BelaDonna

Welcome Back to my Blog Sweet Blog

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:27:00 +0000

Hello! Wow! I know I've been a stranger to the blog. It's been too long and way over-due! In the past week I've been giving the blog a makeover, maybe because I got tired of the old design but it's also to give me the motivation to blog again. It's always refreshing to look at something new, don't you agree? Hope you like the new design.

I promise you that my absence will be made up. So many new features and creative thoughts to share. Stay tuned and enjoy!

(old blog design)

Monthly Giveaway: May: Key to my Heart Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:53:00 +0000

This Giveaway is for the above necklace "Key to my Heart".

4 ways to enter:
You can do each of the following once for 4 chances to win.
Please post comment to let me know!

1. Tell me how you got to my blog.
2. Visit BelaDonnaJewels and pick your favorite item in the shop.
3. Blog and/or Twitter (@belacer) about this Giveaway.
4. Follow my Blog.

Please be sure to include your contact information in your comments so that I can contact you if win!

1 winner will be chosen via random.org.

All entries must be received by Sunday, May 24th at 11:59pm Est.
Giveaway ends Sunday, May24th at Midnight EST.
I will be announcing the winner on Monday, May 25th.
Thanks for entering & Good luck! ^_^

UPDATE: WINNER!
Sara from Soap Rehab is the Winner to this Giveaway
Congratulations Sara!

Featured Artist Interview: Machiko from Go Buggy

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:02:00 +0000

I discovered Go Buggy while I was surfing through Etsy to look shops I haven't seen before. I was so fascinated with what I saw in Machiko's shop. The felt items that she makes are so delicate and fun yet so complex! Some of them even look eatable!! By looking at them in her shop, I can tell how much time, care and patience go into what she does and it's all so creative! I'm so proud to be able to feature Machiko from Go Buggy. She was also an Etsy Featured Seller in January 2008. Best of luck Machiko!!
Please read on to find out more about this talented artist and go check out her shop for more goodies!

5 random facts about you

1. I love cleaning lint traps.

2. My daughter sucked me into Sesame Street.

3. I am blind without my glasses.

4. I got pulled over for driving too slow.

5. I will try any food once.

How long have you been doing this and how did it all begin?

Making fake food started when my daughter was born, so that would be in 2007. Before kids, I went and got an art degree so I have always liked working with my hands. Arts and crafts were always my favorite classes to attend. I occupied myself pretty well.

What inspires you?
I love watching people do their own thing. I loved to be blown away by people's smarts, work, art, and sense of humor. I love hearting on Etsy when I find awesome shops. When I do, I just want to do my own thing too! Aside from exposing myself to people's talent, my children also inspires me in the strangest ways. To pick a few, when my daughter tries really hard to sing her alphabets (25 months), or my son trying so hard to roll over his chunky arms (he is 5 months).

Describe your creative process

That is a good question and I never answer them well. Sometimes, I sit on ideas for months and sometimes years. Sometimes, I can push it through over night. Lately, my quiet time is before I fall asleep. I like to think what I can make while doze off. I usually have to try couple of times to get things right and I have a lot of waste. I am working on my efficiency.

Any challenges you face along your creative road?
I have a hard time when I feel like everything I make just plainly suck. I try not to take myself too seriously when that thought takes over my life.

What advice would you give other artists out there?

I am not in any position to give any advice for people but this is what I tell myself. Nuture what I think I do best. I should stop if I don't love what I do. Be obsessive.

How do you promote your work?

I know this sounds unprofessional but mainly, I rely on the word of mouth. I sell my work through Etsy which helps with traffic, and I also started Flickr and I have gotten so much support from it too.

Apart from creating beautiful things, what do you like to do?

I try my best to be a good mom to my two kids. I like learning about plants, and how to take care of them so I won't kill them often.

Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?

Thank you for inviting me and indulging me!

Currently, I don't have a studio and have taken over the kitchen or anywhere horizontal in our little house. I can't send you any pictures because my background will be sinks, microwave , and kitchen counter which will expose that I am not the best house keeper.

Photo ID - Chick Comedy

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Johnny Sanchez - Payaso Comedy Slam

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Top 6 Thursday: let's go Green!

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Yesterday was Earth Day. It is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year. To me Earth Day is more then just one day. We should all do things for where we live everyday. Hopefully we all do and did part to keep our Earth environments. Here I put together a collection from some talented artist to celebrate our "green". Please show them some love and enjoy!

Featured Artist Interview: Lynn from UnaOdd

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:57:00 +0000

It's a great pleasure for me to feature Lynn from UnaOdd. Few months ago I was searching for handmade pretties for my "Top 6 Thursday". While doing so, I came across UnaOdd on Etsy. Her original bangle bracelets caught my attention at first sight but also makes other beautiful things! Thank you Lynn for letting me feature you! Please read on to find out more about Lynn.

5 random facts about you:
I collect cat whiskers. I am crazy about gardening. I can beach-comb and fossil-hunt endlessly. I am a hermit-type who was saved from a solitary existence by my very understanding husband. I have two lovely, artistic children who I send outside regularly.

How long have you been doing this and how did it all begin?
I started around 1992, so almost 17 years. I began experimenting with resins and polymer clay and sketches from my college sketchbooks.

What inspires you?
Anything in nature -especially growth, patterns and color. Seed pods, bones, bugs, leaves, fossils, roots, flowers...if it was alive I'll look at it!

Describe your creative process:
I'm very much a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of artist. I'll see something that interests me and then mush, impress, bake, draw or engrave it. If it works and I like it I'll do some more. I'm a big fan of adding and taking away. Most of my pieces go through a lot of painting and sanding....covering and revealing.

Any challenges you face along your creative road?
I get tremendous support from my family, but being a wife and mother means having to carve out time to work. Trying to balance art and family is a tough thing.

What advice would you give other artists out there?
Experiment and play around. Don't be afraid of your materials or of failure.

How do you promote your work?
I recently joined Handmade in PA Street Team. I network through the Treasury system and I post on Twitter and Flickr.

Apart from creating beautiful things, what do you like to do?
Well first, Thank you! :^) I love spending time with my family, gardening and doing photography.

Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
First, I thank you for the invitation to do this interview. Second -I think it is very important that people connect with nature, one on one, from childhood. Only through exposure to other living things do we develop respect, empathy, and appreciation for the world and life around us. Parents, turn off the television, put the computers away and let your children see 'real life'.

Please check out Lynn's Blog @ http://unaodd.blogspot.com
Appreciation blog post from Lynn (thank you): http://unaodd.blogspot.com/2009/04/thank-you-anabela-from-beladonna.html

April Resin Bangle Giveaway Winner!!

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who participated and entered to my Monthly Giveaway! There was a total of 24 entries to this Giveaway.

The winner to this giveaway is: #2 MOMFOREVERANDEVER!!
Congratulations!

Please stay tuned for my next Monthly Giveaway coming on May 4!

Top 6 Thursday: tweeter birds

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Birds are one of the many signs we see of Spring. They are very cute, fun, and small. Many artists use them as inspiration to their work. Here are some of my favorites. Please show them some love...enjoy!

Featured Artist Interview: Shellie from PillowHappy

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I'm very pleased to present to you my 1st featured Artist: Shelli, the beautiful and talented woman behind pillowhappy! I came across pillowhappy a few months ago when I was looking for Spring and nature inspired handmades on Etsy. There are many reason why I like Shelli's work so much. I love the details, color combination, variation in design, nature inspired and photographs she takes of her work. Thank you Shellie for letting me feature you. Please read on and find out more about the talent behind pillowhappy!

5 random facts about you:
1.I used to be an "auto show" model....cheesy I know!
2. I also used to act, but didn't make enough money, hence #1.
3. I have 4 kids 21,19, 7 and 5 (3 boys 1 girl)
4. I’ve lived in mi, ky, co, southern ca, and now nc!
5. I’m married to a stand up comic.

How long have you been doing this and how did it all begin?
One day I was sewing a slipcover for my couch. One day turned into a week as I went a little "slipcover happy" and slipcovered virtually everything in my house. In the meantime, I needed to get some ideas of mine on "pillow", and this shop was created! I've gone pillowhappy people! My shop, pillowhappy, has a double meaning. Yes, the pillows are happy pillows. But, I have literally gone crazy making and designing pillows, so the name "pillowhappy" more than fits!

What inspires you?
I’m very inspired by nature. Trees, leaves, bugs, flowers, sea life....whatever you can see from your own backyard! I’m continually amazed by God's creations! I also have always gravitated to little breakfast nooks, cubbies, tree forts....any secret place that's cozy. I also love love love a good nap. For a while I considered myself a professional napper (minus the pay), so, I think the combination of nature, and the comfy led me to..... pillows! I love working with soft things, soft fabrics....I’d love to learn to paint, but it's not cozy and soft. It’s messy. So, I probably won't.

Describe your creative process:
Nothing out of the ordinary....I have to work on my time management, and try to get things done before the kids get home from school. I try not to stress out to much about sales, etc....the great thing about etsy is that I can work in my pajamas, be my own boss, be at home, and create my own designs! I’m still amazed that I’m selling my own creations! There is something very special about that. I’m so happy people enjoy my pillows too!

