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.)

 

Sneak Peek at New Hardware Line

I've been working on some new designs for my hardware line.  Here are 2 new necklaces and ways to wear them.  Plus a pair of earrings.

Here's a sneak peek at an unfinished bracelet design:

It gives you a pretty idea where I'm going with this bracelet.

I have at least one more necklace in process and ideas for a couple more, plus more earrings and bracelets.

I'm thinking of a strong empowered woman while I'm making these.  I feel empowered and strong wearing the new pieces and I want other woman to feel it, too.

I'm still working on the line, but it will be available soon!

Remember to sign up for email updates to stay in touch!

Subscribe to my mailing list:

* indicates required

Email Address *

Email Format

• html
• text
• mobile

How to Use Recycled Clothing in Craft Projects

 

You can use fabric from old, worn out or stained clothing for craft projects in the same way that you would use new fabric. 

With 700,000 or more TONS of clothing being tossed in the landfill each year, every time you can reuse clothing helps.

Tips for using worn clothing for craft projects.  (Note:  there are lots of people who need clothing, so if you have perfectly good clothing you simply do not want anymore or that doesn't fit you, consider donating as a first option.)

1.  Left the clothing intact until you know what you are using it for.  Cutting apart the clothes actually won’t make sense until you know the size of your project.  Or maybe you’ll come up with a creative idea for a sleeve that you wouldn’t be able to make if you already cut apart the sleeve.

2.  Use the little pieces of clothing for little projects.  This is fairly obvious, but to get the most out of a piece of clothing for a project, use the smaller pieces (i.e. the collars, sleeves, etc.) for smaller pattern pieces of your project or for smaller projects and leave the bigger pieces for bigger projects.

3.  Launder the clothing prior to using it in a project.  I often have friends give me clothing to use in my projects in addition to my own old clothes.  I’m pretty sure that they probably washed it already, but instead of finding out after-the-fact, I wash it prior to use. 

4.  Look for small holes or stains that will be in the way of your project and work around them.

5.  Denim is fabulous!  You can always find an awesome project to do with it.  It seems like it’s one of the most popular fabrics, so there’s always a lot around!

* Make sure to save your denim for a new tutorial I will be launching next week!  It combines denim and simple sewing skills, plus lots of other basic and easy-to-learn skills to make unique and artful pieces of jewelry!  To be on the list to be one of the first to know, sign up for my Tutorial Newsletter.

Eco-Friendly Fabric Tassel Garland Tutorial

This tassel garland is fully customizable.  Use old worn out clothes and it's eco-friendly as well.  

I saw Prudent Baby's tutorial and decided to try it out myself!

Materials:

• A variety of coordinating fabrics

• Ribbon, lace or string

Tools:

• Scissors 

Step #1

Cut your fabric into squares or rectangles.  You can make your tassels any size you would like.  Cut the fabric twice as long as the length you want your tassels to hang.  

My fabric was about 16" x 16", but varied because I was using worn out clothing and fabric leftovers, so I had to cut around holes and sleeves, etc. 

IDEA:  You can certainly buy fabric to use in this project, but to make it more eco-friendly, use worn out clothes or other leftover fabrics.

Step #2

Fold your fabric in half.

Step #3

Make slits in your folded fabric about an inch or so apart, stopping about an inch or so before getting to the fold.

Step #4

Unfold your fabric.

Step #5

From the middle, roll your fabric.

This is what you'll end up with.

Step #6

Fold your rolled up fabric in half.

Step #7 

Cut a small strip (or use a scrap) of the same fabric and tie it around the top.


Step #8

 Repeat for all of your fabrics.


Step #9

Slide your tassels on ribbon or string.  I used lace, mainly because I have so much of it.  You could also tie the tassels on with another scrap, but I just slide them directly onto the lace.


Step #10

Enjoy your new tassel garland!

What Little Step Can You Take Today?

The mission of my jewelry and really of my life is that little things do add up and contribute to a larger whole.  While you may not feel like you are making a big difference when you recycle 1 soda can, over time if you recycle every soda can you use, it will make a much more profound difference.

And an even bigger difference can be made when everyone in your community also recycles each can they use.

Using one little disposable plastic bottle may not make that big of a difference in the scheme of things.  However, one plastic bottle can make a whole world of difference to an unsuspecting bird flying over the ocean that accidentally ingests it and dies.  If everyone thought that way, there would be (and to be certain, there already are) many animals not surviving due to the plastic overload in the ocean.

