Woo-hoo! 90,000 Orders Shipped!

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Thanks To All The Wonderful Blue Buddha Customers For Helping Reach This Milestone!

Disclosure: Some of the links to products below are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. It helps me create content like this for you, and I thank you for your support.

UPDATE Dec 19: List of winners added at bottom of post.

90000th-orderYesterday we shipped our 90,000th order! Wow, thank you so much!

The lucky customer who placed this order has received their entire order for free. (Coincidentally his order came exactly seven years after he first received my book CHAINED, how cool is that?)

Of course we want everyone to be a part of the celebration! So….

For the next 90 hours* save 10% off your entire order with coupon code 90KORDERS. You can use this code on the Blue Buddha Etsy Shop, the Rebeca Mojica Jewelry website and the Rebeca Mojica Jewelry shop on Etsy.

All customers who use the coupon code will automatically receive a chance to win a grand prize $90-off coupon code valid for any of the B3/RMJ shops. (Note: Multiple orders from the same person do not yield additional chances; each person receives 1 chance total no matter how many orders placed during this time).

No purchase necessary: Leave a comment on this blog post for 1 chance to win! (Multiple comments will not be counted as additional entries.)

If you don’t win the grand prize, you might be one of 9 lucky runner-ups to receive a $10-off coupon code.

Good luck! 

* Contest ends and coupon code expires Saturday, December 15 at 9:43 am PT. Winners will be selected and notified within 72 hours.

A Look Back

b3-crew

Blue Buddha Boutique hits our 80,000 order in September 2015.

It’s amazing and bittersweet to think how much has changed since hitting the 80,000-order mark three years ago. Later that same year, we made the tough decision to close the shop. 😢

Eventually I resurrected many tutorials to sell on Etsy and took some time to help develop award-winning chainmaille craft kits for kids. Slowly, the B3 Etsy shop has grown and now features kits, tools and jump rings, including kits from other vendors so you can get your chainmaille craft on all in one place!

Obviously Blue Buddha Boutique wouldn’t have made it to 90,000 orders without all the amazing employees, guest designers, and instructors—and a select few who were all of the above!—who worked tirelessly for this company. You may be here no longer, but I think of you and am grateful every single day. And thank you to all the advisors and mentors I’ve had throughout the years.

I want to offer a very special thanks to the customers who’ve cheered B3 on and supported us through the ups and downs, especially those who continue to purchase from Blue Buddha to this day. You rock.

hugrings

UPDATED December 19:
Congrats to the winners!
Grand Prize $90 off coupon code – Kendall Rydell
Runners up $10 off coupon code – Susan Burkhart, Kimberly Frank, Lei Kaniumoe, Amy Meador, Jim Pettit, Frann Ramales, Diane Smith, Ann Stolzman, Sue Vogen

 


Official Sweepstakes Rules

  • 1 – No purchase necessary. A comment on this blog post counts as an official entry. Multiple posts from the same person do not count as additional entries. Alternatively, participants may enter by using the coupon code 90000 to make a purchase on the Blue Buddha Boutique (B3) Etsy shop or on the Rebeca Mojica Jewelry website or Rebeca Mojica Jewelry Etsy shop. Multiple purchases do not count as multiple entries.
  • 2 – Eligible to persons 18+ worldwide.
  • 3 – Sweepstakes begins Monday, December 10 and ends Saturday, December 15 at 9:43 a.m. PT.
  • 4 – One (1) Grand prize: $90-off coupon code valid for Blue Buddha Boutique or Rebeca Mojica Jewelry. Nine (9) runner up prizes: $10-off coupon code valid for Blue Buddha Boutique or Rebeca Mojica Jewelry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received.
  • 5 – Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible entries by using an online random number generator, with each number corresponding to one entry.
  • 6 – Sponsored by Blue Buddha Boutique, 8149 Santa Monica Blvd #268, West Hollywood CA 90046
  • 7 – All prizes will be awarded. All winners will be notified by email within 72 hours of sweepstakes end. Winners have 5 business days to respond and claim their prize. If winner has not responded within that timeframe, winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be selected. The email will come from [email protected].
  • 8 – List of winners will be posted on the B3 blog and can also be obtained by emailing [email protected] after December 31 2018.

Crafts Product Review: Brightech Magnifier Lamp Lightview XL 2-in-1

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This Lamp Converts From Floor-Standing To A Table Lamp And Is Perfect For Jewelry-Making, Crafts, Circuit Board Work and Other Hobbies

Disclosure: I received a free product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. It helps me create content like this for you, and I thank you for your support.

rebeca mojica smiling with her new brightech crafting lampIf you’ve seen my videos or blog posts about protecting and strengthening your eyes, you know how serious I am about this subject. In addition to eye exercises, good lighting is my top recommendation for preserving your eyesight if you do detailed handiwork like jewelry-making or crafts.

