Showing posts with label green handmade jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green handmade jewelry. Show all posts

7.18.2012

Green Handmade Jewelry - Why It is Important


I write a lot about Recycling and Reusing and living green.  I also write about my green handmade jewelry.


But why?


I make jewelry out of items that could otherwise be discarded because I am worried about the earth.  I think that we are destroying it and I want to do whatever I can to stop it.  


I don't think that my little business with it's game tile pendants, hardware jewelry and other funky jewelry is going to save the earth.  


However, I think know my customers are going to save the earth.


Step-by-step, one little can, newspaper, plastic bag, whatever it is, at a time.  Everything we do does make a difference.  If I can reach more of you, then more people are thinking about the planet and all the little steps and all those steps of all of us do add up.


What I'm trying to do here is bigger than fashion, or the perfect gift or a memory.  It's bigger than a couple of tips.  I'm calmly and slowly fighting for our planet.  Fighting for the generations that will come after us.  I want them to see trees and butterflies and flowers and know the beauty that I see.  I want them to know what it's like to take a hike in the woods and see a waterfall.




What can you do?


1.  Read my weekly green tips and try doing something new.  Already living green?  Add to the conversation!  Add a comment to this post or any of my Green Tips Posts!  


2.  Tell your friends!  Share with them about little steps they can take or share with them what you do.  Be a living example!  Direct them here on Tuesdays for a tip!


3.  Support Green Businesses.  I am one, there are others!  (I'm the proud new owner of the 2012 National Green Pages, so I'll be sure to share other businesses, too!)


4.  Purchase my eco-friendly jewelry!  (More on this below....)


5.  Do your very best every day.  You'll screw up sometimes.  (i.e. I forgot my canvas bag at the store today) but just do your best.  


6.  Like green tutorials?  I have moved my tutorials over to my new blog at KimberlieKohler.com  Learn how to reuse all the stuff that is clogging up our waterways and land and don't let it get there.






Using Green Jewelry to Start a Green Conversation


Beyond just saving a game piece or another small object from the landfill, and beyond not using resources to make new materials (both of which I think are important and helpful), wearing my eco-friendly jewelry can help you start a conversation about green issues.  You could give someone information that didn't have before.  You never know how you can affect those around you.  You never know how that person can affect others....and so on.  You could start a whole green team, and not even realize it.


I try to make it easier for you by giving you something to wear to get a conversation started.



Here are 2 sample conversations you can try out.  One if you really do want to get into a conversation about it; one for if you really don’t want to have a whole conversation, but want the jewelry to speak for itself. 


Sample Conversations: 


She says:  “Hey, girl!  I love that cool pendant you have on!” 


You say:  “Thanks so much!  It’s an actual scrabble tile (flip over tile and show her) and the designer recycled it into this cool jewelry.” 


She says:  “Wow that is awesome.” 


You say:  “I like helping the environment in any way I can.  We keep destroying it at 
such a fast rate, every little bit helps.” 


She says:  “I didn’t know that you were so eco-friendly.” 


You say:  “It only takes a few small steps to make a difference, and it doesn’t feel 
like it’s really taking more time or effort than if I weren’t being eco-friendly.” 


She says:  “Tell me more.” 


Then you can tell her some of the ways you are eco-friendly:  recycling, using a drying 
rack instead of a dryer, using recycled paper, etc. 


You can also suggest she checks out www.BBBellezza.com for easy tips and 
handcrafted green jewelry.  (Thanks!!) 



Conversation #2:


If you don’t really want to get into a whole conversation about recycling, try this: 


She says:  “Hey, girl!  I love that cool pendant you have on!” 


You say:  “Thanks so much!  It’s an actual scrabble tile (tip over and show her) and the designer recycled it into this cool jewelry” 


She says:  “Wow, that is awesome.” 


You say:  “You should check out her website at www.BBBellezza.com”  (Or, if you are in Lancaster, PA, you can tell her to check out my booth at Building Character.) 


She says:  “Thanks, I will.” 


Then you have pointed her to my website, where she will find tips for greener living and handcrafted green jewelry.  I'll take it from there.  :)  


Plus, you have my unending gratitude. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just finished writing a mini eBook:  "Jewelry Trends and Being Eco-Friendly."


