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!

Learn How to Make Things! Tutorials!

I love Craftsy.  You want to make something?  Just search on Craftsy, find the tutorial, pay and you have it instantly.

I sell my tutorials on Craftsy, too!

What's great about my tutorials?

I have 2 main types of tutorials:  Digital Programs and Individual Tutorials. 

Digital Programs contain usually at least 4 different individual projects (many times more!), plus all the skills you need to make them.  They give you ideas for customizing and personalization and making each project more your own. 

Individual tutorials have 1 project and all the skills you need to make it.  I don't just tell you to "open a jump ring" here.  I give you photos and tell you exactly how to open the jump ring.  (There is a specific way and most beginners don't know that!)

Design-a-doll is one project, but I teach you how to design your own doll!!  You can use this tutorial over and over again to make lots of dolls!

• You learn more than just how to make a project (or projects).  I teach you skills to be able to make it your own and come up with your own projects.
• TONS of full color photos.  Big photos with details! 
• Detailed instructions.  I teach you like you know nothing.  (Except for anything involving sewing.  With the doll tutorials and cuff tutorials, I assume you know how to sew at least in a straight line.)
• You can email me questions!  I want you to succeed.  I'm just an email away! 
• Bonus:  I don't mind if you sell the products you make from my tutorials!

To see all of my current digital programs and tutorials, check out my Craftsy Pattern Store.

Tutorial: Ribbon or Lace Bookmark with Embellishments

This is a really quick and easy project that is easily customizable!  You can put any charms you want on the end.  This makes a wonderful gift - think about putting one in a book for a wonderful gift.  

These are quick enough that you can still make them in time for Easter! 

Materials and Tools:

Lace or Ribbon (I used lace)

2 end crimps that are the same size as the end of your ribbon or lace

Jump rings

Charms

Step #1

Cut your ribbon or lace to the size of your book.  If you'll be using it for several different sizes of books, make it to fit the largest.  (This book is part of my craft book obsession collection.)  

Step #2

Add a crimp end to the end of the ribbon or lace.  Just push the crimp end closed.

Hint:  you may notice that my lace was just a little bit larger than the crimp end.  I just sort of bunched it a little to get it to fit.  This works if the size is close, but if the ribbon/lace is much larger, you can trim it.

Step #3

Add a crimp end to the other end.

Step #4

Add charms to the crimp ends.  They have little hoops and you can use jump rings to attach charms to the ends.  

Step #5

Mark your place in a book with your new bookmark!

If you would like to learn how to make the scrabble pendant used in this bookmark, learn how to open jump rings, and learn how to make other charms, check out my brand new Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program!  Learn all that and much much more!  For instant download, see my Craftsy Pattern Shop.

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.

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!

Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program Launch and Giveaway!

 

This week is the release of my brand new Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program.

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.

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

Whew! 

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

(Wondering what the cost will be?  Just $15!)

Release date is Wednesday, March 28, 2012!

To celebrate, I want to have a giveaway this week!

There will be 3 prizes, and the winners will be randomly drawn on Friday.  UPDATE:  Monday, April 9, 2012!

The Giveaway:

Prize #1

• Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program (you’ll receive via email); and
• Altered Art Digital Program Kit 
• including (pictured above):
• Glass Tile/bail
• Scrabble Tile/bail
• Flat Key/bail
• Bottle cap and magnet
• Photo charm
• Everything you need to make a cord

Prize #2

Altered Art Jewelry Digital Program (you’ll receive via email)

Prize #3

Glass Tile Pendant Tutorial (you’ll receive via email)

To enter, first join my email updates for Tutorials.

Then send me an email (to BBBellezza@hotmail.com) stating you’d like to be entered for the Altered Art Giveaway.

(If you’re already a subscriber, just send the email.)

I will randomly pick 3 winners on Friday, March 30th!  UPDATE:  Monday, April 9th sometime in the evening!

Next week is Map Week here on the blog!!

What does that mean?

• New map related jewelry!

• Map related tutorials

• And, a craft-along to make a travel journal!  

Each day check in for the next step to make your travel journal.  You can do it at night after work.  I'm breaking it up into 7 easy steps!

If you want to get your supplies ready this weekend, here's a list of what you'll need to get started for the travel journal :

• paper bags (the small ones are best, but try to recycled what you have around!  Or you can purchase a pack of the size you'd use for packing a lunch.  You'll need as many as the pages you'll want, and you'll want an even number.)
• tacky glue
• Glue sticks
• Old maps
• Scissors
• Other paper to use to embellish your journal
• Ribbon and other embellishments.

Make sure to check in for Day 1 on Monday for the Travel Journal Craft-a-long and for Day 1 of Map Week!  See you then!