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.

New Digital Workshop Available: Design - a - Doll Boy

New Digital Workshop Available:  Design - a - Doll Boy!

This is the boy version of my Design-a-Doll Workshop. I had made only girl dolls until one day my nephew asked me to make him a boy zombie doll. I made it to look like him and he loved it. (And even noticed that the doll looked like him!)

This tutorial is so much more than a tutorial, which is why I have called it a "workshop."

You'll learn how to make a rag doll - from designing it to sewing it. I also teach you how to embroider the face, make my version of a zombie doll or do a painted face.

If you're not up for designing your own doll, I've included a pattern for the doll, too.

These dolls are so addicting to make!

The list of materials seems sort of long, but you probably have most of the materials already. I like to use up old worn clothes. I especially love to make the boy dolls with old jeans for their pants.

Save memories by using your kids' favorite clothes or blankets and making them into a doll. Or remember a loved one who has passed on.

Just $15 in my Craftsy Pattern Store.  Pay and you can instantly download!

Design - A - Doll!

I have been making dolls for quite a little while now and I love it.

Things I love about rag dolls:

• I love picking out the fabric for their outfits
• I love embellishing their outfits.
• I love reusing old clothes or using up fabric scraps that would go to waste to make something so sweet and cool.
• I love it when little girls love my zombie dolls - I love that they are so cool that they know that they are zombies!

My favorite memory was when my nephew asked me for a boy zombie doll, which I made him for his birthday. 

You see, I made my own pattern so I change my own pattern all the time.  I only made girls up until that time.  Caleb wants a boy, I made him a boy!

(He loved it, by the way!)

That's the cool thing about this tutorial, too.  There is a pattern included.  But I take you step-by-step through making a doll from actually designing and drafting a pattern!  It's completely customizable.

You can use any fabric - even old clothing.  Make memory dolls to remember those who have passed.  Use your children's favorite clothing that doesn't fit them anymore.  The ideas and possibilities are really endless!

Design-A-Doll Tutorial Details:

Skills:

You need to know how to sew.  I am a self-taught sewer and I only really learn new sewing skills as they are required for me to finish a project.  You'll need to know how to sew in a straight line and go around a curve for the head.  You'll have to hand-sew the head closed.

You'll need: 

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle
• Embroidery floss and needle OR paint (for face)
• Fabric - for body and hair (I often use felt for hair)
• Buttons (for zombie doll)
• Any embellishments for your doll - lace, ribbon, etc.
• Stuffing - poly fiberfill

With this tutorial eBook you'll learn how to design a doll, draft the pattern and put it all together.  You'll also get a pattern (like my zombie dolls) to help you if you get stuck.

You'll want to make dolls over and over again!

You get all of this for $15!

I know you can do this!  Come out of your cocoon and emerge creatively!

Design - A - Doll

Work in Progress

A pile of fabric.  Mostly old clothes.....just waiting to become recycled dolls!

For recycled dolls that are already available, check out my Etsy Shop.

Zombie Doll Tutorial - Now for Sale!

Last week I released the "Design a Doll" eBook Tutorial.  It takes you through the steps of designing a doll through to finishing your doll.

Today I released my Zombie Doll Tutorial eBook.  It is more specific and just contains a pattern and instructions to create your own custom B.B. Bellezza zombie doll, without all the extra directions on how to design the doll.  In this eBook, I have designed the doll for you.

You can find book eBook tutorials for sale in my Etsy Shop.

Latest Creations - More dolls!

First, Sarah....

She is very "me" with her keyhole cover and skeleton key.  

Then we have this adorable little mini doll.

 Isn't she sweet with her lace and polka dots?

Each is available in my Etsy Shop right now.

Also, don't forget you also have the option to Design a Doll yourself!  Or to have me make a custom doll!

Design a Doll! TODAY!

TODAY IS THE DAY!

I'm so thrilled to bring you the first in my series of new instructional eBooks:  Design a Doll!

Rag dolls are all the rage! They are adorable, not difficult to make and fun to customize!

Perhaps you have been considering making one yourself. Maybe you're a little overwhelmed on exactly where to get started and how to put your own style into it.

Maybe you can find a pattern, but don't want your doll to look like everyone else's.

Make a "memory doll" out of a loved one's clothing, or make your child's favorite clothing or blanket into a cherished keepsake.

Now you can learn how to design a doll, create a pattern and create your own doll with this new eBook! I take you step-by-step through the process, so don't worry, You CAN Do It!

I have also included a pattern if you prefer to use mine for the first time you make a doll, but I also give detailed step-by-step instructions on how to design and create patterns and create your own one-of-a-kind doll.

This project is perfect for people who have a basic understanding of how to sew. (Not a true "beginner" as in "never-have-seen-a-sewing-machine-before" necessarily, but you don't need much sewing experience, either. Alternatively, you can hand sew your doll, but you need a basic understanding of how to do this as well.)

You will also learn the basic of my own style of embroidery in this tutorial.

You can sell the dolls that you design and make yourself, but please do not sell, distribute or use the pattern photos or text in anyway without without prior written permission from me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
eBook includes:

--34 page PDF file with tons of instructions and color photos.

--Detailed step-by-step instructions from designing to completing your doll. Both text and full-color photos!

