New Tutorial Available: Love Hand Sewn Fabric Cuff Bracelet

Love Hand Sewn Fabric Cuff Tutorial

25 pages of instructions, full color photographs and hints. You’ll learn the basics of hand sewing a cuff bracelet and then find inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization as well!

This is a great project to take on the go with you!

This is a beginner tutorial - I'll teach you everything you need to know. Get stuck? Email me for help! 

Each tutorial contains:
● A list of materials and tools needed to complete the tutorial.

For the Love Cuff Tutorial, you’ll need embroidery needle, embroider floss in pink and heather gray (or other color of your choice), scissors, chalk, a button, 2 colors of denim and an old t-shirt in pink or any other color of your choice.

● Detail instructions on how to complete the project. I have written this tutorial as if you have no idea what you are doing.

● Helpful hints.

● Colorful close up photos. I make the project and stop to take photos at each step to show you. 2 ways to learn: words and photos.

● Inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization!

● Printable pattern.

● My email address in case you get stuck along the way.

Purchase the Love Hand Sewn Cuff Tutorial

Hints and Tips:
● Create without worrying about the outcome and enjoy the creating itself.
● You don’t have to follow my instructions exactly. Try something different or use a different material. That is why I write these tutorials. I want you to feel comfortable trying something new!
● I love reusing and recycling. (No doubt you know that if you’ve visited my blog www.BBBellezza.com!) I strongly encourage you to try reusing materials to make these projects.
● You can make memorable keepsakes by using special fabrics or incorporating special objects into the cuffs. I do recommend that you practice prior to using irreplaceable items.

Terms of Use:
You may use this tutorial to create products that you sell. You do not have my permission to share, distribute or sell the actual tutorial - or any part of any tutorial - itself.

If you wish to teach this tutorial in a workshop, that is is okay with me. However, if you know of other teachers who wish to teach my tutorials, please refer them to purchase the tutorial from me.

All of this for just $5!!!

After you make the payment, I'll email you the 25 page PDF + love cuff pattern within 24 hours - or most of the time much sooner!

Purchase the Tutorial

And the Winner is....

The winner of the clock hand earrings from the Mad Tea Party on Saturday is....

Fair Rosamund Art!  (chosen randomly via random.org)

Please also check out her blog and beautiful artwork!!

The Tea Party Madness is over here, but you can still get in on the action for my Virtual Open House!

New Artwork Pendants

I have recently listed a lot of new pendants in my etsy shop. These pieces are also available at my booth BUiLDiNG CHARACTER 342 Queen Street, Rear, Lancaster, PA

The pendants are either upcycled scrabble tiles or dominoes.

Artwork Pendants:

Artwork Pendant Collaboration with Artist Stephanie Corfee Everything Happy

Artwork Pendant Collaboration with Artist Stephanie Corfee

Artwork Pendant Collaboration with Stephanie Corfee Chartreuse Woodgrain Profile

Artwork Pendant Collaboration with Stephanie Corfee Barefooted Hippie

Artwork Collaboration with Artist Iolanda Reinsmith Happy Tree

Artwork Pendant Collaboration with Artist Iolanda Reinsmith Happy Tree

Artwork Pendant with Artist Jennifer Gordon's Artwork

Artwork Pendant with Artist Jennifer Gordon's Artwork

Artwork Pendant with Artist Jennifer Gordon's Artwork

Artwork Pendant with Artist Jennifer Gordon's Artwork

Van Gogh Sunflowers Artwork Pendant

Van Gogh Irises Artwork Pendant

In related news . . .

The Artwork Pendants can also now be found on my brand new website, Artwork Pendants!  This is a new website and I'll be adding a lot more artwork pendants in the future.  I'm still working on it, and am sort of hesitant to reveal it just yet, but what the heck!

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!

Recycling Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are one of the biggest problems that are polluting our earth right now, and if we don’t start to change our habits it’s only going to get worse.  

What can we do about it?  Sure, we can reuse them for garbage or scoop up poop, but if you don't have a dog, they can pile up pretty quickly.  I'll be sharing some ideas for what do to do with them here.

I also hope that we can all get in a better habit of remembering to take a canvas bag with us to the grocery store.  This is something I remember to do “most” of the time, but certainly not every time.  I want to be better about that!

I’ll also be trying out at least one new craft and I’ll share the steps and my results.  Plus, I have a new product that I'll be sharing here.

To give you an idea of how people are upcycling plastic bags, here is a treasury I made that contains all items made with recycled plastic bags!  

In what ways do you reuse plastic bags? 

'Yeah, That's a Plastic Bag!' by BBBellezza

Believe it or, all the items in this treasury are made from recycled plastic bags. Plastic bags are a huge problem and these folks are trying to be part of the solution!

Bacon 'n' Eggs Tote ... saribellum $30.00	Recycled Plastic Passport Co... OfLandAndSea $13.00	Recycled Sewing Kit -- with ... coyotecraft $22.50	Hearts - All Recycled, Red a... PaleHorseStudi... $14.00
Eco Lariat Necklace cynthiadelgiud... $60.00	CROCHET RECYCLED PLASTIC ... stephsyaya $7.25	Remarkably Practicable 35-01 arnym $89.99	Recycled plastic bag basket ... bagsagain $13.00
Recycled Plastic Bag Wallet Bece $6.00	Clock Made from Recycled Pla... Decelerate $25.00	bracelet from recycled plast... ravenhuff $5.00	The Green Bag treehuggertote... $28.00
Grocery Tote DIY Plastic Bag... mollyjwalter $14.00	Green and Gold Leaf Earrings factorygirlsho... $15.00	3 Upcycled Plastic Bag Flowe... ffflowers $18.50	Recycled Notebook Journal wi... lauraprentice $15.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

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.

Earth Day 2010

 

It's Earth Day!

Of course, everyday is earth day here in the B.B. Bellezza studio and website.  

In honor of Earth Day, here's a recap of some posts that I have done in the past with the theme of trying to save the planet - one material, one craft, one art project at a time!

I recently made my blog Carbon Neutral.  If you haven't already joined this great program, there's still time to join in.  (More information at the link.)

Ways to Reuse Plastic Bottles

Upcycle Plastic Bottles into a cool mobile

Plastic bottles and Ocean Pollution

18 Fun and useful ways to reuse newspaper

Newspaper Flower Tutorial

How to reuse paper bags

Reuse Paper Bags and make a Cool Scrapbook

Recycled Newspaper Puffy Heart

12 Ways to Reuse and Recycle Sheets

Recycled Pop-Up Cards

Reusing an umbrella

I've recently become an "Avon Lady", and Avon has a new initiative "Hello Green Tomorrow."  If you donate $1 to Avon, they'll plant a tree!   If you place an order with me today, I'll donate $1 to them in your name.  (To place on order, go to http://youravon.com/KimBurkhart If you are in Lancaster, PA I'll be glad to deliver your order to you, use representative delivery.  Outside of Lancaster, PA, use direct delivery.  I'll see your order and donate the $1 with my order next week!)

On the Road Again...

B.B. Bellezza is going on the road tomorrow!

I'm heading to Pittsburgh University for the Blue, Gold and Green Festival.  It takes place near the William Pitt Union on Schenley Quad.  11 am - 3 pm and is open to the public.  So, if you're in Pittsburgh, PA and want to see B.B. Bellezza in person, now is your chance!  

(By the way, my stand most likely won't look much like the photo - I'll have a couple of tables - but it's an idea, anyway!)

It's a "Rain or Shine" event that is under cover....so come on out, even if it does rain!

See you there tomorrow!

Plastic Bottle Week Giveaway Reminder

Just a reminder that the giveaway is still going on for these fun Upcycled Plastic Bottle Earrings!  Comment on the giveaway post for a chance to win them.  You have until 2 p.m. Sunday, Eastern Time to enter. 

By the way, if you don't have a blog or a sign in, you can post anonymously.  Just make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway is open to everyone who appreciates handmade upcycled jewelry - across the world.

Good Luck!!

