We’re Hiring!

We continue to be buried under an avalanche of orders, and we’re looking for someone to help shovel us out. :-)

Specifically, we need an inventory assistant/quality controller who is available to work weekends or nights/early mornings. This is an entry-level position, but there is plenty of room for growth within the company for the right person. We’re accepting applications now, and will begin interviewing in early August. Please see our employment opportunities page for more details.

“Monsters & Money in the Morning”

This morning I appeared on CBS’ Monsters & Money in the Morning as an example of a small business thriving in these economic times. The producer saw the article in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune and wanted to find out more.

Here’s a few screenshots:

Me, wearing the Dodecahedron Choker.

Mike North contemplating my sculpture titled, “It’ll always be Sears to Me!”

The entire roundtable

Two necklaces. Note the clock in the background–yep, that would be 5:17 a.m. I woke up at the early hour of 3:00 this morning in order to appear on the show. Whew!

On an interesting sidenote, the makeup artist fell in love with my necklace. She told me that she knows someone who recently took a chainmaille class in Chicago and has been making pieces like mad! I would bet 10,000 H18 anodized aluminum rings that the class was with Kat or Vanessa. Small world!

Blue Buddha featured in the Chicago Tribune

I’m excited that Blue Buddha Boutique is featured in the Minding Your Business column by Ann Meyer in the Chicago Tribune. I appreciate being recognized for my artistic talents, but it is also immensely satisfying to be acknowledged in the business community. You know, bridging that whole right-brain/left-brain thing and all. :-)

See the full article here: Small businesses have flexibility to make big changes. And if you’re local, grab a print copy to see a full-color photo. (I can’t scan it in and upload it here, due to copyright.)

Intricate Japanese weave pendant

Here’s a sneak peek at a design that didn’t make it into my upcoming book.

It is a large pendant. I actually love the pattern, but am not 100% happy with the movement of the piece. It tends to lie fairly flat when worn, but I would prefer a piece that is stiffer and less supple (ie, less prone to curling when the wearer leans forward). So it’s back to the drawing board for this one.

For those crafters who are curious, the piece uses size B20 sterling and niobium (latte blend and mermaid blend), and size G19 in sterling. Yes, you can feel free to reconstruct this piece for yourself. :-) Here’s a head-on image for easy reference: