52 Weeks of Bronze Pendants - Week 1

  52 Weeks of Bronze Pendants is a way for me to showcase the pendants I am making from my (and my Grandmothers) antique button collection. Of course I am still learning, I am not an expert by any means, but I have learned a lot from my Grandmother. All of my dating and identification is my opinion. If you are a collector and want to leave your feedback or correct me on anything please leave a comment. I am a bit behind but the goal is to post a new pendant design each week. And if I am really on top of things, I will post the jewelry design to go with it. Hope you enjoy!

  January 20th, 2015:  I think this button is a Division I which means it is from before 1918. I've always had a thing for rabbits. I used to collect rabbits of all sorts as a child. I had pet rabbits, stuffed animal rabbits, little ceramic antique rabbit figurines. It was a childhood thing and at some point as a teenager I cleared it all out of my life, or at least most of it. But now as an adult I have a soft spot in my heart for these cute little critters! Find this design soon, in my online shop and at upcoming shows.

  *Here is a quick introduction to buttons... Not the best article out there but a condensed run down of antique buttons. Of course there is so much more to collecting and loving these small pieces of work. If you would like to learn more in depth you might visit the National Button Societies website.

Atlanta Recap and the Begining of 2015

  I just returned from AmericasMart Gift Show in Atlanta. This was my second time exhibiting at this show (my first was back in July).
  I departed Little Rock on Wednesday morning on the direct Delta flight around 6:30. I finally made it to my booth in Building 3 around 10 a.m. Immediately unpacked the palette I shipped and started painting my back wall so it would dry in time to decorate before I left the building for the night. I spent around 9 hours setting up on my first day and decided that had to be enough. I needed rest.
  These shows aren't for just anyone. I was quickly reminded what an emotional roller coaster they are as soon as the first buyers hit our section on Thursday morning. It's easy to put yourself out there in front of the buyer but it isn't always easy to accept the rejection (in a nice way) and crazy faces people make when they walk by your booth and look you up and down. My product isn't going to be a good fit for everyone and that is completely fine, I just had to keep reminding myself that I have a great product and the right buyer WILL come by. And they did, I had a very successful show, I picked up several new accounts in several new states and couldn't be more excited. Now to get to work on these orders -- after I take a day or two off.
  Atlanta was a great trip, I am completely exhausted but came home on a very high note and in a a very good mood. I made a lot of new business contacts, networked with fellow vendors and even some of my suppliers, reconnected with old friends from market and made new friends. Even though those 6 days were completely exhausting, I came home completely refreshed and ready to kick some major ass in 2015! I am already behind on my goal setting, planning, research & development, and my new project 52 weeks of bronze pendants... but I am going to catch up! So please follow the blog, facebook, and instagram to keep up! 

P.S. Check out these amazing chocolates from Cocoa Rouge that we will have in the shop in a few weeks! I will be putting together a jewelry/chocolate/Valentines Day card package soon! <3

Overall Booth Design.

Spring 2015 Fashion Collection

More Booth Shots

My friend and fellow designer, Megna. I am bringing her beautiful hand made creations to Little Rock! Find them in my shop in early April.

What I wore... finally made a necklace out of the brooch my Grandma gifted me at Xmas. It turned out lovely.

New Anthro dress, slicked back pony, and the loveable "love knot" necklace. (not pictured my new favorite pair of heels from Good Things Boutique).

Took an evening off to hang with some friends. We ended up at the top of the Hyatt. Such a freaking cool building. I could have stared at this view for hours and from every angle. The architect is John Portman.

Upcoming Holiday Shows

I am gearing up for an extra busy Holiday Show season and it all begins next week! Tis the season!!

 

 

First up is the St. James Shopping Spree at St. James United Methodist Church in West Little Rock. This is a new show for me but I hear great things about it and I am excited to be setting up in a new (to me) neighborhood. 

 

Then on November 7th & 8th I will be making my 5th appearance (hard to believe!!!) at the Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show in Springdale, AR. This has become one of my favorite shows and I look forward to seeing lots of familiar faces. I will have tons of new designs including my popular one of a kind vintage statement pieces. I will also be taking custom orders for personalized/stamped jewelry.  

November 8th also brings the Arkansas Cornbread Festival on South Main Street in Little Rock. My friend Rachel will be running the show for me here! I am a tad bit sad that I am missing this festival... but I can't be in two places at once. 

Bella Vita Jewelry and Gifts Grand Opening!!! On November 14th (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.) during the 2nd Friday Art Night in downtown Little Rock. This will be lots of fun! I will have treats and there will be lots of chances to win prizes!

November 21st and 22nd is the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School Sale. This is my debut at this show as a vendor. I've attended as a shopper in the past and it is a great place for all things art and hand made!! The show is at the Clear Channel Metroplex on Col. Glen Road.

And the finale of big shows.... drum roll please! The Little Craft Show in Fayetteville, AR. This might be my favorite show in the history of EVER! This year will not disappoint -- as long as the weather cooperates.  They have even added a Friday night shopping event this year. December 5th and 6th. Be there!

I also have trunk shows at Moxy Modern Mercantile in Little Rock, Shelby's Party House in Harrison, and Good Things Boutique in Fayetteville. Check my newsletter or facebook for more info on these events.

Happy Shopping Friends!

A New Home for Bella Vita!

  Yesterday I signed a lease for a shop space in the beautiful Lafayette building at 523 S. Louisiana St. in downtown Little Rock. I will be at this lovely location until my permanent studio on Main St. is ready. 

Bella Vita's window facing Louisiana St.

Map of the area...

  The space is approximately 350 sq. ft. and is located on the 1st floor of the Lafayette. The easiest way to find me and access my studio will be from the main door to the building on Louisiana St. There is some street parking in front of the closest door to me and then more parking on 6th St. Just be careful and pay attention because both of these streets are one way streets. There is also an hourly pay parking lot at 6th and Main St.

  I will start moving into this space over the next few weeks. I hope to be up and running full time by Oct. 15th. Of course my main retail focus will be my jewelry but I will also have, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves, Erin Lorenzen shirts, and vintage home decor. I am also working on getting a few more gift lines in before Christmas. Tentative retail hours are Thursday & Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10 - 3 and/or by appointment. Of course we will see if these hours need to be adjusted once we are in the space. Appointments can be made by email, brandy@bellavitajewelry.net or phone, 479.200.1824 Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Exterior image of the Lafayette Hotel.  Built in 1925 and listed with the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

  For those of you that have been following me and my business for a while you might know that this isn't the "space" I have been talking about for 2 years... but, it is right next door to where I will move permanently when construction wraps up. Hopefully this will all happen by next Spring.  

 If you would like to be added to my email list click here... (sign up box is in the top middle of the page). I send out a monthly newsletter at the beginning of each month telling you all about happenings, sales, events, and new designs. And of course you can always find me on facebook and instagram!

Treasure Hunting Trip - Endless Possibilities

This self employment stuff is a real roller coaster.

There are a gazillion things running through my mind at all times - a lot of times they take over my ability to "just get one thing done." 

We all know how good it feels to start getting things done!!! 

Why is it so hard to do at times?!

The other day I took a look at my dry erase board that I made a big to do list on two months ago. It felt so good that all of those to do's were done! I didn't even have to obsess over a list, I just needed to give myself some time and everything worked out so nice and organically. 

We can't do it all! Not possible. But, over time we can get it all done. 

So, the reason behind this post...

I'm getting things done!

I've had a buying trip planned for the past few weeks. 

I can't tell you where I am going because it is top secret. :)

I haven't been all that excited about until this very moment... I have spent the morning emailing and chatting via phone with a new contact in the industry. In our short phone conversation I was reminded of old vendors I used to use, new vendors that I'll be checking out, and we even made an appointment to meet with a casting house. 

This feels like such a huge break through. I am now super excited and planning each day of this buying trip to the fullest.

Ive been struggling with a bout of un-motivation and creative bloc for a few weeks now. 