This eBook includes lots of great information, including:
  • Glossary of eco-friendly terms
  • Trends in Jewelry and How to do them the Eco-Friendly Way
  • Sample Conversations to help you use your eco-friendly jewelry to start a conversation (or how to still get your point across without having a lengthy conversation.)
  • Plus, bonus 14 Simple and Easy Tips for Greener Living.
How much for all this great information in one place?  FREE!!


Just sign up for my email newsletter and it will be emailed to you after you confirm your subscription.  (PLUS, you get a free shipping code to use in my online shop!)

Also, if you are in Lancaster, PA, make sure to click the box to get on my special local email list and get notified whenever I'll being special events in the area!


6.26.2012

Jewelry Trends and Being Eco-Friendly

I just finished writing a mini eBook:  "Jewelry Trends and Being Eco-Friendly."


This eBook includes lots of great information, including:
  • Glossary of eco-friendly terms
  • Trends in Jewelry and How to do them the Eco-Friendly Way
  • Sample Conversations to help you use your eco-friendly jewelry to start a conversation (or how to still get your point across without having a lengthy conversation.)
  • Plus, bonus 14 Simple and Easy Tips for Greener Living.
How much for all this great information in one place?  FREE!!


Just sign up for my email newsletter and it will be emailed to you after you confirm your subscription.  (PLUS, you get a free shipping code to use in my online shop!)

Also, if you are in Lancaster, PA, make sure to click the box to get on my special local email list and get notified whenever I'll being special events in the area!


6.25.2012

Little Metal Numbers Jewelry

I recently bought a bunch of little metal number numbers.  They are so adorable that I just couldn't wait to make them into jewelry!

Not every number I received was conducive for jewelry making (although, I am working on a way around it!), but the number 8 is perfect!

So I made a bracelet:



and earrings:




They can be worn as a set or separate (they are for sale separately in my online shop and will soon also be available - along with #4 and #9 - at my booth in Building Character.)

Here is a little more about them:


Metal Number 8 Wire Wrapped Bracelet

I created this unique bracelet using a cute vintage metal number (the number 8). Each black bead is wire wrapped with silver plated copper wire.

The bracelet is 7 1/2" not including the extra links, and 8 1/4" with the extra links. More links can be added if you need it to be longer or I can shorten the bracelet upon request. It closes with a lobster clasp.

The metal number has been sealed to preserve the patina of the metal and guard against any metal allergies.


Purchase for $25 in my shop

Metal Number 8 Wire Wrapped Earrings

I created these unique earrings using cute vintage metal numbers (the number 8). Each black bead is wire wrapped with silver plated copper wire.

The earrings are 1 1/2" long including the earring wires.

The metal number has been sealed to preserve the patina of the metal and guard against any metal allergies.


Purchase for $20 in my shop

Either (or both) would be the perfect gift for a your favorite number cruncher, someone with an anniversary on the 8th, someone who has 8 kids, has been married 8 years, has 8 as a favorite number or anyone who likes cool unique jewelry!

Please let me know if you have questions or are interested in number 4 or number 9. 

4.29.2012

How To Mix and Match Pendants

How to Mix and Match B.B. Bellezza Pendants and Cords/Chains

Step #1


Pick out a pendant or pendants from my pendants section
or Artwork Pendants Section.



Step #2

Pick out a chain or cord from my cords/chains section.


Step #3


When you receive your pendant(s), place them on the chain or cord.



Step #4


Put on your necklace and enjoy!


Close a clasp for a ball chain in this way:



Place the end ball into the clasp.



Click into place.





Wear More than 1 Pendant on one Chain


Slide on another chain for a great look.



And here are 3 pendants on 1 chain:


Pendants used in this post:





Chain used:


3.27.2012

What is Altered Art Anyway?

 

Since I'm releasing the Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program this week, maybe it's a good idea to answer the question.....

What is Altered Art, Anyway?

Altered Art has been defined in many ways and I have come to realize that a lot of things can be considered “altered art.”

A basic definition is that it is using old items and “altering” them.  There really is no wrong way to do it.  Quite often new techniques are discovered by accident.  It’s the transformation of ordinary objects into pieces of art.

Generally, the item(s) will be entirely new or different after the altering.

