Lancaster Locals - New Stuff to See at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER

A few days ago I took out the Christmas and brought out some new things at my booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER (342 N. Queen Street, Rear Warehouses, Lancaster, PA)

As you may know, my mom has gotten into crafting again (she did it while we were kids) and has started a business called Carecycled.  She makes really awesome stuff out of previously used things.

 

For example, her candles are a huge hit!  You can get them in a vintage tea cup (super cute and a great Valentine's Day gift!  Yes, I said it, Valentine's Day. . .) or in vintage desert dishes (and these dishes are even infused with the love of my wedding day!) or other sweet containers.

 

They smell fantastic and are adorable.  In case you were wondering if these containers can stand up to the heat of a candle, yes, they can.  We have tested them.  In addition, they stood up to the heat of hot wax or soy wax being poured into them when they were made, so rest assured that they will be fine (with normal candle caution, of course.)

 

You'll also find the popular wooden coasters.  These are made from trees that naturally fall on my parent's river front property.  My dad cuts them and my mom finishes them.  I adore them and they are so inexpensive you won't believe it!

 

My mom also has been crocheting away at making purses.  Right now we just have the one and it won't be there long, I can assure you. 

 

And last but not least, sewing kits!  These sewing kits are perfect for anyone!  They have everything you need to quickly mend something or if your button falls off.  I know I used to have to dig and really search to find a needle and thread before my mom gave me one of these.  Now I always can find scissors, thread, needles, pins -- anything you need to sew!  

And how cute are they?  Seriously cute.  And recycled.  Everyone you know should have one of these.

Mom doesn't have her online shop filled up with products yet, but she will soon!  So if you see something here and you don't live in the Lancaster, PA area, send me a message and I'll help you purchase it through paypal and get it out to you.

 

You can, of course, still get all my jewelry.  And (yes, I'll say it again!) Valentine's Day is coming up and handmade art jewelry is always a great gift!  (I can take custom orders at this point again, too!  Just contact me for more information.)

 

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.

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.

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!  

The Perfect Gift

Choosing the perfect gift can be time-consuming and challenging. I know I worry: Will they like it? The holidays are so stressful: crowded stores, limited parking, selling out of what you wanted to purchase....

I know I out of that cycle. Thoughtful, well-made, meaningful gifts are what I want to give. Gifts I can be proud of giving. Gifts that make the recipient smile with delight. Gifts that are perfectly in alignment with the recipient's tastes and even their values.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a girl or a woman, jewelry will usually be a great choice.  And handcrafted jewelry almost always is on the top of any woman’s list.

• My Artwork Pendant Subscription is a gift that keeps giving all year long.  Your recipient will remember you and the beautiful gift you purchased for her every month.  Each month is an opportunity to be in the forefront of her mind.  She’ll remember how generous you are and what a great gift giver you are.

• Artwork Pendants are wonderful gifts for women who love art. Handmade jewelry + art = win win.

• Artwork Pendants are perfect for woman who like to have options and decide how they want to wear their jewelry (and what woman doesn’t?)  Artwork Pendants and the chains and cords that go with them are interchangeable with each other and other chains, so she can pick and choose what she wants to wear.

• Artwork Pendants are perfect for eco-friendly woman.  I use only previously used (but in excellent or like new condition) scrabble tiles to create each pendant.  She’ll be thrilled to wear something so kind to the planet.

• Artwork Pendants are perfect for young women who are just starting out their jewelry collection.  Each month they’ll get a new pendant and cord.  That will build their collection quickly.

• Artwork Pendants are perfect for women who like unique jewelry.  You know who I’m talking about.  She always has the most interesting necklaces or earrings that look nothing like what other woman wear.  She’ll love these, too.  She can wear more than one at a time (I reccomend up to 3 pendants at one time) and make a statement.

• Artwork Pendants come in a cute bag made from renewable resources in the United States.  Ready for gift giving.

Want me to send the subscription directly to the gift recipient?  I would love to!  Just send me an email with what message you would like me to send.  Make sure I have the correct name and address of the recipient.  I’ll send a gift card to the recipient from you!

Ready to get started?  I have 2 options - monthly payments or save 10% by paying for the entire year up front.  Either way, you save the shipping costs.

December’s Artwork Pendant is Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh and you have to November 26, 2012 to purchase.  After that, this pendant will be discontinued.