Therefore, I jumped at the chance to test out the LightView XL 2-in-1 magnifier lamp by Brightech.

Assembly is very intuitive. Without glancing at the instructions (because I’m stubborn like that), I put the lamp together in under 2 minutes. The base is substantially weighty – it’s about 11.5 lbs. This is to be expected as it needs to act as a counter balance when the upper arm is fully extended.

LightView XL Magnifying Glass Light: 2in1 Floor Standing to Table Lamp
One of the nifty things about this lamp is that it converts from a floor to a table lamp. I wanted to test the table function first, so I assembled it without the long rod (shown at the right of the base in the photo above left).

I decided to do a little bit of chainmaille work at the main table—aka dining room table, aka shipping station aka every-surface-in-my-home-is-a-crafting-area. 😉

rebeca mojica making chainmaille using table craft lamp by brightech Immediately I noticed that the light was much brighter than my old craft lamp. No surprise, as there are many miniature LED lights in this lamp:

led lights on brightech magnifier lampAccording to the manufacturer, the Lightview XL 2-in-1 is energy saving and draws on just 9 watts to generate 900 lumens, equal to a 65W incandescent bulb. The lights are made to last up to 100,000 hours.

*does quick calculations*

OK, given my average weekly weaving time, this lamp should last, oh, until I’m more than 130 years old … all good!

One of my favorite things about working under this lamp is that the lights don’t get hot. During the long Southern California summers, it can get uncomfortable working under a traditional task lamp-even ones that generate just a bit of heat. My hands usually get sweaty, making it difficult to weave efficiently. With this lamp, I noticed no heat at all while working. (If I put my hands directly on the underside of the lamp, it felt warm … but obviously I do my work a few inches below the lamp, where there’s no noticeable difference in air temperature with this lamp.)

over the shoulder view of micromaille jump rings and pliers through magnifier lampI am fortunate enough to have excellent vision and I don’t often work with tiny jump rings, so I likely won’t have a need for the magnifier portion very often. However, I did have to do a repair on my micromaille cuff, so I decided to test out the magnifier.

I had a different magnifier lamp many years ago, and didn’t care for it because the magnifier portion was a teeny circle, surrounded by a much wider circle that housed a fluorescent light. I often felt as though the field of view was too small and the light itself was bulky. This certainly is not the case with the Brightech magnifier. The 6″ wide by 4.5″ long viewing area is billed as the “widest viewer of any magnifier lamp on the market” yet the surrounding border is small, so it didn’t feel like there was something “in the way” as I worked. The view was clear as can be. (The photo below shows me working with 1/16″ inner diameter jump rings.)

magnifier view of micromaille and pliersIn all honesty, though, I probably won’t often use the magnifier. I’ve always found it a bit disorienting to transition back to “normal viewing mode” after having peered through a magnifier for an extended period of time. I’ll just take advantage of my good vision for as long as I can, and then when I really do need the magnifier, it’ll be there for me.

Another feature I was excited about was the ability to use this as a floor lamp. Chainmaillers can often be found weaving in front of the TV, so I had to try setting up in the living room.

crafter sitting on sofa making jewelry using brightech floor lampIt was quite easy to loosen and release the arm of the lamp, add the floor pole and then reattach the arm. There are thin floor pads at the base of the lamp, but if you are going to use this on a sensitive floor, I’d recommend adding additional furniture pads. (I tend to go overboard on protecting my floors after having lived in a place with floors that seemed to get scratched if you just breathed too hard!)

over the shoulder view of rebeca mojica making micromaille using brightech magnifier lampIt surprised me how easy the arm was to control. It extends with ease and somehow locks into place wherever you place it. There’s a knob just below the light which allows you to angle the light and magnifier how you wish.

The cord is 5 feet long, fairly standard for a crafting lamp. Note that the plug connects to the lamp at the bottom of the arm, NOT at the base. This means that if you’re using the floor lamp configuration, the cord plugs in near the middle of the lamp, making its reach essentially 2 feet shorter. This isn’t an issue at my normal work table below, but for working in the living room I needed to use an extension cord to reach an outlet.

jewelry maker using craft light with magnifierI’ve decided to keep the Brightech lamp in the floor configuration for use at my worktable. By clearing away my old task lamp, I have more surface on my worktable….and what crafter doesn’t want more space? 😂 If you do want to use the table lamp configuration, the base measures about 7″ x 11″, so know that it takes up a good chunk of space.

Brightech also makes a clamping lamp version of this same lamp, but I prefer the 2-in-1 model that I tested because I can quickly and easily move the lamp if needed.

I’ll still use my old craft lamp for travel (it’s small and very portable). But for every day use, the Brightech LightView XL 2-in-1 is my new lamp of choice. Highly recommended!

Oh. I should add that there might be competition in my household for this lamp. During my testing week when I was moving the lamp all around the house, I caught my sweetie, who makes scale model and customs, using it to paint some of his work!

view through magnifier lamp showing small brush painting model hand

I have a feeling I’ll be getting him a lamp of his own this holiday season!

