the Bull’s Head (I haven’t eaten there, but I hear it’s great.)  On Water Street there is the Appalachian Brewing Company, which is just down from the end of the show.  I would expect there will be lines and long waits for any restaurants. 


Tip #7 


Now that you’re re-energized with a meal, head back to the vendors that you wanted to take a second look at and make sure you didn’t miss anything!  Or hit the areas you didn’t see yet.  


Tip #8 


Check out some of the favorite local spots while you’re here: Wilbur Chocolate.  If you’re coming from out of town, do not miss Wilbur!  It is the best chocolate and it’s made right in Lititz.  The chocolate store is at 48 N. Broad Street. Sturgis Pretzels.  You can take a tour and shop for pretzels!  My favorite are the soft pretzels.  Sturgis is located at 219 E. Main Street, right near the beginning of your craft show experience.  (Or head there last, after you’re done shopping!) 


Favorite stores to check out in addition to the craft show:

• Aaron’s Books
• The Curiosity Shop
• Zest
• Candy*ology (for your sugar fix)
• Or any of the shops on Main Street or Broad Street!

Don’t forget:

Make sure to stop by my booth in the 200 block of East Main Street (Booth D42), near West Church Square.  I have new designs that will be revealed at the show!  Plus, my eBook now in printed booklet form “Jewelry Trends and Being Eco-Friendly.”  Just sign up for my newsletter at the show and you can get your copy for free!

5 Tips for a Great Craft Show

1. Be prepared!  
2. Be confident.  Your stuff is great and people are going to love it.  If they don't, then you have learned a lesson about the show.  Maybe it didn't attract your target customers or maybe it didn't advertise enough. 
3. Be yourself!  Don't set up your display to look like others' displays.  Figure out your vibe and go with it!  Have fun finding display pieces at yard sales, thrift stores and antique stores.  You don't have to have black tablecloths and boring necklace holders that look like everyone else's.  I don't and I do just fine at shows, thank you very much.
4. Be outgoing.  If you aren't naturally outgoing, then just try taking little steps to fake until you feel more comfortable.  Just say "Hi" or "Good Afternoon" to everyone who comes by (or even near) your booth.  Eventually, you'll start to feel less shy.
5. Be easy to find again.  Make sure that you have plenty of business cards, brochures or other marketing materials to give out.  Sometimes people who don't want to purchase that day will purchase in the future.  You might get an order from a store this way.  You want to make sure that they can find you again!

You want to go more deeply into being prepared for a craft show?  Try my Craft Show Tips eBook.  It's 29 pages of step-by-step help to get you ready for craft shows!


Even though I grew up with a mom who did craft shows, when it can to selling my own stuff I used to be scared (to the point of throwing up) to do craft shows.  Now I really enjoy them and they are one of my favorite ways to sell jewelry!  I have learned hard lessons through the years, and I'm passing those lessons on to you.

Craft Show Tips, Just $6.99

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be This Weekend?

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!

The Gigantic Craft Show in Lititz, PA

Saturday I woke up to the most amazing sight (well, for me anyway!)  I looked out my window and a gigantic craft show had magically appeared.  So huge that it is simply called "The Big One."

{As a side note, somehow my boyfriend is always working whenever cool things happen in our quaint little town.  He can never believe the things I tell him, or he thinks it's some sort of magical world I evoke in my head.}

I assure you, the craft show was real.

There were over 500 vendors on several of Lititz's streets and in the park.  I saw almost all of them.  While a lot of the vendors were not really my thing, there were several who had amazing things.  Like the silverware jewelry guy or the woman with the bottle cap stand.

I'm not really used to attending craft shows strictly as a shopper.  It was strange.  It was also sort of freeing, but I definitely felt like I was missing out on something.

It was sort of interesting to hear the chatter on the other side of the table and how people shop.  For example, at this show people do a full round before they start purchasing.  That's what I heard anyway. 

The photo above is from the main route through Lititz, looking down.  It was completely packed with people.  This was maybe 1/3 of the show.

I ran into my friend Maggie at the show, and she has more photos on her blog - Sweet Maggie May, so be sure to check them out. 

Humanity Fest - Recap

Today was the Race Against Racism & The Humanity Fest at Musser Park in downtown Lancaster, PA.

I have set up my handcrafted green jewelry there every year since they began the festival.  It's one of my favorites to be a vendor at!  The organizers are organized, helpful and just plain wonderful people.  The other vendors are great!  The food - fabulous.  

It's really almost a perfect event.  [It started at 7:00 am, which meant a very early Saturday morning for me...but well worth it!]

The most exciting part of the festival, of course, is the race itself.  There is so much excitement as the racers line up.  There are so many people who participate. 

Frankly, I'm not even close to athletic.  I don't like sports.  I don't enjoy participating in them nor watching them.  But there is something about this particular race I find exciting to watch!

I can't tell you who actually won, but it was thrilling when they came across the finish line (very quickly, I might add!)  

Here's how my stand was set up for the day:

This photo shows my new pendant/cord display.  My dad created it for me and I love it.  This season is the first time I'm offering pendants and cords separately at art and craft shows.  