Ways to Reuse Plastic Bottles

1.  Here's a list of things to do with old plastic bottles from the Waste Aware Scotland Blog (a great blog to read for recycling ideas)

2.  Make a Mobile!  See previous blog post right here on the B.B. Bellezza blog for a tutorial.

3.  Make a Recycled Silver Bangle Bracelet (I didn't try this yet, but I definitely will be!)

4.  Here's a crafty list of things to do with old plastic bottles from Make-Stuff.com

5.  Make a terrarium with a 2 liter plastic bottle.  Tutorial for bottles with the base, and tutorial for bottles without.

6.  Here's a whole list of crafty things to do with plastic bottles 

7.  Give them to your local crafty or artsy person.  Maybe even local elementary schools' art programs would like them.

8.  Here are 10 Extraordinary Ways people have reused plastic bottles

9.  If you have any pink bottles, I personally am very interested in them at this point.  If you're in Lancaster, PA contact me if you have pink bottles!

10.  Here's a video with 8 very cool ways to reuse a 2 liter bottle.  Included are ways to use them around your house.

Obviously, though, the best thing for our planet is to try to not use plastic.  If you do, reuse it.  It never goes away, it just breaks into little tiny pieces.  And A LOT of plastic isn't actually recycled like we think.

(Don't forget to add a comment to the giveaway post by Sunday at 2 pm Eastern for a chance to win Recycled Plastic Bottle Earrings!)

Latest Flower Creations {Flower Week Continues}

Bottle Cap Flower Bouquet, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

Flower Bouquet that I made from bottle caps!  (available at Building Character in Lancaster, PA)

Remember, I'm having a giveaway this week! Make sure to sign up!

Reuse Paper Bags and Make a Cool Scrapbook

Paper Bag Scrapbook

This is a simple tutorial to make a paper bag scrapbook. It is a great way to use up paper bags that you have laying around.

Once you make the basic book, you can embellish it however you would like. Other ideas I have thought about is to use just one bag and make a cool card for someone, filled up with something fun. Or fill the inside with paper and you have a really cool notebook or journal - take notes and save mementos in the open part.

One thing to note: This is not acid-free! Don't use your irreplaceable photos for this project because they will be ruined eventually. You could make copies of your precious photos and mementos.

What you need for this project:

1. Paper bags (I used 3, but you could use less or more)
I used smaller bags, but you can use larger bags to make a larger scrapbook.
2. Ribbon, lace, string or yarn
3. Hole punch
4. Any embellishments and glue to attach them - scrapbook paper, fabric, buttons, etc.

How to:

1. Fold each paper bag in half.


2. Line up the bags. Alternate the closed ends and open ends.

3. Line up folds like a book one bag inside of the next as pictured below.

4. Punch holes in all the bags at the spine side. I punched holes in each bag individually and then marked all the other bags from the first bag. Ideally, your holes will be in a straight line, unlike mine! :)

5. Cut pieces of ribbon, lace, string or yarn to tie through the book.

6. Tie each piece of ribbon, lace, yarn or string through the holes you punched out - through all of the bags and tie on the outside.



Now you have your basic scrapbook/journal/card/etc. Every other page has an opening to put things in. You can add extra photos there or save other things.

7. Finish your scrapbook by adding whatever embellishments you would like.
I added a fabric flower with a button on a piece of paper, then glued that to the front. I also make a pull-out with ribbons from a piece of scrapbook paper that I can add photos to or journal on.

This project is only limited by your imagination! So have a great time!

Again, remember that these books are not acid free and will not last forever.

* * * * * *

Update:  Since writing this tutorial I have an even better, more professional looking paper bag scrapbook tutorial.  It takes a little more time, but it's completely worth it!

This paper bag scrapbook was made using old maps for the decoration to make a fun travel journal scrapbook.

And this paper bag scrapbook is what I used to make my business plan much more fun!

To learn how to make this more professional and nicer looking paper bag journal, just fill in the form below to join my tutorial newsletter and you'll receive instant access to a private, password protected webpage with the step-by-step instructions plus many other exclusive tutorials.  

(Note:  my tutorials are now found on a separate website:  http://www.KimberlieKohler.com )

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