For all the details and to order, click here.

Caring for Glass Tile Pendants and Scrabble Tile Pendants

Pendants are my top selling item!  With good reason, too.  They are fun, cute and you can wear a bunch at a time!  They are affordable so you can keep your collection going.

But how do you keep your pendants looking great?

The best way to keep your pendants looking great is to take really good care of them to begin with. Treat them like artwork, because they are!

Tips to keep them looking great:
#1  Never ever wear them in water.  Take them off before you shower, jump in the pool or relax in the hot tub.  They are water resistant, but they won’t fare well submerged.

#2  I send your pendant purchase along in a plastic baggie if you order online, and they usually come in a little plastic bag if you buy them from me in person, too.  Save the bag and store your pendant in it.  It keeps it safe and secure and away from oxygen, which will tarnish the bail.

Cleaning:

Glass Tile Pendants

Spray glass cleaner on a cloth or paper towel and carefully wipe the front of the glass.  You can gently use a silver polishing cloth on the bail.  (Note, I do not recommend cleaning the back of the pendant.

Scrabble Tile Pendants

Gently wipe off the front with a lightly moistened paper towel or cloth.  (VERY lightly moistened and be very gentle.)  You can gently use a silver polishing cloth on the bail.

Some scenarios that may come up:

Q:  I jumped in the pool with my pendant and now it’s ruined., what can I do.?
A:  See #1 above, never ever wear your pendant in the water.  Most likely, I’ll have to make you a new one!

Q:  The back is all dirty on my pendant, what can I do?
A:  If it is a glass tile pendant, ,most likely nothing, but if it’s the back, then it doesn’t show anyway, right?  

If it is a Scrabble Tile Pendant, you can very carefully clean it with some wood cleaner.  Never spray directly on the pendant, but on a cloth that you use on the pendant.

Q:  My bail is tarnished, what can I do?
A:  Use a silver polishing cloth to gently clean it and then keep it in a plastic bag when you’re not wearing it to deter tarnish.

Q:  What should I do if my bail falls off?
A:  I have actually never had this happen, but if it does, just give me the pendant and bail back and I’ll put it back together again.

Q:  I wear this thing constantly and the paper is coming up a little, what should I do?
A:  I will repair it if you get it back to me.  Also see #1 and #2 above to make sure this doesn't happen!

Do you have any other questions? Leave them in the comments below.

B.B. Bellezza Pendants

Changes to this Blog + New Website. Like my Tutorials? Please read this!

I wanted to let you know that there would be a few changes happening around here. 

I have started a new website for everything tutorial related.  There's a brand new tutorial over there:  Wire Wrapped Skeleton Key Headband Tutorial.

Tutorial website:  KimberlieKohler.com

Another change:  I'm married and my name is now Kimberlie (Burkhart) Kohler!

There is a new Emerging Creatively Tutorials Facebook Page (it's VERY new with no information, but don't worry, that will change!)

The B.B. Bellezza Facebook page for my jewelry updates.

My Twitter account (now @BBBellezza) will be switching to the name Kimberlie Kohler soon.  I will include tweets about everything I’m doing including both new jewelry and tutorials.  It’s me, lol, so it’s whatever is happening in my life at any given moment.

I already have 2 separate newsletters:

For Handcrafted Jewelry, B.B. Bellezza

For Tutorials, Emerging Creatively Tutorials

So, make sure that if you are interested in Tutorials, to make the switch over to the new website so you keep getting great information.  And if you're interested in my handcrafted jewelry, stay right where you are!  If you are interested in recycling tips and ideas, you'll find them in both blogs depending on the information.  (If they are tutorial related, they'll be at KimberlieKohler.com)

Also - I'm still working on the Kimberlie Kohler website, so it's not so beautiful yet and there isn't a simple button to click to follow, but if you sign up for my email newsletter, I'll make sure that you you get updates!  (I'll be changing the look somewhat of this blog, too.)

If you are interested in all I do, sign up for both newsletters and follow both blogs!  :)

If you are confused, let me know in the comments below and I’ll try to un-confuse you! 

Also note:

Everything that I have posted thus far on this blog will remain here, and all my posts up to this point have also been transferred to the new website. 

From this point on, however, posts will be in their perspective websites.