You pick your pendant(s) and then pick your cord(s) from several colors and sizes.

If you missed it this year, make sure you get yourself there next year!

Craft Shows are coming! Are you Ready?

Believe it or not, now is the time to start looking for and applying for craft shows for the year!

Are you new to craft shows?  Overwhelmed and not sure where to start or what to do?

I wrote a 21-page eBook just for you!

Preparation is key to having a good day at a craft show, and this informative PDF will help you get prepared.

That being said, I do not guarantee any of the information contained in this eBook will lead to sales. My hope is that this information will help you feel confident and prepared for your craft show so that you can do the best within the limitations of the show itself.

What you'll find in this eBook:

- My History
- Before the Show (Finding Shows, Your Stand, Examples from my Stand, Trying Out Your Stand, Your Products and the Show)
- Preparation for the Show (Packing lists, Snacks/meals, marketing, Preparing your Etsy Shop, Dress)
- Set up (Step-by-step Getting Ready and Setting Your Stand Up)
- During the Show (What do I say? What do I do? Other Vendors, Checkout, Credit Cards)
- At the End of the Show
- Other Tips
- Weekly Markets

All this information is just $5!  And it will be in your email inbox in 24-48 hours (probably much more quickly than that!)

To purchase, please visit my Etsy Shop.

West Reading Fall Festival

The day started out with bagpipes and drums.  The way I would want any day to start out, truth be told.  

Saturday was probably the most perfect weather you could ever ask for.  It was sunny, warm - but not too warm- no wind.  The perfect day to go to West Reading for the Fall Festival.  

There were art and craft vendors, lots of food, bands, dancers, bagpipes and lots of friends (and new friends.)  I was across the street from Michelle of Michabella, and down the road from my craft show buddy Kerry of A Little Sparkle.  (Um, yeah, there was a lot of jewelry there, for sure!)

If you missed it, make sure to check Art on the Avenue in Spring in West Reading!

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be This Weekend?

Ummm....hopefully wherever I am, my tablecloths look a lot better!!

This weekend is the 1st Annual Midtown Book and Arts Festival!

In front of Midtown Scholar, 3rd and Verbeke Streets in Harrisburg, PA.

Saturday and Sunday June 26 and 27th 9 am - 5 pm each day.

There will be tons and tons of BOOKS!  (Hopefully I don't spend all of my profits on books!)  And also several artists selling their handmade wares, including my handcrafted upcycled jewelry!  I can't think of a more perfect way to spend the day!

See you in Harrisburg!

Know when to walk away....

know when to run!

Sometimes you have the very best intentions, are completely prepared, drive 2 1/2 hours.....and the wind comes.

So, Saturday was my big return to my hometown to do a craft show.  :)  I was all prepared with lots of jewelry, new business cards, pamphlets, etc.  We loaded our little car to the brim and drove the 2 1/2 hours from Lancaster to Hughesville, PA to my hometown.  I was nervous because they were calling for rain for Saturday and it was an outdoor event, but often there is rain in the forecast and it ends up being gorgeous anyway.  

At around 3 am I heard the thunderstorm.  At 7 am I got up and it was still raining....but, I was at the very least going to go and see what was going on at the show.  By the time I checked in it had stopped raining.  Then the sun came out and it was beautiful!

I was all set for the perfect day!

Then, about 20 minutes later, the winds started.  At first it was just an annoying and frustrating wind.  I hate wind, but I made some adjustments, anchored down some light things and thought I had it under control.

Then the REAL wind started.  Almost everything flew off of one table.  All my earrings were in the parking lot, another vendor's tent flew (no damage, it didn't go that far).  Thank goodness my mom's best friend happened to get there just then to help me!  (I had sent my boyfriend home and my mom was coming in to sit with me....this all happened when I was alone thought.)  I was panicked, but we held down the tent and started grabbing stuff.  

Then I heard this was just the start of it and the wind was going to get worse.  I made the decision to leave.  

Sometimes you have to admit defeat at outdoor craft shows.

Rain, I can deal with.  Wind, no.

Sorry to those who came out to see me but missed me!!  (I would be happy to come and do a home show in your house sometime if you are in the Hughesville or Muncy area...or Lancaster or York.  Just contact me!)

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be This Weekend?

This weekend you can find B.B. Bellezza in 2 places.

Friday, May 7, 2010

6 pm - 9 pm

FIRST FRIDAY in Lancaster, PA

I'll be at my booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER 342 N. Queen St., Rear, Lancaster, PA (I may not be there until 9 pm, but you can shop there until then!)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

9 am - 3 pm

CRAFT SHOW at the MOOSE in Hughesville, PA

Rt. 405, Hughesville, PA

(I am not sure of the rain plan if it rains, but we might be inside the building if that does happen.)

Yard Sale - Avon - Jewelry Sale

West Reading Fall Festival, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

I know, I have been slacking on the blog here. I sincerely intend to fix that!