If you’re in the market to upgrade your current lighting situation, or if you know a crafter who could use a lamp, check out the wide selection at Brightech today. Orders $50+ ship free within the US, and this lamp comes with a 5-year warranty, showing that they stand behind their product.

Anything else you’d like to know about my experiences with the lamp? Leave a comment below.

Happy crafting!

shop-now3
brightview lamp

Meet Karen Karon, The Author Of Two Of The Best-Selling Books About How To Make Chainmaille Jewelry

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Karen Shares How She Got Started, Why She Wrote A Book, And Offers Practical Tips For Improving Your Chainmaille Technique

Disclosure: Some of the links to products below are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. It helps me create content like this for you, and I thank you for your support.

 

KaronBooksThis month, Blue Buddha Boutique is sitting down to chat with Karen Karon of Boston, MA. She hardly needs an introduction, as most of you already know her as author of the best-selling chainmail books Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop: Techniques and Projects for Weaving with Wire and Advanced Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop: Weaving with Rings and Scale Maille.

Karen’s first book has consistently ranked as the #1 chainmaille book on Amazon for many years. (As a side note, I remember when my book lost its #1 spot to Karen’s book. Honestly, I was (and still am) OK with it, because her book is just THAT GOOD. 😊)

Find out more about designer, author and instructor Karen Karon in this edition of Blue Buddha’s Meet the Artist series. Enjoy getting to know her below!

KarenKaron

Thanks for taking some time to let us get to know you, Karen! Before we get started, how do you pronounce your last name? I always pronounce it exactly like your first, because it sounds cool…but that might not be right! And is there a story behind the similarities of your first and last name?

Just as you thought, my last name is pronounced exactly the same way as my first name.  I married into that name.  I like to tell people that I found a husband by looking in the phone book.

 

How did you get started with chainmaille?

SilverCuffI’m a life long crafter/maker. I’ve tried many different types of crafts over the years.  Early in the 2000s, I was in a beading phase.  At that time, a local art center advertised a chain making class – not chain maille – woven wire chains similar to Viking knit. I thought that combining chains with beading would be cool, so I enrolled. I found that I really loved working with wire and making chains, so I started to research chain making in books and on-line. That’s how I discovered chain maille.  I’ve also explored Etruscan-style fused loop-in-loop chains.

My chain work led me to other metal-related pursuits. I completed the PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Guild’s certification program in 2007.  I’ve also had the good fortune to have been able to take many metalsmithing classes taught by some exceptional instructors/artists.

My first chain maille piece was this simple 3-3 chain bracelet.

FirstChainMaille_3in3

Can you describe your creative process?

E41SpiralEarringsLOSI wish I had a process. Sometimes ideas just come to me – especially when I’m on auto-pilot, like when I’m in the shower or brushing my teeth, or when my mind is wandering, like right before I drift off to sleep.  If I can, I’ll write them down on the nearest piece of paper, or paper-like object, I can find.  I tried to train myself to use a notebook, but it is not always within reach and I’m not always that disciplined.  I’ve got lots of odd scraps of paper and napkins with illegible pen marks floating around.  Usually, I just write words describing my idea.  Sometimes I TRY to draw it out.  Drawing is NOT a talent I possess.  Some never get put on paper and just evaporate.

Many people say they are inspired by nature, architecture or fashion.  I’m more inspired by shapes and patterns.  I notice patterns and shapes everywhere.  I hope that makes sense – it’s hard to explain.

I often just start with a hint of an idea in my head.  Sometimes, I’ll try a new weave and just start weaving.  While I’m working on something, I’ll often turn it around, flip it over, hold it upside down, fold or twist it, and ideas often come from just manipulating a piece.

Other times, I’ll see an old piece in a new way, or see how I can combine an old or unfinished piece with something that I’m currently working on.

I’d like to add, that for each of the successful projects I’ve completed, there are dozens of failures or pieces that are just “not quite right”.  I’ve got containers full of UFO’s.

E41ConstellationCollar

What made you decide to publish your first book?

The “perfect storm” of recession, unemployment and illness.  Before the recession, I had a day job, and I taught the occasional chain maille class when I had time off.  My students always commented on the quality of my instructional handouts.  Many suggested that I get them published, but I had no intention to do so.

Then, the recession hit, and my employer went out of business, leaving me unemployed.  During this time, I was also diagnosed with Meniere’s disease – an incurable chronic inner ear condition that produces tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo (the worst symptom), making it very difficult to hold down a 9 to 5 job.  I had to find something I could do on my own terms.

I had all these handouts that I had created, and they had been student-tested.  Also, there were not many chain maille books on the market at that time, so I took a shot.  What did I have to lose?  My manuscript was accepted by the first publisher I sent it to.  I was VERY lucky!

Congrats! (I mean, I know it’s pretty late of me to be saying that… but it’s such a great testament to your expertise, artistry and hard work that your proposal was accepted right off the bat!)


What was the hardest part about creating that first book? And what was your favorite part?

I never really set out to write the first book, it just kind of happened.  I already had the bulk of the text and photos completed, in the form of class handouts. To turn my handouts into a book, I organized them in a logical progression.  Then, I added an opening chapter covering tools and materials, and a concluding chapter covering finishing techniques.  I could only work when I was not suffering from vertigo. It took me a few months to finish the writing, and then I had to put together and submit the proposal package.  After that, the hardest part was waiting.  My favorite part was experiencing the publication process for the first time, even though it was challenging at times.

What was hard and easy about the second book?

The easy part was knowing what to expect. Since I had been through the publication process once before, I knew what my responsibilities would be.

The most difficult part about making the second book was proofing the diagrams.  The weaves in the second book are more complicated than the weaves in the first book. The complexity made it more difficult for the illustrator to create the diagrams and for me to review them. I had to follow each ring in every diagram with my eyes, ensuring that the “unders” and “overs” were correct – many, many hours of very tedious work.

Having published a few books, what would you say are the benefits? And drawbacks?

TinyScaleFlowerNecklaceIn short, if you’re looking for fame and fortune, you’ll be disappointed! 😊  I’d like to say that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to publish two books.  It was challenging, but also rewarding.  The pros are mostly intangible – like the sense of personal accomplishment you get from being a published author and the boost to your professional reputation provided by the publication of your work.  The process of writing and working with an editor was a valuable experience that pushed me to improve, both as an author and as an artist.  And, it’s fun to see my books in a book store or library!

The pros and cons of working with a publisher are:

Pro: They have a team of professionals; editors, photographers, illustrators, layout designers, etc. that make your work look attractive and professional.

Pro:  They have a network of industry contacts that will get your book in stores and out to the appropriate audience.

Con: The publisher has a lot of say regarding the look and content of your book: whether to use diagrams or photos, the lay out, the fonts, the cover design and title, the length, the price, the date of publication, what stays in and what gets cut.  They will listen to your opinion, but ultimately, they make the final decision.  So, you have to be OK with giving up some of your control over the material.

Here’s a link to an article I stumbled across a few years ago called Is It Worth It to Write a Craft Book?  I bookmarked it because I thought it provided a realistic description of some of the issues involved in publishing a craft book in the internet age.

 

Of course, the question everyone wants to know: When will your next book be published?

TinyScaleAsymS-EarringsI don’t know if I’ll do another one.  Shortly after the second book was released, I completed a third book that focused on using Tiny Scales.  I shopped it around to a few publishers, but the consensus was that the subject matter was too niche.  So, after sitting on the material for several months while searching for a publisher, I decided to break up the book into individual projects and offer them as separate tutorials on my website.

I’ve recently begun to make some chain maille tutorials available as well.  So far, a few Dragonscale projects and Hoodoo Hex Earrings – I plan to add more.

DSMermaidTail_8556I find that I like the ability to release material at my discretion.  When writing a book or a magazine article, the publisher expects the writer to keep things under wraps until publication.  It’s difficult to resist the urge to post pictures of new projects that I’m excited about on my website or social media because I’m waiting for the publication date to arrive (which can be a year or more from the creation of the project).  I also like having total control of my content.

Having published both a book and stand-alone tutorials, I must say that I agree with ALL of what you just said!

What is/are your current goal(s)?

Just to stay healthy and keep on weaving.

What’s your favorite piece that you’ve created?

My favorite piece is always the newest one.  Here’s my newest – the Mermaid Necklace.

MermaidNecklace

What is one tool that you cannot live without?

FavePliers-Xuron483I guess that would be my pliers.  I’ve got lots!!!!  Lately, I find myself most frequently reaching for my set of Xuron 483 short, wide, flat-nose pliers. I’ve slightly modified the jaws, making them thinner (not narrower), so they are just right for most of my needs.  Some of my students have done the same.   If you want to know more, check out my blog post: How I Modify My Plier Jaws.

I’ve also applied adhesive “jewels” to mine so my students don’t accidentally walk off with them (which happens from time to time, because our pliers all look the same).

OMG, I love the bejeweled pliers!

So, when I did a call for questions on FB for this post, in addition to several questions already asked, you received two VERY specific questions from the audience! They know you well. 😉

1 – Do you plan on or have done a hoodoo hex tut or a moorish rose tut?

I recently added a Hoodoo Hex Earring tutorial to my website.  I’ll leave the Moorish Rose to Lisa Ellis!

HoodooHexEarringsAA

Haha, fair enough. To me, Lisa is Queen of Moorish Rose!

2 – How do I improve my closures? I’m already better than I used to be. Do you have suggestions on how to get even better?