--A doll pattern for an example to make your own pattern, or to use.

--Instructions on embroidery to make your doll's face. (Which is only one option for the face!)

--Ideas for creative customization of your doll.

You'll receive your eBook as 2 PDF files, one with the instructions and lots of photos and one with the pattern. (Requires the free adobe to open.  One file is large 2.7 MB, and the other is small 251.6 KB)
 

Please head on over to my etsy shop to purchase.  Thank you!!

(Coming up next: You want to make a doll, but don't want to learn all the customizable options or to design your own? My Zombie Doll Pattern eBook will be release next week!)

Custom Dolls that I Make

My new eBook series is about to launch (tomorrow around 1 pm EST) with an eBook on Designing your own Doll, but you may not be the DIY type.  Maybe you want a custom doll that you don't have to make yourself.  I have you covered!

I will make you a doll!  You can pick the face type (painted, embroidered or buttons) hair color, body color and leg color.  Better yet, send me the fabric you want me to use.  Maybe it's an old dress you love and don't want to get rid of but doesn't fit anymore.  Maybe it's a baby blanket from when your daughter was younger. Maybe it's grandma's favorite shirt that you want to remember her by.

Whatever it is, they are a great way to keep memories.

Just contact me to get started.  See my Custom Doll Listing on Etsy.

Make it Your Own!

Have you ever wanted to make a craft, but didn't know where to start?  You want to make it your own, but can only find a pattern for what everyone else is making?  You want to use eco-friendly materials, but you aren't sure where to start?

You want to make the perfect heartfelt gift, but aren't sure where to look for ideas?

As you may know, I have been designing and making jewelry and other crafts from what others discard or may even consider trash for years.  I am fearless when trying crafts.  The results are sometimes amazing, and sometimes horrible.

I'll be sharing my patterns and tips for the amazing projects in my brand new eBook series!

The best part of my eBooks is that they are not merely patterns and tutorials on how to make one project:  they have detailed instructions on how to customize each project into your own unique design with your own unique style!

Design A Doll

The first eBook in the series will be "Design A Doll."  In it, you will get instructions and a pattern to make a B.B. Bellezza rag doll.  You also get detailed instructions on how to design and create a pattern of your own and ideas for customization of your doll!

The follow-up to this eBook will be a more simplified pattern to make one of my zombie dolls (examples above), without all the instructions for customization for those who just want to make a doll.

After that, you can look for new eBooks in the series every 2 weeks!  Upcoming eBooks include "Making Extraordinary Jewelry out of Ordinary Objects," wire-wrapping for beginners, "All About Buttons" and many more!  Each eBook will include project ideas and lots of instructions and help for customizing pojects.

Free Tutorials

I'll be offering more free tutorials here on my blog, too!  These will be similar to what I am already offering, just more often!

The Design a Doll eBook will be available on Valentine's Day - February 14, 2011 in my Etsy Shop!

Old Clothes - Now Dolls!

Did you ever have a favorite shirt, pair of jeans, dress, that you just couldn't get rid of even though it didn't fit - had a stain - was damaged?  I have an entire garbage bag full of t-shirts and other such clothing that has sentimental value, even though I can't wear the items anymore.

I have a plan for all of these items:  cut them up and make a quilt.  I've had this plan for over 10 years.  I just realized how long it's been.  Maybe it's time to move on.

People often give me things they no longer want, but they don't know what to do with.  When I put it out there that I will take old jeans - I usually get a ton of old jeans.  (Thanks!!)

I have found a new use for these old items.  Rag dolls!  I have been on a roll lately sewing these lovely ladies up.  I adore their zombie like eyes.  I think they are especially creepy and cute lined up together.  I love that I'm putting some old clothes to new use.

These 3 are all made from the same pattern.  I designed them, then designed and made the pattern and then made the dolls.  I have other designs that I haven't yet made, so there's sure to be more rag dolls!

Custom Dolls

I can also make a doll with your favorite t-shirt, jeans, skirt, etc.!  Just contact me and we can figure it out!  What fun.

{Note:  Due to small parts, these dolls are not recommended for small children as they could cause a choking hazard!}

These three gals are available in my Etsy Shop and in my shop at BUiLDiNG CHARACTER (342 N. Queen St, Rear Warehouses, Lancaster, PA)

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.

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!

Rag Doll from Recycled clothing

Rag Doll from Recycled clothing, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

She's done!

She's made from:

A knit shirt that no longer fit it's owner.

Jean shorts that were worn in places, and also didn't fit their owner anymore.

Lace from my lace collection that I bought at a yard sale from the sweetest lady last summer

Muslin and felt for her arms, face and hair.

She also has an embriordered face and little mini jewelry. The beaded bracelet just kills me!

She really should have a name....any suggestions?

More Progress on the Dolls

3 of 365, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

Last night I embroidered little faces for the rag dolls that I started yesterday. (Their bodies and legs are made from recycled clothing.) This one has baby blue hair!

I hope to get them all finished up this evening and share photos tomorrow.

What I am working on

Crafting 365 2/365, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

I started to cut out little rag dolls. I am making them out of old t-shirts and jeans. I have to cut out their heads, hair and arms. Of course, they will also be given some cool jewlery, too.