In the meantime, I want to make sure you all know that this weekend is the Belair Neighborhood (Manheim Township, Lancaster, PA) Yard Sale. Each year it is huge. People have yard sales, bake sales, lots of food. Traffic is usually a little bit crazy, but I promise you it's worth it!

In addition to my yard sale, I'll be setting up my jewelry stand (or at least a portion of it) as well as an Avon stand! (If you missed it, I started selling Avon!) If you are in the area, please stop by and see us. We have tons of books and movies, some games, and some other stuff!

7 am - ? (And I assure you, I will not be ready before 7 am, so don't stop by for early sales! lol)

Directions: Going North on Fruitville Pike, take a Left onto Candlewyck Road. Go past Bucher Elementary and around the turn....you will see my green tent there when you are going around the turn (I'll be on the Left side).

See you there!

On the Road Again...

B.B. Bellezza is going on the road tomorrow!

I'm heading to Pittsburgh University for the Blue, Gold and Green Festival.  It takes place near the William Pitt Union on Schenley Quad.  11 am - 3 pm and is open to the public.  So, if you're in Pittsburgh, PA and want to see B.B. Bellezza in person, now is your chance!  

(By the way, my stand most likely won't look much like the photo - I'll have a couple of tables - but it's an idea, anyway!)

It's a "Rain or Shine" event that is under cover....so come on out, even if it does rain!

See you there tomorrow!

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

Craft Shows and In-Person Selling

Lancaster PrideFest 6-21-08, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

Some of you may be surprised (or maybe not!) that I used to be scared to death of selling in person. I started selling online quite a while ago, even before Etsy was around I sold in my shop on eBay. I would sell something, send it off and then wait to see the response in my feedback. I would brace myself and then be relieved that they received what I sent and even liked it!

I lacked self-confidence, really. I also hate confrontation. I don't know what I thought would happen selling in-person. I guess I thought a person would come up to me and say "Hey I hate your stuff." By the way, I have NEVER had that happen and can't imagine that would ever happen. Even if someone doesn't like what you make, they aren't going to come up to you and tell you that they hate it.

When I first started doing shows, I would get so nervous. I have actually been so nervous that I have thrown up. I have also been so scared that I decided not to do a show after pulling up at the venue at the beginning.

It's difficult to believe that I am that same person. Now I love to do shows. I must say, I still do get a little jittery, but it's more about getting set up and hoping that customers come to the show then about people hating my handmade jewelry. I love meeting my customers and hearing their comments.

The only difference is now I have confidence. I am more confident because I have really honed in on what I am making and my skills, but I am also more confident in myself. I know that everyone isn't going to like what I make. A lot of people aren't even going to understand why I would take an old scrabble game and make jewelry out of it. It's okay and I understand that.

I also think that the more shows you get under your belt, the more relaxed and confident you are going to feel. And the more you realize that everyone isn't going to come to your stand and say "I hate your stuff." (Or insert whatever your fear is here!)

So, if you are selling online and scared to give in-person selling a shot, I encourage to try it! It's very rewarding. Try something inexpensive and small to start and move on from there!

Please share your craft show fears below. If you overcame them, let us all know how. If you are scared, maybe we can help you!

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be this Weekend?

Tonight, Friday, December 4, 2009

is First Friday in Lancaster, PA

Make sure to stop by BUiLDiNG CHARACTER to check out about 40 different vendors, Santa, and a cool window display! 6 pm - 8 pm for Santa.

342 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA

Saturday, December 5, 2009

and Sunday December 5, 2009

10 am - 4 pm

Holiday City Arts Market

at Eastern Market 308 East King St, Lancaster, PA

Where in the World will B.B. Bellezza be this Weekend?

Today, Friday November 6, 2009 6 pm - 9 pm is First Friday in Lancaster!

I'll be at my stand (pictured above) at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER 342 N. Queen St., Rear Warehouses, Lancaster, PA

You don't want to miss the debut of Salvage Chic by BUiLDiNG CHACTER!

Sale

I am having a sale 6 pm - 9 pm tonight only at my booth: Buy any Scrabble, Domino, or Rumikub pendant, get a free cord to go with it! It's a great time to stock up for holiday gifts!

West Reading Fall Festival Recap

These are photos from my stand partway through the show. It was very steady throughout the day, with a few busier times. It was actually difficult to get a shot without customers. (Definitely a really good problem to have!!)

Also partway through my one display fell over (before this photo was snapped). But, it didn't really damper my day or really cause any problems. I made that cute banner across the back. It's paper. I wanted it to be fabric, but I just ran out of time to cut out and sew it. I have wanted to have a sweet fabric banner since last year, and I still haven't accomplished it yet.

The show was fun and exhausting. There are so many things that I wasn't thrilled about, but instead I am going to focus on how lovely the people of West Reading are, and how cute this town is!

I have every intention on returning here in June for the Spring Festival.

Where Will B.B. Bellezza be this Weekend?

Friday, August 7, 2009

First Friday, Downtown Lancaster

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

BUiLDiNG CHARACTER

342 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Saturday, August 8, 2009
Eastern Market 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
308 East King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania