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Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr 2010 |
Glass Ring Ideas Color Palettes |
Winter Classes and Bead&Button Classes Newest Supplies |
In 2010, we're developing our behind-the-scenes processes and procedures. Though not as glamorous as developing tons of new kits and products, you'll definitely see the effects of our hard work. Our shipping times will improve, and you'll slowly notice our website evolving, including our desperately out-of-date shopping cart/checkout system. (Which, incidentally, I built myself, back when I was mostly teaching chainmaille. I thought the business would never have more than a few customers a week. How wrong I was!)
As part of my comittment to growing a healthy business, I'm proud to have been accepted into the ATHENAPowerLink® Program. This program helps women-owned businesses expand profitably through the use of professional advisory panels. I expect this is going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done with my business, but no doubt, one of the best.
Growing a business means new jobs. We're hiring for several positions this year, so if you're local, keep an eye out on our Employment Opportunities page. We're looking for folks who love chainmaille (of course!) and who would welcome the challenge of helping a small business grow into a chainmaille empire.
And finally, yes, I'm still working on the book! I'll be holed up for most of February writing and shooting photos like mad. The manuscript and photos are due to the publisher in March, and after that is a long year of layout/editing/proofreading. The book will be released in the spring of 2011, so you'll still need to be patient for a bit. It will be well worth the wait, though—projects in so many metals, colors, and plenty of new weave variations.
Have a fabulous 2010!
—Rebeca
Featured Ring - 9.5mm Glass Ring
| This issue's featured ring is our 9.5 mm Czech glass ring. We've been having so much fun using glass rings in place of standard metal jump rings. What designs will you come up with? Feel free to upload your creations to the Blue Buddha page on Facebook. We love to see our customers' work! | |
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Glass Ring
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| Check out some of the weaves you can make with glass rings. | |
| Rings per inch (rpi) listed whenever possible. Note that the instructions only show how to weave with metal rings; once you're comfortable with the weave, you should be able to figure out how to incorporate the glass rings. | |
| Weave Name |
Rings sizes in base metal unless otherwise indicated |
Snazzy photo Click for larger image, and use the back button on your browser to return |
Where to Find Instructions |
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3 row European 4-in-1 (Mesh) |
T18 (4 rpi) glass rings (8 rpi) |
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Mesh & Rosettes DVD Vol I |
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Shaggy Loops |
L16 (4 rpi) glass rings (8 rpi) |
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Shaggy Loops available as PDF or hard copy |
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Japanese Lace |
L18 (18 rpi) glass rings (8 rpi) |
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Japanese Lace available as PDF or hard copy DVD Vol I You'll have to weave differently—all singled rings instead of doubled, and obviously you need to open the "small" rings not the large rings. |
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Japanese Diamond/Triangle |
L18 base metal or L17 SILV |
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Same basic pattern as Japanese Lace (12-in-2) above. Very flexible; would make a great pendant. |
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Captive Inverted Round (CIR) |
O18 (4 rpi) glass rings (8 rpi) |
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Jacob's DNA Ladder available as PDF or hard copy Too stiff for a bracelet, but works well for a necklace. |
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Celtic Visions |
T16 (6 rpi) H16 (8 rpi) glass rings (2 rpi) |
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Celtic Visions instructions available as PDF or hard copy |
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Celtic Visions Star Variant | T14 x 12 L16 x 8 L18 x 4 F18 x 5 glass rings x 4 |
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This design by Kat Wisniewski is not yet available. To to request that we create a tutorial, email us with "Celtic Visions Star Variant tutorial, please!" in the subject line. |
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Glass Caterpillar |
Use L17 SILV or L18/M18 in base metal |
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Glass Caterpillar available as PDF or hard copy |
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Gridlock |
L16 (12 rpi) L18 (12 rpi) glass rings (3 rpi) |
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Gridlock PDF (currently in sale section) Use Glass and L18 for stage 1; use L16 for stages 2 & 3 |
Thanks to interns Angelique and Carrie for weaving these samples.
Color Palettes
Here is the Blue Buddha Enameled Copper Interpretation of the spring 2010 fashion color report. Underneath the main palette are several mini-palette combinations to inspire you and to encourage you to mix colors that you otherwise might not have used. If you're hesitant to use contrasting colors, a great way to test them out is to pick a dominant color for your piece, and use the other colors in the mini-palette as highlights. You can also view the original color forecast on FashionTrendsetter.com.
Spring 2010 Fashion Colors
modeled by Enameled Copper
top row (l to r) burgundy, pink, lavender, ice blue
bottom row (l to r) gunmetal, yellow, non-tarnish silver, seafoam, dark teal
suggested combinations
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Upcoming Classes
The countdown has begun! In June, Kat, Rebeca and Vanessa are teaching 7 classes at the Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee, WI. In addition, Blue Buddha Boutique will have a booth again—a double booth this year, so we can fit more items, but you won't be as crowded. Woo-hoo! We've created a special page in our classes section where you can view all our Bead&Button classes.
Additionally we've updated the class calendar for January and February and a couple of March classes (more to come soon). A few highlights:
 at Blue Buddha |
 at Lillstreet |
 at Blue Buddha |
 at Blue Buddha |
 at Blue Buddha |
 at Briolette |
Contact the specific store or gallery for a schedule or to register for a class.
Newest Supplies and Coming Attractions
Our most exciting product news is that we are completely revamping our entire Anodized Aluminum process. When we're finally all set up, the new rings will be 100% Made-in-the-USA. We're still in the final stages of testing the wire and the finishes, and it'll be several months before the transition is complete. In the meantime, we'll start using samples of our new AA as "freebies" with every order, and will post an online survey to get your feedback. Based on what you say, we might make a few tweaks before completing the transition. After all, we're doing this for you, so we want to make sure you're happy with the finished product! Look for updates on the Anodized Aluminum supplies page.
Potential new hues: lime green, burgundy, bright turquoise, purple iris, gold
Recent additions to the Supplies section:
 Cylon Kit Available in base metal or sterling. |
 Mix 'n' Match Option for Enameled Copper Toggles save 15% when you purchase 5 toggles at once |
 Crystal Ring Byzantine Available in base metal or sterling. |
 Crystal "Cosmic" Rings Swarovski® crystal ring, 14 mm. These are the crystals used in the Crystal Ring Byzantine bracelet. |
Feel free to contact Rebeca as always with questions or comments.
local: 773.478.3767 toll free: 866.602.RING (7464) rebeca@bluebuddhaboutique.com
Happy Weaving!
All content written by Rebeca Mojica, Blue Buddha Boutique artist & owner.
