Anodized Aluminum updates

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Over the past few months, some of you have undoubtedly noticed that Blue Buddha’s stock of anodized aluminum jump rings hasn’t been as plentiful as it used to be.  Just like we updated you on our enameled copper jump ring situation a month ago, we’d like to keep you in the loop with our Anodized Aluminum issues.

First off, anodizing aluminum can be a tricky process.  The current way in which our rings are anodized is called basket anodizing (in which all the rings are compressed together in a basket and dipped in the dye).  This method is usually fast, but it tends to lead to a lot of color variation.  In case you missed it, check out the articles below for more information on the process:

We’ve had a great relationship with our USA-based anodizing company for the past two  years, but unfortunately our main contact there left and the transition to a new team hasn’t been as smooth as we’d like.  Literally overnight, their turnaround time increased from 3 weeks to more than 6 months for some colors.  And the quality on the batches we were receiving was so poor, most had to be sent back to the anodizer.  So yes, believe me, we understood your frustration well.  We, too, couldn’t understand why everything had changed!  A turnaround of longer than 3 weeks was unacceptable for us, and it was certainly not the best use of our cash to have hundreds of pounds of plain rings sitting at the anodizer at any given time, waiting to be anodized.

After many phone calls, we found out that one of the reasons for the delay was because the person who usually anodized our rings had an accident and was out of commission for some time.  Additionally, before sending inventory to us, the company was trying to fully quality control all the 20-gauge rings by hand-picking the off-color rings.  (To the anodizer’s credit, they had spent many hours and tens of thousands of dollars researching an assembly line automated quality control machine, but alas, this machine was unable to be perfected.)  So, we suggested they simply send us the 20ga rings as-is, and we will have our folks quality control them here.  That way, we aren’t held up waiting for someone several states away to sift through a quarter of a million rings in one color before they’re even sent to us.  Instead, we can quality control them here, 50,000 at a time or so, and better keep up with orders.

Although that has helped, we are still looking for backup anodizers to help us keep up with demand, especially because we would love to launch our highly-anticipated “bulk buy” option.  Obviously, there’s no way we can offer rings in bulk until our current stock issues are well under control.

Finding new anodizers has been exceeding challenging!  The “bright-dip” process that gives our rings a nice, shiny finish is prohibited in Illinois.  So we can’t fill our needs locally and we’re looking out of state.  Although there are a plethora of anodizers in the U.S., it is difficult to find someone who wants to handle our (relatively small) volume.  All of the companies we’ve spoken to thusfar have given us very expensive quotes. (And we’re pretty sure none of you would pay $60 for a 1000-pack of D20 jump rings!)  So essentially, it’s just a very time-consuming process of going through lists of anodizers and getting quotes and samples.

We are considering switching to “rack” anodizing for at least our 20ga rings.  With this method, the coils are anodized and the rings cut later.  This means that the overall color consistency of a single ring will be nearly perfect, although the ends will not be colored.  It also means that batches will have to be very closely monitored to make sure different dye lots aren’t mixed together during the cutting process.  But overall, the time required to quality control should decrease significantly. We’re doing some testing and will share the results with you to find out the best solution for all of us.

In the meantime, I was hoping to be able to post a list of upcoming AA batches that will be ready soon, but unfortunately, the product we’ve been receiving in the past few weeks has once again been unreliable, and I’d hate to make promises that we cannot deliver on.  :-(

Know that our Buyer, Jen, and myself are working hard to find more anodizers to meet our needs.  (If you happen to know someone, or a friend-of-a-friend, in this industry, please do send ’em our way!)  We’ve both lost sleep over this issue and are committed to solving it once and for all.

 

Ask an Artist: How do you create a successful collaboration?

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Micromaille Chainmaille Cuff by Rebeca Mojica & Sarah Chapman

Collaboration is a hot topic these days!  Just look at the success of such collaborative models as crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, curated content sites like Pinterest and countless indie craft shows where folks pool their resources and their audience base in order to grow their following.  There is no shortage of opportunities to team up and make things happen in today’s highly connective world.

But what about good, old-fashioned, artistic collaborations?  Projects that bring together great minds to create works that are more than the sum of their parts?  As creative folks, how can we leverage connectivity to help us create projects we had only dreamed about?  This is the subject of our next “Ask an Artist” post featuring our own Rebeca Mojica and fellow metals artist Sarah Chapman.  (See the product of their collaboration left, a micromaille chainmaille cuff with handmade clasp.)

Sarah Chapman | metalsmith

Sarah Chapman - metalsmithMy work is inspired by architecture, by nature as architect, as well as by my desire to build. My newest series is based on the ideas of movement, the migrations of birds and insects, and also stems from my recent personal migration from Chicago to Minneapolis.  See more of Sarah’s work on her website: www.chapmanmetals.com.

Collaborations have worked well for me in the past because they have given me an excuse to work on a bigger project or experiment with different techniques and processes. My collaboration with Rebeca was no exception. I wanted to make some more complicated clasps and didn’t have the time to invest in the exploration, but this project gave me the excuse I needed. It was also fun to have discussions and to problem solve with someone whose work and working style I respect so much.

   

Rebeca Mojica | chainmaille jewelry artist

Rebeca Mojica - chainmaille artistI have always been a tactile person, so it is not surprising that I was drawn to the ancient art of chainmaille. As soon as I made my first piece—a belt—I realized it was incredibly soothing to link together ring after ring and watch a pattern unfold. I am inspired by fractal mathematics, organic shapes and architecture. Where other people see flowers, trees and buildings, and I see a world where everything is made of interlocked circles.  My brain spends a lot of time thinking, “OK, how could I make that out of maille?”  See more of Rebeca’s work on her website: www.rebecamojica.com.

I enjoy collaboration because it gives me the chance to create something greater than what I could do alone.  It often forces me to push my boundaries and almost always causes me to look at things with a new perspective.  I’d wanted to collaborate with Sarah for a long time.  I’ve always been in awe of her talents.  Something that most folks don’t know is that I took my first wirework class ever from Sarah back in 2002. She is an amazing instructor and very encouraging and inspiring. It is in part due to her that I decided to pursue jewelry-making as a career.  And now, here we are a decade later, having made a beautiful piece together.

   

We’ll be accepting questions starting today and ending Friday, September 14th. Your questions will be passed along to Sarah and Rebeca and their responses will be posted right here on our blog near the end of the month. You can submit your questions to us by posting them in the comments below, writing them on our wall on Facebook or emailing them to us at [email protected]. We can’t wait to see what you have to ask (and to hear their advice on the subject!)

Congratulations to August’s “Featured Product” contest winner!

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Voting for August’s Featured Product of the Month contest is officially closed and the winner as chosen by you is……

 

Joyce K. with her piece “Knotted Chainmaille Statement Necklace”


Knotted Chainmaille Statement Necklace

Congratulations, Joyce! Your creativity has earned you a B3 gift certificate for $25! To claim your prize, please send an email to [email protected].

 

 

FEATURED PRODUCT FOR SEPTEMBER – Large Jump Rings!


Arrowhead Necklace - Rebeca Mojica Jewelry

 

For September, it’s time to go big or go home! Your challenge is to create a piece that primarily uses jump rings size T (3/8″ – 9.5 mm) or larger. Visit our “Weave Ideas” posts to see some project ideas for our size T16 jump rings and weaves that work well with our X12 jump rings (weave ideas for size T14 jump rings can be found in this archived Student Newsletter.) You can also visit our base metal Stats & Uses page to see some suggested weaves for different sizes.

 

 

“Featured Product” Contest – September

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Arrowhead Necklace - Rebeca Mojica Jewelry

For September, it’s time to go big or go home! Your challenge is to create a piece that primarily uses jump rings size T (3/8″ – 9.5 mm) or larger. Visit our “Weave Ideas” posts to see some project ideas for our size T16 jump rings and weaves that work well with our X12 jump rings (weave ideas for size T14 jump rings can be found in this archived Student Newsletter.) You can also visit our base metal Stats & Uses page to see some suggested weaves for different sizes.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:




Make a project which primarily uses our featured product. The project can most definitely use other rings and components, but the featured product should really be the star of the piece. Please see the complete rules and details below for more information about qualifications.




Take a picture of your project and submit it using our official Featured Product Contest form (link below.) You may post the piece online somewhere and provide us with a link, or upload it directly in the form. You will be asked to provide your name and an email address we can use to contact you in case anything goes wrong with your submission—or if you are the winner of the contest!

GO TO THE SUBMISSION FORM

Submissions are closed at midnight CT on 15th of every month and are limited to 2 entry pieces per person.



Get Votes! Submissions will close on the 15th of each month at which point the B3 Staff will choose our favorites. The top entries will be eligible for voting through a survey which we will post to our blog. If you are one of the finalists, feel free to share the link with friends via email, Facebook, Twitter or any other means.

Voting will close on the last day of the month.

 


We will award the top voted finalist each month with a $25 B3 Gift Certificate and will feature YOUR project in a special blog post and possibly even future B3 ads to inspire fellow chainmaillers all over the world.



Complete contest rules and details: Submissions are limited to 2 per person and must use the featured product of the month as determined by Blue Buddha Boutique. The project is not required to be made from Blue Buddha Boutique rings, however any winning projects that use primarily rings from another supplier or rings made by the artist will not be eligible for posting on our blog or use in our ads to prevent false advertising. Pieces do not have to be specially created for the contest but should be no more than 12 months old. Current employees and interns of Blue Buddha Boutique are not eligible for this contest. Finalists are chosen by Blue Buddha Boutique and voted upon anonymously by the public to determine a winner. Submissions may be disqualified at the discretion of Blue Buddha Boutique if they are deemed inappropriate in any way. If a winner does not claim their prize within 15 days of notification, the second place winner will be awarded the prize.

The Blue Buddha Team – A look back as we look forward

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This time of year is always a bit nostalgic for us.  We have a lot of late-summer/early-fall employee anniversaries and our yearly staff retreat is always a reminder of how much the business has grown and changed over the years.  Soon, B3 will make the first big move we’ve made since the business moved out of Rebeca’s spare bedroom and next year, we’ll celebrate our 10th birthday!  All things considered, it seemed like a good time to take a look back at how far we’ve come.

This post explores Blue Buddha history from the perspectives of it’s employees who were asked to reminisce about their first days at B3 and also reflect on the changes we’ve made so far.  (We also included some of our favorite “family photos” from over the years for your viewing pleasure *wink*.)  Enjoy!

Artie – B3 Team Member since July 2007

My First Day: I started when most of the company fit into Rebeca’s spare bedroom/office. I had never trained and worked three feet away from a new boss – needless to say I had plenty of motivation to learn quickly! Thankfully, Rebeca always had time for my endless questions as I struggled to master all of the new information and tasks.

B3 had been growing long before I joined the team. Tumbling operations had taken over most of the kitchen, and shipping materials were camped out in the hallway. I used to hand write all of the shipping information on our packages, so I remember being excited about the new B3 return address labels. :)

My, how things have changed:  The business has changed in so many ways since I started. Mostly though, I appreciate the ways B3 hasn’t changed. B3’s core values have been the foundation of each incarnation, so it still feels like a close-knit (or tightly-woven?) “small” business – even though we’re recognized worldwide. About a year ago, I was reminded that full-timers are at work more often than they’re at home. It’s amazing to work with a wonderful and unique group of people who care about the company, our customers and each other. It’s not surprising that B3 has flourished, and I can only imagine even bigger and brighter things for the future.

Kat – B3 Team Member since February 2008

My First Day:  I was completely confused as I had no experience with metals other than copper and sterling.  I didn’t even know all of these other metals existed.  I was also excited as I had limited weave knowledge and was excited to learn new weaves.

We got done processing & filling orders within about 3 hours when I first started.  Also each person picked, filled, packed & put their own shipping labels on their own orders.  One person walked/drove to the PO everyday.

My, how things have changed: Now, orders never stop coming in!  We have a postal pickup (sometimes 2x a day.) We ship to a ton of different countries.  We are answering the phone non-stop.  And of course, there is absolutely very little room in the studio to move.

Jen – B3 Team Member since September 2008

 

My First Day: Most of my previous jobs were for big companies with many employees. I hardly ever interacted with the bigwigs and now here I was sitting and working in the same room with the owner! I must admit, it actually made me kind of nervous. Four years later and I’ve finally started to relax … a little. Everything changed so fast. We all did a little bit of everything. I went from inventory assistant to inventory coordinator/customer service to the buyer in what seemed like three, maybe four days.

My, how things have changed: Well, back in MY day we used to heel-toe it the 1.2 miles round trip to the post office and back. Now, the postal workers come to us. At that time there was TONS of room in the office – so much room that we could do yoga and aerobics and have relay races, even twirl around with our arms out if we really wanted. Now you can’t even take two steps without having to do the B3 Shuffle (raise your arms, back up, twirl, sway your hips and do whatever other dance steps necessary for one of you to get by). In all seriousness, we have evolved so much in such a short time and I’m lucky to be a part of it.

Jenna – B3 Team Member since September 2008

 

My First Day: I just remember marveling at this whole world that I never even knew existed!  All of these jump rings and patterns and orders for a craft I knew nothing about before stumbling upon the job listing.  There were a lot of processes to learn since all of us helped with every aspect of fulfilling orders – from tumbling and quality controlling all the way through walking the orders to the P.O.  On my very first day, Kat and I actually got soaking wet when a huge storm decided to roll through while we were taking the orders to be shipped (we used our umbrella to protect the packages instead of ourselves ha!)

My, how things have changed: As our marketing maven, I am especially amazed at how much our brand and community following has grown.  I actually remember discussing with Rebeca whether or not we should start a MySpace page for B3!  Wow, that feels ancient.  Despite some initial wariness, Rebeca agreed with me that Facebook would be the way to go.  More than 4,000 fans later, I think we went the right direction *wink*.

I have done almost every job at B3 at one point or another and I love seeing how processes have changed and improved over the years as we’ve hired more and more smart, creative folks to do all the things that make B3 so special.  It’s also just incredible to me to walk in each day and see this group of people (which is about 3 times the size of the team when I started!) working together and making everything happen.

Jason – B3 Team Member since October 2009

 

My First Day: I had no idea at all what to expect starting out at Blue Buddha. Everything was new to me. All these letters, numbers, rings, bins and bags. Organization and procedure systems created from the ground up by a small group of creative individuals. What is all this?! It was a lot to take in, but I was excited to help and add my own talents to building something special. The moment I knew that I was really a part of the team was when I got to add my name to the side of our [post office delivery] mail / maille cart … in permanent ink!

My, how things have changed: Since then quite a bit has changed. Firstly, I’m no longer the sole representative for the male gender (Artie was on a short leave when I first began). I’ve been able to meet and work with all kinds of interesting new people, and orders that I used to consider to be huge and daunting to fulfill are now just part of the daily routine.

I’m honestly not entirely sure where I see Blue Buddha in the future. I do know we’ll have a new, grand, spacious place and more new faces to see. And I do know that I’m proud to be part of starting something that will carry on after me. The company itself and all the pieces of art people that have created with our supplies.

Aimee – B3 Team Member since March 2010

 

My First Day: My first day at B3 I was overwhelmed with all the ring sizes, AR, etc.  I was thinking, “How am I going to learn all this crazy stuff!”  But now I know it so well, I can’t believe I was even worried about it 😉

My, how things have changed: The business has grown quite a bit since I started (the space at work seems to shrink every year – I can not wait to move to our new HUGE space!)  I am sure I will continue to see this growth in years to come.  It is great to see a small company be so successful!  I can’t wait until Blue Buddha becomes the ring capital of the U.S. (maybe even the world!)

Lisa – B3 Team Member since October 2010

My First Day:  One of the first experiences I remember is playing Apples to Apples and Wits and Wagers and I was thinking that, if the position was anything like that game I was going to be in trouble!  Thankfully, a co-worker assured me that the game was beyond them too. Phew!

My, how things have changed: When I first started, I really liked that I could be myself here and have fun.  That part definitely hasn’t changed!  I love that I get to work at shows now.  My first show, I remember thinking, “I’m getting paid to be here at this awesome show?”  I keep all my exhibitor badges from shows displayed on my vanity at home.

April – B3 Team Member since August 2012 (one of our newest employees!)

My First Day:  So far, my first impressions and first days have been AWESOME!  Even though I don’t have a ton of jewelry-making/mailling specific experience, I *love* craft culture, so working to supply people with crafty goods is on the top of my dream-job list.  The job of helping fill orders totally suits my hyper-organized side, but the job is not so rigid or retentive that I can’t keep my purple hair.  However, the best part is that the people I work with and for — frankly, I can’t imagine any other employer being so full of nice, helpful, smart, and creative people.

My, how things have changed: The only thing I can say about how things have changed is that, between my interview and my first day of work, a whole section of a room has already been reorganized and moved around.  This will definitely keep me on my toes while starting out.

Live in the Chicago area and want to become a B3 team member? Check out our Employment page for the most up-to-date job opportunities at Blue Buddha Boutique.