While perhaps it doesn't seem like you're doing much when you're purchasing 1 scrabble pendant, which is one of 100 pieces from a game, I really want you to know that you truly do make a difference when you do in many ways:

1. You saved that pendant from the trash.  By purchasing the pendant, you have also supported my business and allowed me to make a few more pendants that are kept from the trash.  And so on.  So, it may seem like just a small thing to you...it is really huge in my world.
2. You re truly making a difference in MY life.  You are directly supporting me personally - keep food on my table and a roof over my head.  And I am an eco-aware Earth Citizen.
3. You are supporting my business and all that it encompasses.  Since my business is all about being green, you are supporting the green movement.
4. You are bringing forth awareness by wearing the pendant.  Most certainly someone will comment on it.  That gives you the opportunity to talk about the fact that you purchased the pendant from a green artist.  (See an upcoming post next week about what to say and how to get the conversation going about being green!)
5. Even if you don't talk to people about the "greenness" of the pedant, if you give people my business information, you are leading people to my website and they can find green living tips.  Maybe they'll purchase a pendant themselves and the cycle begins again (see #1)

Remember, you "vote" with your dollars and you choose who you want to support.  You can make small choices in your life to bring awareness, save energy or save a bird.  If you use something that can be reused or recycled, reuse or recycle it.  

Each tiny step you take makes a huge difference when we all work together.

What little step can you take today?

Cereal Box Castle Scrapbook Idea

How cute is this castle scrapbook?

You can see more photos at Frugal Ideas from the Parsonage.  They are made using upcycled cereal boxes.

Really, the possibilities are endless for the shapes and designs of these scrapbooks.  

Start saving your cereal boxes!

Recycled Newspaper Puffy Heart....Revisited

Last year I made these cool recycled newspaper puffy hearts.  I'm happy to say that they have lasted a year and are now decorating my stand for another year!  

This is a really fun project and you still have time to make them for Valentine's Day!  And after Valentine's Day, you can really make any shape that you can mold!

Recycled Newspaper Puffy Heart Tutorial

Do's and Don'ts of Recycling

Many things can be recycled or reused.  Sometimes you need to think creatively to reuse (or find someone who can use it creatively.) Some things should not go into your recycling bin at all.  There are some companies trying to make a difference in the world by recycling things that other will not.

I found this list of 50 things you can recycle or reuse.  It lists everything from bricks to shower curtains.

There are, of course, certain things you simply cannot recycle.  Examples include aerosol cans, batteries, brightly dyed paper, diapers.  There are also things you should never compost (see the link for a list.) 

Furthermore, there are things you might think you should be able to recycle, but can't.  (Always check your local rules and regulations about recycling.  If you don't follow the rules, all of the things you think you are recycling may end up in the landfill.  Rules vary.)

• The lids to plastic bottles.  The bottles, of course, can be recycled.  The caps cannot.  Aveda has an recycling initiative that accepts all kinds of the rigid caps.
• Any food containers contaminated with food.  Although pizza boxes or other take out boxes may be made from materials that can be recycled, if they have food particles or grease on them, they can contaminate the entire batch of recyclables.
• Cosmetic containers cannot be recycled.  However, Origins store has a recycling program for these containers, regardless of brand.  Just drop off your empty cosmetic contains at a Origins store.
• Products made from glossy, glazed, foiled or lacquered materials.  For example, candy bar wrappers, potato chip bags, etc.
• Tissues, paper towels and napkins.  Too contaminated and too low-grade to be recycled.

When in doubt, do some research and ask around and think outside of the box!

Dolls from Recycled Clothing

Dolls, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

If you follow me on facebook or twitter (and if you don't, why not?) then you probably already know I've been on a doll-making bend lately. I don't know what got into me. I pictured them in my head. Drew them while I was working at my day job. Dreamed about them at night. I finally had time to make them. I must say, I'm in love. There are so many more in my brain and on paper, too!

I don't know if it's because they aren't jewelry that I'm loving them so much (and I still love to make jewelry, no worries!) or that I just thought about them so very much that I loved making them so much.

I also must say, I am just tickled pink to see these 4 all lined up like that in my couch in my studio. They make me smile every time I walk in.

Details about the dolls:
For the dolls with the blue hair: all the fabric used is from used clothing except for muslin for the face and arms. The lace and buttons on the eyes are from Lancaster Creative Reuse.

For the zebra girls: The zebra fabric is from Lancaster Creative Reuse, the button eyes are also from there, the pink fabric is from clothing that was worn out. I have no idea where the ribbon and lace came from on these 2 since it came from my stash, but chances are that they are reused, too.

All the girls are stuffed with new polyfiberfill.

They aren't recommended for children to play with because of the buttons and such, but they would make an awesome addition to any fun room.

I'm tempted to sell them as twins because I think they are creepy-cute that way.

A Few More Pieces of Hardware Jewelry

If you buy a bunch of the new hardware pieces you could look like this!  :)

Long Hardware Necklace that you can wear in many ways!

Sneak Peek at the 2010 Fall Line....Fabric Flower Necklaces

Here's another sneak peek at my 2010 Fall Line!  

These flowers are made from clothing that I have reused or from scraps leftover from other projects.  The buttons are vintage and the pearls are reused from a vintage necklace.

These necklaces (and much more) will be available at the Online Release of the B.B. Bellezza 2010 Fall Line on September 2nd, 3 pm Eastern.

(Others will be available at Building Character on September 3rd 6pm - 9 pm at the in person release.)

What I'm Working On:

 

Upcycled fabric, chain, beads.....