Practice, practice, practice! That said, it is difficult to diagnose what your exact issue might be without seeing how you work.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • The right tools are important. I like flat nose pliers best because I feel the amount of surface contact they provide gives me greater control.  Use armorer’s style pliers when weaving with large rings, thick gauges or stiff metals. Use smaller jawed pliers (I like Xuron 475 short flat nose or Xuron chisel nose pliers) when weaving with small jump rings. Make sure the handle length and shape feel comfortable in your hands, and that the spring is not too springy.
  • Brace your arms on your work surface when weaving to keep steady – no “air weaving”.
  • Support your work so that the full weight of the piece is not working against you.
  • Remember to use good form – pliers placed at approximately 10 and 2 o’clock positions, inside surface of jaws parallel to the surface of the jump ring and apply inward pressure evenly to close the kerf (ends should overlap). For difficult to close rings, applying inward pressure when opening can be beneficial.  Don’t pull, push or roll your wrists.  The “death grip” is not helpful.  Try choking up a bit on the pliers.
  • Always check each ring, vertically and horizontally, to ensure it looks good before moving on to the next. I usually run my finger over each closure as well, to catch what my eyes might have missed.
Bracelet16gSS

OK, Onto the quick questions that I ask all participating artists:

Do you listen to music/podcasts/tv/etc while mailling? If so, what are your favorites?

Sometimes I watch TV, sometimes I listen to music, and sometimes my husband reads to me (usually articles from the Boston Globe about the Red Sox).  If I have the TV on while I’m weaving, it’s usually something that I don’t really need to look at (re-runs, news, favorite old movies).  It’s just on for background noise, which takes my mind off my tinnitus.  My favorite music will date me – Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Beatles.

TinyScaleChevronEarrings

What are your favorite artists (chainmaille or otherwise)?

I’ve got a very long list of chainmaille artists whose work I admire.  I’ll begin with you, Rebeca Mojica.  Your book, Chained, was one of the first chain maille books I bought!  Here are just a few more names that come to mind: Lisa Ellis Joshua Diliberto, FeMailler, Corvus, ItIsKnown, Scalesmythe (Forge & Fleece), Spider, Brilliant Twisted Skulls, Rapt in Maille, Steam Punk Garage, Hanibal King, Stephen Hoffman, Tony Moeller, Brigitte Chainmaille, Zili, Chainmailbasket, Hyperlynks, Dawdling Dragons, 202east, Punklette Originals, Kristina Griffin, Asia Azran OIH Design…

[Editor’s Note: Some of these artists have been featured in our Meet the Artist series, and you can read those interviews here: Lisa Ellis , Joshua Diliberto, ItIsKnown, Tony Moeller and Spider.)

What do you do when you’re not making chainmaille?

I’m either knitting or crocheting!  I find a lot of similarities between knitting/crocheting and chain maille.

What would your superpower be and why?

Teleportation, because I love to visit new places, but my inner ear condition makes travel difficult. 😄

What’s one thing Blue Buddha readers might be surprised to know about you?

The thing about me that usually surprises most people is that I make chain maille for a living, but you already know that!

Before we let you go, please tell us where we can find your work!

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, Karen! I really enjoyed learning about how you got started and your experiences writing your books!

TinyScaleExoskeletonEarrings

And thank you, readers and fans of this series. While you’re here, be sure to check out the previous “Meet an Artist” posts: http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/blog/category/ask-an-artist-series/ and let me know if there’s anyone you want to see interviewed and any questions you have for them. ‘Til next time, happy crafting!

The Complete List Of All Purple Power Chainmaille Kits

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These Limited-Edition DIY Chainmaille Kits Were Created To Honor Pantone® Color of the Year 2018 Ultra Violet

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions expressed are my own.

power to the purple banner with ultra violet chainmaille designsInspired by the lovely Ultra Violet Color Of The Year from Pantone®, Blue Buddha Boutique launched limited-edition chainmaille kits throughout 2018 that prominently featured purple anodized aluminum jump rings.

Below is the complete list of all the Purple Power kits. Shop now, because once they are good, most of them are gone for good. And, if you’re making some of these as gifts for your favorite purple-loving person, check out these inexpensive purple satin gift bags and purple jewelry gift boxes for the ultimate purple gift packaging! (Additional packaging ideas at the end of this blog post.)

Shop all Purple Kits:

pirouette chainmaille weave by rebeca mojica in lavender seafoam and purple Pirouette (Lavender Fields)
Pirouette (Goth)
Pirouette (Sunset)
elfweave braid chainmaille weave in purple Elfweave Braid
Sleek Cuff weave by Blue Buddha Boutique in purple Sleek Cuff (Purple & Violet)

Sleek Cuff (Purple & Black)
jens pind chainmaille bracelet in purple, violet and lavender Jens Pind
Hepatica
Celtic Spikes
purple, pink and turquoise dodecahedron Purple Dodecahedron pendant
pink to purple to black fade mngwa bracelet on mannequin arm Purple Mngwa bracelet
Zig Zag Byzantine
(purple is a regularly stocked color for this kit)

If you just can’t get enough purple, check out this curated list of purple tools, accessories and packaging supplies:





This NYC Fashion Designer Creates Exclusive Metal Couture For the Modern Warrior

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Meet Sally, The Artist Behind The Scalemaille Work of It Is Known

Scalemaille designer Sally of It Is Known wearing iridescent blue and green statement necklace

Photo by Austin Hill

Medieval armor meets high fashion in the meticulous work of It Is Known. They specialize in wearable art made of “scalemaille”—small, leaf-shaped metal components individually linked by hand in their atelier in New York.

I’ve been fascinated by their creations and stunning photoshoots ever since one of their spaulders popped up on my Instagram feed. Of course, I then proceeded to lose myself down the rabbit hole of the entire @ItIsKnown IG page!

Find out more about It Is Known’s founder and designer Sally R. in this edition of Blue Buddha’s Meet the Artist series.

Unlike previous interviews, which were all conducted remotely, I was lucky enough to meet up with Sally while she was here in LA for a few days. It was great to pick her brain in person as well as online. Spoiler alert: I think she has my favorite response ever to “What would your superpower be?”

Enjoy getting to know Sally below!

 

Thanks for taking some time to let us get to know you, Sally! First off – how did you come up with the name for your business?

“It Is Known” is a reference to George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones series. It’s a saying used throughout the novels by the Dothraki people to explain knowledge and myths that have persisted throughout the community for centuries but don’t require rational explanation. For me, it’s a nod to the series (I’m a fan of it), the long and storied history of chainmaille, and in a way, an explanation of artistic inspiration … How do creators know when a piece needs to be edited or if it’s unbalanced? How do they know when it’s beautiful? When it’s finished? In all these ways, a creator may respond, simply, “It is known.”

Woman in scalemaille collar and chainmaille skirt and winged headgear standing in water

STYLING & CHAINMAILLE: It Is Known Photo: Andrew J. Bacha Model: Lady Leanen Sidhe Gown: Moresca

 

How did you get started with chainmaille/scalemaille?

Woman with purple hair wearing purple and silver scalemaille necklace

“Mesh and Rosettes” necklace—Sally’s first chainmaille piece. Photo by Austin Hill.

I started making chainmaille on a whim. In 2015, I was in the midst of preparing for a big trip to Castle Burg Finstergrun in Austria. Fantasy/high-concept formalwear is a big part of the event, and I decided to make some chainmaille accessories by following the “Mesh and Rosettes” tutorial from Blue Buddha Boutique.

The tutorial instilled so much confidence in me that I enthusiastically began to make a scalemaille panel corset to go with it, figuring I would teach myself scalemaille using The Ring Lord tutorials and YouTube in the few weeks before the trip. Since I had experience making corsets, I figured this would be easy (which, in retrospect, is funny and a cliché)! I almost had to eat my words, but I did finish the project―a handmade corset, 3,000+ scales in the front panel and all―24 hours before my flight, and gained some humility in terms of the intricacies of chainmaille. My fiancée, Austin, professionally photographed my projects and I shared the images online.

In September of the same year, a photographer contacted me to make him a custom “Red Sonja” style bikini set, based on corset and necklace projects I posted online. I spent about 6 weeks constructing the bra and skirt prototypes, and, again, my fiancée photographed them. The photographer was happy with my work and photographed the pieces extensively, and from there on out I fell in love with chainmaille, spending a great deal of my free time prototyping women’s wear on my dress form and envisioning new styles. I soft-launched It Is Known in late 2015 on Etsy―just a few spaulder styles and my bikini design―and things evolved from there into the current line of offerings.

Fashion designer Sally wearing scalemaille corset

Can you walk us through your fashion/chainmaille career over the years? (For instance, how has your work/focus evolved? How does your fashion background influence what you do? etc)

When I officially launched It Is Known in 2015, I decided to focus on women’s clothing and large-format accessories, primarily scalemaille with chainmaille accents. I chose to focus on that area because I already had experience with apparel design (flat pattern design/draping/stitching), so it made the most sense to do I already was drawn to. I also noticed that while there were established artists offering custom chainmaille on an individually-commissioned basis, fewer artists were offering prêt-à-porter or semi-custom designs with clear prices. I thought a selection of prêt-à-porter maille clothing and large accessories, beautifully photographed, had the potential to excite a different sort of customer, one who would otherwise think of chainmaille as only for Renaissance Faires, be intimidated by the custom commission/quoting process, or be unfamiliar with chainmaille’s potential as a medium. I was also really interested in having the photos of my work be as beautiful as possible: I am on a bit of a perpetual quest to get an Internet audience to see chainmaille clothing/accessories in the way that the people who make it see it―as wearable art.

magazine article and photo with Joan of Arc style chainmailleSince I started It Is Known in 2015, I’ve produced two fashion shows, added quite a few publishing credits to my name (the one for Faerie Magazine was a favorite as I wrote an article for them, too), worked several film projects (recently Ocean’s Eight), and learned a lot in the process.

A few things have changed: I started working with another, very talented artist, Dan of Forge and Fleece on select projects and wholesale orders. That’s been a nurturing and rewarding partnership―Dan is such a talented and seasoned artist who is professional, kind, and generous with his knowledge. I’ve also expanded the product line beyond womenswear and began to develop some designs for men and unisex products. So far, quite a few people have been interested in the male and unisex line, so I’m looking to expand it even further. I’ve also had the opportunity to commission or collaborate with some other creatives (designers, models, photographers, etc) that I profoundly respect, and my own work is the better for it. I really can’t say enough about how much making art is a collaborative effort for me, and how enriching it is to work with other artists.

Your photos with models are amazing. Can you talk a bit about what’s involved with a professional photo shoot?

Woman wearing scalemaille and fancy headpiece in front of hieroglyphicsThank you so much! I’m excited to say more about that. In recent years I’ve realized that shoot coordination and creative direction is as much a part of what I do as chainmaille, so I lean into that in my business model. In my mind, the most successful shoots are the ones that involve a great team—in addition to the model and the photographer, a hair stylist, makeup artist, assistants, etc—whatever the project requires to fully realize the intended outcome. As such, I spend quite a bit of pre-shoot prep time sourcing coordinating wardrobe/doing pulls, developing the concept or negotiating it with the other creatives, making moodboards, location scouting, etc. When organizing a photoshoot myself, I like to take a hands-on approach so that I know everything fits well and coordinates. On the day of the shoot, it’s important to me that other members of the crew feel respected and comfortable—my work is often nearly done by the time I arrive on set, so I want to make sure that they have the space to do theirs.

The other sorts of photoshoots I do are rentals and pulls. Since I know how much work goes into creative direction and wardrobe styling, it can feel like “magic” when those clients are kind enough to circle back with images!

Although professional photoshoots require an investment of time and money, I think the results are worth it. I’m inspired by seeing other professionals execute their art in real-time, and I learn something new every time I shoot.

woman with scalemaille collar and bustle holding glowing orb

“Myth” Series Scalemaille: It Is Known Model/MUA: Kara Markley Sterling Photographer: James Sterling Photo Skirt & Corset: Reminisce Shoppe

What inspires you?

The imagery of the Pre-Raphelite brotherhood is a huge source of inspiration for me. On the flip side, I’m also drawn to the art of H.R. Giger and the bold lines of M.C. Escher—I’m drawn to imagery that’s either very hard, cold, and biomechanical or warm, natural, and classically feminine. In terms of photography, the concepts behind Tim Walker’s work as well as his technical skill represent a creative zenith for me: I never get tired of looking at his images.

Do you pay attention to fashion trends? If so, how do you stay on top of them and put them to use in your work? If you disregard trends, why? 

I pay attention to movements and trends in culture (and popular culture) more than fashion trends—understanding the current landscape in film, television, emerging ideas/schools of thought, literature and research and in subcultures around the world can serve any artist interpersonally as well as creatively. At the same time, I also spend a great deal of time reading and absorbing media that fit my values and aesthetics to hone the style of my work and improve my craftsmanship/design.

When it comes to the design process (work in the private sphere), I strive to create work that I find personally beautiful, but when it comes to the business aspect (my work in the public sphere), I’m interested in discovering what speaks to other people and how my designs fit into their frame of reference. Imagery is a special medium in that it can communicate ideas without words—someone halfway around the world can see your pieces, feel connected to them, and appreciate them without even needing to know the same language. That’s powerful to me. On the technical side, the feedback loop between designer and customer helps me improve first-generation designs: if I discover something that will make a design a bit better (in terms of quality, design, fit, cost), I will tweak the next piece I make or release a more refined version. I do pay attention to shifts and changes in fashion trends while also understanding that my goal as an artist is to have a recognizable style that satisfies me.

man wearing scalemaille collar and chainmaille shirt

ALL SCALEMAILLE & STYLING: It Is Known Chainmaille Shirt: Forge & Fleece Model: A.W. Hill Photo: Andrew J. Bacha (Aka Box Top Photopgraphy)

Who is your typical customer?

I work with all kinds of people, and about 1/3 of my work is custom or semi-custom. Since my designs are statement pieces, the majority of my individual customers are shopping for an event or an occasion. A lot of my customers are from the Renaissance Faire, Pride, Burning Man and music festival circuit, (and Halloween of course) as well as attendees of Goth and alternative events. I also do wholesale projects and commissions for film/TV and photoshoots—those are fun, especially when I don’t have to wait over a year before talking about a project!

When it comes to custom work for individual clients, I feel honored when people feel comfortable letting me know about the story behind their commission, and trust me to treat an “unusual” request with sensitivity and intelligence. Seeing my work enjoyed in person or worn in photos is the best feeling, whether it’s a “high-profile” project or an individual—I never get tired of that.

cover of total tattoo magazine with Cervena Fox wearing a black scalemaille bra

How would you describe your own personal style?

My daily personal style could be described as “minimal color, maximal cut.” I wear a lot of black and solid colors, but I like clothes with striking cuts and interesting design details. My event and eveningwear is a bit more fantastical and colorful, and my hair has been blonde, ombre purple, rose gold, peach, etc. I like to buy from other independent designers or go to sample sales in NYC—the quality tends to be better than fast fashion, and the supply chain tends to be more transparent. In terms of well-known designers, Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.) is a personal inspiration.

What is your current goal?

A long-term goal of mine (perhaps ten years on—after all, this is a big project!) is to compile a book of patterns for scalemaille and chainmaille clothing, and to apply the concepts of pattern grading (from fabric/conventional apparel design) to chainmaille clothing. I’m very passionate about documentation, and I’d love to pass something on to the chainmaille community.

Oooo! That would be a great resource for the community!

What’s your favorite piece that you’ve created?

My “favorite” design tends to change every few months. Right now I’m very excited about this Romanov weave harness I made—it was time-consuming, but I’m really pleased with how it turned out. I think I’ll do a sister piece based off it in darker tones!

woman wearing cold shoulder blue dress with intricate chainmaille halter

What is one tool that you cannot live without?

closeup of plier jaws modified to make chainmailleMy Joshua Diliberto rare earth magnet pliers are indispensable, and great for my hand/arm health.

Anyone who makes maille clothing or works with heavier gauges/tougher materials should own a pair.

 

OK, onto some quick questions:

Do you listen to music/podcasts/tv/etc while mailling? If so, what are your favorites?

Photographer: @andrewjbacha Stylist/Chainmaille: @itisknown Model: @gjermspiration Tunic: #TonyaRingDesign

Photographer: @andrewjbacha Stylist/Chainmaille: @itisknown Model: @gjermspiration Tunic: #TonyaRingDesign

I do! I tend to listen to audiobooks, because I’m always behind on my personal reading goals. Music-wise I listen to gothic and industrial music while working—the sub-genres and moods within both are diverse, complex, and ever-evolving. If I’m solving a design issue well into the night, I especially like to listen to shoegaze and darkwave because of the rich soundscapes. If I need to get through a big order in a short amount of time, Wax Trax-era industrial will do the trick. I consistently return to the Cocteau Twins and Faun for nighttime creative bursts, and Frontline Assembly or Skinny Puppy for deadlines. Drab Majesty is a relatively recent favorite.

What are your favorite artists (chainmaille or otherwise)?

It would be hard for me to pick favorite creators within the chainmaille community—there are a lot of talented artists with distinctive and recognizable personal style. To me, if I can look at a piece and say, “Oh ___ made that,” then that person is a successful artist—they have a signature style. That being said, I’m a fan of Dr. T., Stephen Hoffman, Sunshyne of Chainmail & More, (previously Sblades) and Lord Randolph of Chainmail Fashions because of the work each has done with large-format chainmaille and chainmaille clothing. If it’s not too on the nose to compliment the person interviewing me, I’ve always admired your work (Rebeca Mojica Jewelry) for its adventurous use of color and the impeccable documentation of your tutorials!

Awww. *blushes* Thank you so much!

What do you do when you’re not making chainmaille?

When I’m not making chainmaille I’m at the gym, doing creative direction for photoshoots, traveling, or attending local goth and industrial events..

What would your superpower be and why?

Pliers for hands! I’m kidding (I think). 😄



What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?


Business-wise, the best advice I was ever given was to control “optional” overhead costs in the growth stages of a business—worry about creating beautiful and high-quality products, customer service, etc before you worry about renting out a corner office (or even printing business cards). I’ve applied that lean growth philosophy to every stage of my business so far, and it’s served me well.

What’s one thing Blue Buddha readers might be surprised to know about you?

I love to weight train and I’m a lifelong athlete!

Before we let you go, please tell us where we can find your work!

Website: https://itisknown.net/
Etsy shop:  ItIsKnown
Instagram: @itisknown
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/itisknowndesign/

You can find It Is Known in person in NYC at Gothic Renaissance. Our seasonal suppliers change and are listed on the It Is Known website.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, Sally! I really enjoyed learning about your success and I loved geeking out with you in person!

chainmaille artisans Rebeca and Sally standing side by side

The artists behind Rebeca Mojica Jewelry and It Is Known. Photo by Austin Hill.

And thank you, readers and fans of this series. While you’re here, be sure to check out the previous “Meet an Artist” posts: http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/blog/category/ask-an-artist-series/ and let me know if there’s anyone you want to see interviewed and any questions you have for them. ‘Til next time, happy crafting!