Different techniques you can use to alter art are:
            Painting
            Collage
            Decoupage
            Embellishing
            Rusting
            Stamping
            Drawing on
            Sewing
            Gluing things together or on the item
            The possibilities are limitless.

You can really alter anything to make altered art.  Basically gather up your “junk” and start playing. 

Here are some examples to get you started:
  • Playing cards - make ATCs with these (or make a little book!  I will be sharing a project for this later this week)
  • Game pieces (scrabble, domino, poker chips, etc.).  They make excellent pendants for jewelry.
  • Record albums - use the covers to make purses or other art, melt the albums themselves into bowls.
  • Bamboo tiles
  • Books
  • Boxes (Cigar boxes)
  • CDs and DVDs
  • Glass bottles 
  • Jigsaw puzzle pieces
  • Luggage labels
  • Matchboxes
  • Microscope slides
  • Photo frames
  • Tins
  • Bingo cards
  • Dolls
  • Paper bags (to make books!)
  • Pennies and other coins                                                                                     
My favorite altered art, of course, is Altered Art Jewelry!  Scrabble tiles, dominoes, Rumikub tiles, bottle caps, etc.!  I have had so much fun (and have been profitable!) selling my Altered Art Jewelry designs.  

Wednesday is your chance to get my secrets!  I'll be releasing my brand new Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program.  To learn more about the release (and get entered for the giveaway) read here.  If you think you’d like to give altered art jewelry a try, this is the digital program for you!  It’s seriously thorough and you can even email me if you get stuck!!  

Make sure to sign up for your chance to win a free copy of the new program and a kit to make the projects!

2.06.2012

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!


(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!

1.30.2012

52 Weeks of Handmade Earrings - Week 4

Week 4 earrings.

These are large earrings and make a statement!  I love them!  Made with reused washers

1.09.2012

What to do with old clothing?



Various reports state that anywhere from 700,000 to millions of TONS of clothing end up in the landfill each year.  Reports state that up to 10% of landfills are clothes.

I cannot believe that!  I personally cannot remember ever throwing away a piece of clothing, even as a child.  There are so many ways to remove clothing from your closets without having to throw them away, I can’t believe that so much does end up in the landfill.

Here's what to do with your old unwanted clothing:

1.  Check with friends and see if they would like clothing you don’t want anymore.  You could even throw a Clothing-Swap-Party, where everyone brings the clothing they don’t want anymore and everyone trades clothes!

2.  Give them to charity.  You can take even old, worn out clothes to be donated because they will be made into rags or commercially recycled.  My local Goodwill raises money by selling damaged clothing to the commercial recycling market.  (Check with the charity first, I don’t know if all donation centers do this.)

3.  Cut them up and use them for rags for cleaning your home.  T-shirts are particularly great for dusting! 

4.  Make crafts out them!  Anything you can make using fabric, you can make using old clothes. 

I’ll be sharing a free tutorial later on this week that is just one of many projects you can  make with recycled clothing. 

Follow along this week and get tips on how to use your clothing for projects, a free projects and stay tuned next week for the launch of my latest tutorial, which make great use of recycled clothing.  Sign up for my tutorial newsletter to be the first to get in on the action!

11.28.2011

Colonial Theatre Fundraiser Art Pendants






I'm so happy to present Colonial Theatre Pendants!  There are Glass Tile Pendants (above) available for $25, or Scrabble Tile Pendants (below) for $15.




This pendant was made with a wonderful photo of the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA at night. This is the famous theatre featured in the "run out" scene in the cult classic movie "The Blob."

For more information about the Colonial Theatre, please see the Colonial Theatre website.

The photography for this pendant was supplied by the theatre and we are sharing the proceeds of each pendant. With each pendant you purchase, you are supporting a piece of history.

- The glass tile pendants are 7/8" square. The photograph is preserved under a smooth glass tile.
- The scrabble tile pendants are .75" x .82"
- Pendants are water resistant, but not waterproof. Do not submerge them in water – take them off before you jump in the pool, hot tub or shower.

They are both available in my etsy shop, and remember, 1/2 of the sale goes to the Colonial Theatre!

11.04.2011

Virtual Open House III Day 5


Welcome to Day 5 of the Virtual Open House!

To find out all the details of what is going on here, see Day 1 of the Virtual Open House.

Congratulations to our Day 4 winner, picked by random:  Jennifer
Each day there is a Giveaway!
Get 20% off in my etsy shop all week with the coupon code VIRTUALOPENHOUSE
Freebies with orders each day!

Today's Giveaway:
Artwork Pendant:  Van Gogh
This pendant was made with a glass tile and a miniature image of the artwork of Van Gogh.  It's 7/8" square.  Find all of my Artwork Pendants in my online shop.

To Enter to Win this Pendant:

Simply leave a comment below!  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 or write whatever you want.  
  • 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 need help commenting or aren't technological, just email me and I'll leave your comment for you!
That's 6 total chances!  Winner will be chosen around 8:00 am Eastern tomorrow (Saturday) morning!

Also, I'll send along a freebie with each purchase today!  Today's freebie is a scrabble tile pendant - I'll choose a random pendant to send along with your purchase.
To get the freebie, just make a purchase today in my online shop using the coupon code VIRTUALOPENHOUSE.  You'll get 20% off and a free scrabble tile pendant!

TOMORROW the Grand prize will be listed.  Everyone who has commented thus far, made a purchase or who comments on tomorrow's post will be entered to win!  

Update:  Winner has been chosen and comments have been closed!  See the Grand Prize post for your last chance to win during Virtual Open House III!

11.01.2011

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!

10.31.2011

Welcome to B.B. Bellezza Virtual Open House III

Welcome!

Hi!  Welcome to the home of B.B. Bellezza and the Virtual Open House!

If you would like to learn more about me and how I got started, you can find that information on the about page.

I make green handcrafted jewelry, rag dolls and digital tutorials.  Digital tutorials, which I sell, are on my tutorials page (or this week to get a discount, make sure to purchase them from my etsy shop green tutorials section and use the coupon code below.)

For free tutorials, head over to my free tutorials page.  

I believe strongly in preserving the Earth, and regularly post tips for greener living and how to reuse or recycle certain items, on my blog.  My tutorials are all about reusing items usually, too.

Virtual Open House

If you have been to either of the previous Virtual Open Houses here, this one is a little different!  Usually it's one crazy frenzy of a night.  This time, it's for the entire week!
10/31/11 - 11/6/11 

How it works:

Starting today, there will be a giveaway right here every day.  To enter to win, just leave a comment and make sure I have a way to get a hold of you if you win! (Click on comment below the individual blog post with the giveaway and then write your comment.  If you don't have an account to log in with, just leave your comment anonymously and make sure to include your email address.)

You just have one day to enter to win each giveaway because the following morning, I will announce the winner and list another giveaway!

Get extra chances to win by tweeting about the giveaway with a link, joining my facebook page, or for sharing on your facebook wall.

Every day I'll be giving away a different freebie with any purchase from my online shop - I'll let you know what the freebie is each morning.

All week long you get 20% off in my online shop!!  Just use the code VIRTUALOPENHOUSE when checking out to take advantage of the deal!

Any questions along the way, email me, tweet me or leave me a comment on facebook and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. 

I think this is going to be more fun and give more people a chance to win!  Plus, there are all kinds of freebies for anyone to get!

Here we go....

Monday, Day 1 Giveaway



Hardware Earrings

OR



Hardware Earrings with Bead Tutorial

Winner chooses whether they would like the earrings or an eBook tutorial to learn how to make the earrings 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.)

That's 6 total chances!  Winner will be chosen tomorrow morning!

Freebie!

Free with any purchase today is:


Scrabble Tile Magnet (Magnets will vary depending upon my supply.)

To get this freebie, make a purchase in my online shop any time between now and tomorrow morning.  (Tomorrow a new freebie will be announced.)  Everyone who makes a purchase gets this freebie!

Don't forget, get 20% off in my shop the entire week, too!  Use code VIRTUALOPENHOUSE when checking out.  (click on coupon code and enter the code)

Good Luck!

UPDATE:  This giveaway and Day 1 are now closed!  Congratulations to Brenda! 


The fun continues all week!!


Tuesday, Day 2 Giveaway and Freebie
Wednesday Day 3 Giveaway and Freebie
Thursday, Day 4 Giveaway and Freebie
Friday, Day 5 Giveaway and Freebie
Saturday, Day 6 Giveaway and Freebie