4th Virtual Open House! Discount, Door Prizes, Freebies & Grand Prize!

Welcome to the 4th B.B. Bellezza Virtual Open House

The 4th B.B. Bellezza Virtual Open House is now closed.

If you won a door prize, I have emailed you to get your mailing address.  Congratulations.

DISCOUNT REMINDER:  You can use the code OPENHOUSE to get 25% off your purchase in my etsy shop until tomorrow morning, Monday, April 30, 2012.

Thank you all!

Hello Everyone and WELCOME to the 4th B.B. Bellezza Virtual Open House!


I'm thrilled you have decided to join in!  Today will be so much fun!


There will be:
Door prizes;
Free gifts with purchase; and
A discount!


More on those further down the post.....


HISTORY:


First I want to give you just a little bit of my history and information about me and my business.


B.B. Bellezza officially started about 7 years ago, but I have been creating since I was a young child.  My mother was very crafty and I grew up attending craft shows with my mom where she sold her goodies.  Now I do my own craft shows!


I used to make beaded bracelets on stretchy cord when I was young.  I gave it up to pursue other creative endeavors (namely, music in high school and college) until one day I found my bag of beads again and started back up.  You can only imagine my delight when I went to the craft store and found such a wonderful variety of beads!  (And boy, things have come a long way since then, too!)


My Name:


The history of the name B.B. Bellezza?  Bellezza means beauty in Italian.  When I started my business I was making Bath and Body products and some jewelry.  (I saw jewelry-making more as a hobby at first and was really focused on bath and body.  I started on eBay before Etsy was around.)  The "B.B." was for bath and body!  It stuck and now all these years later people call me "B.B." which is fine!


I'm in the process of changing my name to what will be my name (I'm getting married in a month!!):  Kimberlie Kohler. My website will be at my name, too.  (It's actually there already, but there is nothing to look at yet!)  Please make sure to keep in touch so you know where to find me!  (Signing up for my email updates is a great way to stay in touch!  Newsletter signup.)


I started out stringing beaded jewelry (and I still LOVE beads!) but now I have moved on to "Altered Art" jewelry.


What is Altered Art anyway?


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


A basic definition is that it is made 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.


My favorite Altered Art, of course, is Altered Art Jewelry.  Scrabble tiles, dominoes, Rumikub tiles, bottle caps, etc.!  I have had so much fun making Altered Art Jewelry!


Here are some examples:


Scrabble Tile Pendants:

Map Pendants

Here are some more of my favorites:

Escutcheon and Lace Necklace, made with a vintage brass keyhole cover, tiny brass skeleton key and vintage lace on a brass chain.


I only have 1 of these!  

Alice Chandelier Crystal Pendant Necklace.  The image from a vintage book is attached to the back of a vintage chandelier crystal. 


I have a variety of the chandelier crystal pendants, each one is one-of-a-kind.

Mixed Hardware Bracelet.  Made with a variety of upcycled hardware pieces.  


Also I have just one bracelet like this one, although I do have other hardware bracelets.


DISCOUNT:


Through tonight, get 25% off your purchase from my etsy shop!  Just use the code OPENHOUSE when checking out.


Need help using a coupon code on etsy?  Here's a How To I wrote:  How To Use Coupon Codes on Etsy

*Cannot be applied towards custom orders.  Also, I'm not able to take custom orders until after May.

SCRABBLE TILE DEAL:


BUY 2 GET 1 FREE!!  When you make your purchase, just make a note of which pendant you would like for free in the "notes to seller" box when you check out.  (Don't put it in your cart.  Pendant that is the least value is free.)

*Cannot be applied towards custom orders.  Also, I'm not able to take custom orders until after May.


DOOR PRIZES:


Each 1/2 hour I'll pick a winner for a door prize.  To enter, just leave a comment.  Have problems leaving a comment? Email me or Tweet me and I'll enter you!


Here are the prizes:

At 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00 a winner will be chosen.  Make sure to get your comment, email or tweet in before that time for each prize.  I'll add a new prize to the bottom of this post each 1/2 hour!


Click on comment and let me know you want to be entered.  Make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you when you win!  You don't have to be a blogger to leave a comment.


GRAND PRIZE:


At the end of the Virtual Open House, the Grand Prize will be chosen!


