12 Days of Craftmas: Four Ms. Anna Art Blocks

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On the fourth day of Craftmas, the Blue Buddha Artisan Market gave to me …

Four art blocks by Ms. Anna Art.

Ms Anna Art blocks

Ms. Anna is a facepainter, story writer, and art maker based in Chicago. She wrote, illustrated and self-published the children’s book “Everybody Hoops But Me” in 2013, and just released a new board book for babies, SillyFace. More of Ms. Anna’s stories can be read on her blog www.annatodaroblog.com.

Come see more of Ms. Anna’s decorative art blocks in person at the Blue Buddha Artisan Market, 1127 W. Granville in Chicago, or visit her website msannaart.com.

12 Days of Craftmas: Three Bags by Poise.cc

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On the second day of Craftmas, the Blue Buddha Artisan Market gave to me …

Three bags hand crafted by Poise.cc.

Reusable snack bags

Poise.cc is the small handbag empire of Cinnamon Cooper, a founding member of the Chicago Craft Mafia and original organizer of the DIY Trunk Show. For many reasons, she’s pretty great. We love that her bags are durable, versatile and extremely high quality. The three bags pictured above are from her line of reusable food bags — a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to zip-top baggies. The fabric used for these bags is made in the USA and has been approved by the FDA as food-safe. They are water resistant, machine-washable and have zipper closures. 

Come see more of Cinnamon’s creations in person at the Blue Buddha Artisan Market, 1127 W. Granville in Chicago, or visit her website poise.cc.

12 Days of Craftmas: Two Ornaments by Do Bats Eat Cats?

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On the second day of Craftmas, the Blue Buddha Artisan Market gave to me …

Two chainmaille holiday ornaments by Do Bats Eat Cats?

dobatseatcats_ornaments

Do Bats Eat Cats? is close to B3’s heart as it is the company of our very own Darlene Ostrowski.

She creates gothic chainmaille earrings, necklaces, and bracelets; holiday ornaments in both traditional and nontraditional color palettes — perfect for Yule or Solstice trees — as well as accessories full of skulls, bats, spiders and cats. For Do Bats Eat Cats?, every day is Halloween! Darlene weaves each item by hand, one ring at a time.

Come see her creations in person at the Blue Buddha Artisan Market, 1127 W. Granville in Chicago, or visit her website www.dobatseatcats.com.

 

12 Days of Craftmas: One Chainmaille Mandala

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Rebeca Mojica jewelry

(Click to enlarge.) The Chainmaille Mandala is woven from more than 27,000 jump rings and measures 23″ x 23″.

Happy holidays, everyone! We hope this season finds you celebrating with loved ones and enjoying a hot chocolate or five. It’s a busy time of year, and sometimes our gift-giving lists are full of really hard-to-shop-for folks!

Let us help: Stop by the Blue Buddha Boutique Artisan Market, a diverse collection of locally handmade items crafted by some of the most talented artisans in the Midwest.

Let us begin the 12 Day of Craftmas, a blog series that will highlight just a few of the artisans who make every item in the market by hand.

And now that we’ve teased you with the promise of fantastic gifts for the next 12 days, we give you Day 1 — something that is not for sale. We know, we know — but it’s so impressive, it deserves the spotlight: Rebeca Mojica’s Chainmaille Mandala.

Euro 4 in 1 mesh chainmaille

(Click to enlarge.) This close-up shows the rows and rows of European 4-1 that make up the Mandala.

Stop by and see the Mandala and our entire Artisan Market in person — we’re located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago at 1127 W. Granville Avenue.

And stay tuned for the next 11 Days of Craftmas …

B3’s End-of-2014 Clearance Sale is ON!

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As 2014 winds down, it’s time for our end-of-year inventory clearance sale – and you can save BIG. Shop now to save on overstock items, as well as soon-to-be discontinued pieces.

SALE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • B3 Seconds! Read more about these rings here. For B3 Seconds, use coupon code B32NDS to receive 10% off these jump rings that are already a great cost-savings option! In fact, folks are often pleasantly surprised that our Seconds are considered just that — yes, we’re that picky. *wink*

The following items have been further reduced and are priced as marked on our Sale page, no coupon code necessary:

  • Sterling Silver: Yes, we had to say goodbye to silver this year, but we still have some gorgeous findings and rings that are now listed at incredible savings!
  • Kits: Check out our overstock kits. You’ll save up to an additional 20% off on these!
  • Rubber O-Rings: We introduced a new line of rubber rings this year, but we still have some of our previous style in stock — and now they’re 30% off!
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And stay tuned! Before the year is over we just may have some more close-out surprises to come.

Happy weaving!