It happens a lot... especially when I don't do a lot of shows. But, that is all about to change. Shows are starting,  I'm traveling and coming home to design my Spring 2015 line. 

I can't wait to get my hands dirty and find so many new treasures! Follow my journey here and on instagram. I hope to have time to blog and post new treasures each day!! xxoo

Slow Fashion

 I just started my morning by reading this article: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/currency/2014/06/why-students-wont-fight-forever-21.html?utm_source=tny&utm_campaign=generalsocial&utm_medium=facebook&mbid=social_facebook 

And I feel a rant coming!

 I was in Forever 21 this past week for the first time in a lot of years. I was floored when I picked up a tank top and it was $1.80. That is insane. I did pick up a couple of items for myself... I won't make it a habit though.
 I probably wont ever shop there again b/c when I think about those clothes being so cheap I think about the workers that are making them, the conditions of the factories, and just how "dirty" the whole "cheap fashion" industry is in general.
 A couple of years ago I challenged myself to only shop handmade, "ethically made" or "made in America clothing", or at second hand stores. I found it is pretty easy to find "Made in USA" at big box stores, you just have to look. I also found that a lot of the clothing that I bought at smaller retailers cost a bit more but I am able to wear it for at least 2 years, most things are still in great condition and will last a few more  years if not longer.
 Forever 21 isn't the only guilty retailer however they are probably the cheapest place to buy fashionable/trendy clothing. I call it disposable clothing. You wear it once and then hopefully donate it to a thrift shop or sell it to a resale store.

 In the industry I am in I feel pressure to keep up with some trends... But I am not a trendy person. I am probably the least trendy person you will ever meet. I've always been a fan of doing my own thing when it came to fashion/dressing/accessorizing. I often wear what is easy and comfortable b/c I don't spend a lot of time on my appearance and I work a lot! I'd rather spend that hour and half that it takes to wash and fix my hair and put on makeup with my husband and dog, or working in our garden, or cooking meals. That is a whole different rant I could go on though... I'll save it for another day!

 In the mean time, I am going to get back on my quest to shop resale, handmade, Made in USA, and ethically made items.  One of my favorite and "go to" shops is Good Things Boutique in Fayetteville. Yes, I sell my jewelry there but this isn't just a plug for that! Jessy does an amazing job stocking her store with quality clothing that will last and hold up to wear and washings. I have also found great "Made in USA" pieces at my local Dillards. Other shops like Plato's Closet or Daisy Exchange or Cheap Thrills (Fayetteville) are great places to find trendier resale items. I don't always have the patience to sift through Salvation Army or other thrift stores but you can find great items at these places too... Even designer duds for cheap!!!

 My challenge to you is to try this out for a month! I would love to hear your feedback and thoughts and shopping secrets. And let me know if you are going to take my challenge on yourself. I would love to check in with you in a month or so! If you don't want to leave a public comment, please email me, brandy@bellavitajewelry.net

Want to read a good book on this topic? Check out Overdressed, The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline

Interview with Elizabeth Cline: http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180557959/ethical-fashion-is-the-tragedy-in-bangladesh-a-final-straw

A Note About Mother's Day Orders

I am currently taking (and encouraging) Mother's Day (May 11th) and Graduation (May 10th for University of Arkansas - Fayetteville)

orders. I will be leaving the country from April 13th - May 1st.

 If you plan to place an order for Mother's Day or Graduation please contact me as soon as possible so I can plan for filling orders when I return from my trip.

 All orders will be filled in the orders received and I will work long hours to be sure they are filled upon my return.

 The sky is the limit on customizing unique jewelry for your loved ones. Check out some of my recent custom projects! And to place your own order or to get more information, call me 479.200.1824 between 8 and 5 Monday - Friday or shoot me an email. Thanks!

Orders placed before May 2nd will receive free shipping. It is NEVER too early to order!
Orders placed after May 2nd will be shipped using USPS Priority Shipping for $6/package.
Late orders can upgrade shipping to Express (overnight) for $20/package.