The grand prize will be chosen from everyone who makes a purchase from my online shop during the Open House.  For each $5 you spend, you get 1 enter to win the "Mystery Host" prize.  That person will get 15% of the total sales via a gift certificate for B.B. Bellezza's online store!


So, say you are the only person who participates, you'd get 15% back from your own person.  Or if you refer people to the Open House and there are a lot of sales, you have a chance to win a lot of B.B. Bellezza money!


(All sales that use the OPENHOUSE code when checking out until tomorrow morning, plus any sale during the open house, whether or not they use the code will be included in calculating the total.  The total sales included will be the actual amount I receive after discounts, etsy and paypal fees.  Make sure to use the code OPENHOUSE when checking out to be entered into the draw.)


Note:  I offer a similar reward to any person who hosts an Open House for me (Either in person, or online), except I offer a cash payment as an option as well!


FREE GIFTS


With every purchase of $15 or more, you'll get a free surprise gift, valued at $5 or more!


TWEET!
Tweet about the Open House prior or during the Open House and get an extra entry for door prizes!


Here's a sample:
I'm having fun at @BBBellezza 's Virtual Open House! Discounts, Door Prizes, Free Gifts 4pm- 6pm EST today!  Details at http://www.BBBellezza.com


SHOP:  B.B. Bellezza
Twitter:  @BBBellezza
Email:  BBBellezza@hotmail.com


------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Door Prize:  Hardware Earrings!

UPDATE:  The Hardware Earrings Giveaway is over, see the next giveaway!

Remember, to enter:  Comment below, email me or tweet me (@BBBellezza) and let me know you wish to be entered! Winner will be chosen at 4:30 pm EST and the next prize will be up!


Second Door Prize:  Scrabble Tile Pendant!

UPDATE:  This Giveaway is over, see the next giveaway!

Remember, to enter:  Comment below, email me or tweet me (@BBBellezza) and let me know you wish to be entered! Winner will be chosen at 5:00 pm EST and the next prize will be up!

Third Door Prize:  Scrabble Tile Pendant

UPDATE:  This Giveaway is over, see the next giveaway!

Remember, to enter:  Comment below, email me or tweet me (@BBBellezza) and let me know you wish to be entered! Winner will be chosen at 5:30 pm EST and the next prize will be up!

Fourth and Final Door Prize:  Clock Hand Earrings

UPDATE:  This Giveaway is over!

Remember, to enter:  Comment below, email me or tweet me (@BBBellezza) and let me know you wish to be entered! Winner will be chosen at 6:00 pm EST and the next prize will be up!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 4th B.B. Bellezza Virtual Open House is now closed.

If you won a door prize, I have emailed you to get your mailing address.  Congratulations.

DISCOUNT REMINDER:  You can use the code OPENHOUSE to get 25% off your purchase in my etsy shop until tomorrow morning.

Thank you all!

Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program Launch, Today!

I'm so excited to present my newest digital tutorial program:  Altered Art Jewelry.

It's a huge 50 pages and you'll learn:

The program contains 4 extremely instructive tutorials, including:
-How to make Altered Art Charm Jewelry (charm bracelet and how to make into a necklace),
-How to make Scrabble Tile Pendants,
-How to make Glass Tile Pendants,
-How to make Bottle Cap Pendants (in two ways), and
-How to make the cords to hang your pendants on.

Plus you'll learn how to make any project into a pin, magnet or ring and how to use other materials to make jewelry.

AND how to re-size photos for use in jewelry without having any fancy software!

Whew!

This tutorial contains the how to's of the most popular pieces I sell in my store and at craft shows.

I hate to pick favorites, but if I had to, this one would definitely be my favorite!!

And, it's just $15!

To Purchase, head to the Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program for instant download.

Map Week Day 7: Travel Paper Bag Scrapbook Journal Craft Along Day 7

Today is Day 7 of the craft along and the final day!

Here are all the days, in case you missed them:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

I hope you have enjoyed exploring ways to reuse maps this week!

Here's a recap:

Day 1:  Where to find maps to use in crafting

Day 1 Craft Along

Day 2:  Map Flower Tutorial

Day 3:  Wonderful Wednesday Digital Scrapbook Freebie

Day 3 Craft Along

Day 4:  No Sew Map Bunting Tutorial

Day 4 Craft Along

Day 5:  Craft Along

Day 6:  New Map Jewelry

Day 6 Craft Along