What advice would you give other artists out there?
Don’t "force" yourself into making things just to "make things". Go with your gut and your inspirations and see where it takes you. Don’t put pressure on your artistry to be a machine and pump out cash. yes, it's sweet when this happens, but I think when you focus too much on it, you lose the joy, and sometimes, the creativity....if I feel myself getting this way, I start singing, "hold on loosely, but don't let go.....if you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control". (It’s a classic rock song)

How do you promote your work?
I relist items daily. I include business cards in all my orders. I have a Facebook page that has a neat sidebar displaying my pillows. Other than that, I haven't done much else....people have put me on blogs (like this one) which is such a gift! I know that has helped too. I also try to have really really good customer service. oh! I am doing my first craft fair in a month or two! I’ll let you know how that goes!

Apart from creating beautiful things, what do you like to do?
Play with my kids, beach days, travel to see my bigger boys who live in Ca and Alaska, dates with my husband, Matt. I am pretty simple these days....oh, I do love movies, and (not to brag) I make the best popcorn....

Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
Thanks so much for reading, and I am loving this blog!! Good luck everyone!

Monthly Giveaway: April: Resin Bangle

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I'm very excited to announce my 2nd Giveaway!!

This Giveaway is for the above bangle.
Resin Bangle: Luck is Believing You're Lucky That's All

4 ways to enter:
You can do each of the following once for 4 chances to win.
Please post comment to let me know!

1. Tell me how you got to my blog.
2. Visit BelaDonnaJewels and pick your favorite item in the shop.
3. Blog and/or Twitter (@belacer) about this Giveaway.
4. Follow my Blog.

Please be sure to include your contact information in your comments so that I can contact you if win!

1 winner will be chosen via random.org.
I will be announcing the winner on Wednesday, April 15th.
All entries must be received by Tuesday, April 14th at 11:59pm Est.
Giveaway ends Tuesday, April 14th at Midnight EST.
Thanks for entering & Believe in luck! ^_^

Top 6 Thursday: Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:56:00 +0000

Happy Thursday! Many people seem to have lost the true meaning of Easter. Please remember that Easter is not all fluffy bunnies and Easter eggs (although it can represent "new life") and chicks. For those of us that are Catholics/Christians, we should understand what Easter is all about. It's a day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and giving us new life in Him. "The story of Easter is the story of God's wonderful window of divine surprise." ~Carl Knudsen
I want to share some beautiful Easter items from these talented artists. Please show these beautiful Easter gifts some love. Happy Easter!

MyKokeshi Custom Orders

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Few weeks ago I made a custom Kokeshi couple for a friend of mine. His friend saw his kokeshi dolls and loved them so she asked me to make 3 custom orders for her and her friends. She provided me with 3 photographs, 3 colors for each doll and a quote for each. I love custom requests because there's fun, challenging and always original!

Would you like to request for your own custom Kokeshi? If so, please contact me at belacer@gmail.com. Thank you!

March Kokeshi Giveaway Winner!!

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:11:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who participated and entered to my 1st Monthly Giveaway! There was a total of 71 entries to this Giveaway. The most popular Kokeshi was Haruko with 13 votes.

The winner to this giveaway is: #61 Medoly (mel*~reachforthestars~*)!!
Congratulations!

Please stay tuned for my next Monthly Giveaway coming on April 6!
Surprise surprise coming!

Spreading the Love one at a time...

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Lately I've been working a lot on the Kokeshi dolls more than I have on my other handmade projects. I decided that I will try to make at least a new Kokeshi doll everyday to get most of my designs and ideas out. Here are some of the latest Kokeshi members.

Top 6 Thursday: Berry Berries

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Another Thursday has arrived and the weekend is almost here!
So far, the beginning of Spring has been wonderful and the weather has been beautiful!
Here are some beautiful berry colored pretties I picked out from some talented sellers! Like always, please show them some love!

Display Stands

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:03:00 +0000

I have been searching for display stands for my handmade items for some time now. So far there's nothing I have seen that are to my liking or they are way too expensive for what it is. Since I love building and making things, I've decided to make all my display stand if it's possible.

(left) for bangles and bracelets
(right) I bought this display box from an AC Moore craft store sometime last year for $5 when they were doing their store closing sale. I took the wooden slats out and nailed nails on each side and ran wires through them to hang earrings on them.

Since there were about 10 wooden slats left over from the display box, I decided to use them and made these displays this week to organize the MyMokeshi (www.MyKokeshi.com) dolls more organized and my keychains nicely hung. The results were very satisfying. I love how they all came out!

Top 6 Thursday: welcome Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Every Thursday I will be picking "Top Finds" items from different shops in my favorites. It's Thursday once again and tomorrow is the beginning of Spring! Let's celebrate together with their beautiful items from these talented artisans. Please give them some love! Enjoy!

Monthly Giveaway: March: Kokeshi Doll

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I'm very excited to announce my 1st Giveaway!!
This Giveaway is for one of the above of your choice Kokeshi Doll!

4 ways to enter:
You can do each of the following once for 4 chances to win.
Please post to let me know!

Go to my shop's Kokeshi section and pick out your favorite Kokeshi Doll. Post a comment on this posting about what you have chosen.
Visit BelaDonna and BelaDonna Jewels shops. Post comment with your favorite item from any shop!
Blog and/or Twitter (@belacer - that way I'll know) about this Giveaway
Follow my Blog

Please be sure to include your contact information in your comments so that I can contact you if win!

1 winner will be chosen via random.org.
I will be announcing the winner on Tuesday, March 31.
All entries must be received by March 30th at 11:49pm Est.
Giveaway ends Monday, March 30, Midnight EST.
Thanks for entering & Good luck!

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:02:00 +0000

This week I've been working on new projects and a couple of beautiful custom orders. The end results are always very exciting to me!

These are the Mamasan Keychains. They are now in my SHOP!

This one was for one of my lovely customer from Etsy.

and this special couple was for my friend.

I'm always opened to custom orders. I love and enjoy making them every much! If you would like to request something custom made just for you, please don't hesitate to contact me at belacer@gmail.com.
Thank you!

Top 6 Thursday: for the home

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Every Thursday I will be picking "Top Finds" items from different shops in my favorites. Please give them some love! Enjoy!

Kokeshi Dolls weekend Special! March13-15

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15
Weekend Special for my Kokeshi Dolls.
20% OFF on all Kokeshi Dolls (including custom orders)!
Buy 2 get 1 1/2 OFF!
Get them while sales last!

Anjelah Johnson- Nail Salon Uncut

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:51:00 +0000

My cousin sent this to me today. I laughed so much...it was awesome! Hope you enjoy it as well!

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:29:00 +0000

This is a very easy and fun recipe to make!
Ingredients:
Pound Cake (homemade or cake in a box would work just fine)
4 cups of Fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
4 tbs water
Whipped cream (from the store or homemade) - 5 cups heavy whipping cream, confessional sugar

Preparation:
Cake: If you're making a cake from the box then go ahead and follow the box instructions to bake your cake. Once it's ready, crumble it with a spatula into loose pieces.
Strawberry filling and syrup: Cut 3 cups of strawberries in 4 pieces and 1 cup in 1/2 (this will be for the top of the cake once it's finished). In a medium saucepan at Med heat add sugar and water and bring it to a boil. Add the 3 cups of cut strawberries in. Lower heat and let it cook until the strawberries soften and when strawberry syrup starts to form. Once it's done, set aside to let cool.
Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl add heavy whipping cream and about 4-5 table tbs of confessional sugar (depending on how sweet you want it you can add more). Whip with electric mixer at medium speed for about 2 mins or cream forms soft peaks. This process adds air to the cream which causes it to fluff. Don't whip beyond the soft-peak stage, because the cream will get stiff and curdle (like cottage cheese).

"Putting it together":
You can choose to use a regular glass baking pan or Truffle Bowl (glass baking pan is much easier to cut cake from).
1. Layer 1/2 an inch cake on the bottom 2. Spread whipped cream evenly over cake 3. Spread strawberry filling and syrup on top of whipped cream, along the edges and them spots in the center (the more you put, the sweeter the cake will be) 4-finish. Repeat steps 1-3.
Topping: Generously spread whipped cream on the top and decorate with the 1 cup of cut in 1/2 strawberries.
Voilà and there you have it! Enjoy!

New Blog vs. Old Blog

noreply@blogger.com (BelaDonna) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:41:00 +0000

Lately I'm been blogging a little more often and I would like to keep this up to share with the rest of you who do like reading my blog. For the past week I've been making corrections and designing a new layout for my blog, because it was time to let the old boring look go.
BEFORE:

Overtime, I have made a list of things I wanted to add and corrections needed to be made. I have fought with html and I feel so rusty working with it. I know that there is still much to be corrected and new things to be added, but that will eventually take place little by little.
AFTER:

Hope you enjoy the new look! Let me know what you think.