Completed piece will be part of my upcoming 2010 Fall Jewelry Line Release on September 2nd.  Click on the link for the Facebook event page for details and to let me know if you'll be attending!  :)

Recycle and Reuse Your Clothes!

This month, I'm focusing on how to Recycle and Reuse old clothing.  

One way - and probably one of the major ways - that I reuse old clothing is to make it into jewelry.  I've been making cuffs, mainly out of old jeans, but also with some other clothes.  I've also made pins as well.

The cool thing about reusing clothing is that you can basically make anything you would out of any new fabric, because...it is fabric.  You may have to think a little more creatively because of a hole here or a stain there that you have to cut around.

Another major project that I do with old clothing is rag dolls.

You can refashion your old clothing into new DIY fashions:  Recycled Your Clothes Into New DIY Fashions (Lots of ideas there!)

I did a post about recycling clothing previously that has some great tips.

Here's a cute video about how some artists are reusing clothing, and how to make a plain t-shirt into a cuter shirt without sewing!

Even if you're not crafty or don't wish to make something from your worn out clothes, you can always donate clothing (even worn out clothing) to your local good will or salvation army.  They pass along worn clothes to other organizations who use them for rags, etc.  

Or you can make your own rags from your old clothes!

And, if you have worn out jeans and are in the Lancaster, PA area - I'm always looking for denim!

Next week, look for another post about reusing and recycling clothing!

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!

Where Will B.B. Bellezza Be This Weekend...a/k/a sale...

Tonight is First Friday in Lancaster, PA!  

Tonight, I'll be at my booth at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER 

6 pm - 9pm

And tonight only:

Scrabble, Domino and Rumikub Pendants will be Buy One Get One Free from 6 pm - 9 pm!  (And I have a basketful more that I'm adding for the night!)

Upcycle Plastic Bottles into a Cool Mobile - Tutorial

I had this idea to use cut out shapes from plastic bottles and make a mobile.  I'm pretty sure that my friend Kate's gorgeous recycled copper mobiles (of Shiny Tings) is my original inspiration, although sometimes these things just pop into my head without me knowing where they came from.

Materials and Tools:

• Empty plastic bottles (I used 3 shampoo and conditioner bottles)
• Wire clothes hanger
• Scissors - heavy duty, they need to cut through the plastic bottles
• Awl (or something else to poke a hole)
• Embroidery Floss and needle 
• Ribbon, Yarn, Lace, or some sort of string

Step 1

First collect some plastic bottles.  You can use any plastic bottles in any color - whatever you have around.  A lot of shampoo bottles are in interesting colors.  If you use the same shampoo all the time (thus the same color of plastic bottle), ask your friends to save their bottles for you.

Clean out the bottles thoroughly.

 Step 2

Unwind the clothes hanger and form a circle.  There is no easy way to make a perfect circle.  Honestly, you won't notice in the long run if it's not perfect.  Also, I wanted to cut off the handle part of the hanger, but I didn't have anything strong enough to cut it, so I just wrapped it around.  

Step 3

Cut the bottles.  To do this, I took my scissors (which are very heavy duty.  You can cut through some plastic with just regular scissors.)  The most difficult part is the top as it is thicker than the rest of the bottle.  So, I cut through the top and followed the seam line down and then just cut around the top to cut it off.

Step 4

This is what it looks like when you cut the bottles apart.  See how imperfect my cuts are here, that's fine, you're cutting shapes out of this anyway.

You might find that the bottles are still a little wet or have something left, you can easily clean or dry them now.

Step 5

Cut the plastic bottles into shapes.  I used circles, but you can use any shape you want.  You could also use a bunch of different colors and shapes.  I got 2 circles out of each half of a bottle that I cut.

The plastic will curl up because it was a bottle.  Either cut around the curled up parts, or use it in your design.  I put the plastic under a stack of books and it flattened it somewhat, but it wasn't perfect.

Step 6

Set out the shapes some sort of a pattern that you would like for your mobile.  

Step 7

Now we're going to start to put the mobile together.  Use an awl (or some other tool) to poke a hole in the top of your pieces.  If you are going to have a couple of your pieces hanging in one string, you will need a hole in the top and bottom.

Step 8

Use embroidery floss to tie your pieces together.  You could really use any thread, string or yarn that you can pull through the holes you made.  Also tie a piece of string to the top that you will attach to the hanger.  Just eye up how long you would like the mobile to hang.  Mine is about 16 inches long at its longest.

I made 6 hanging ropes for my mobile, but use as many as you like.

Step 9

Tie the string to the hanger that you made into a circle.  Place them evenly around the hanger.

Step 10

Cut 3 pieces of ribbon, lace, yarn, etc. and tie to the circle evenly to use to hang your mobile.  I used vintage ribbon that complimented my orange bottles.  Pull the 3 pieces up and tie at the top to form a hanger

This project doesn't take long at all and there wasn't a cost since I just used what I had around the house.  If you don't have actually what I used, get creative and use other string, etc.

Have fun!!