Artisan Market Monday: Purple and Lime

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Love bacon and eggs? The state of Michigan (or Illinois or Ohio)? Bunnies, birds, buffalo or hearts?

On this Artisan Market Monday, we’d like to introduce you to Purple and Lime, whose colorful acrylic laser-cut jewelry probably has a piece to represent whatever you want to keep close to your heart!

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Stop by the Blue Buddha Artisan Market at 1127 W. Granville Ave. in Chicago to see much more of Purple and Lime’s accessories and jewelry, or visit their online shop at www.etsy.com/purpleandlime or website www.purpleandlime.com. 

Weave Ideas: Toggles as Earrings and Square Wire Rings

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Need some inspiration? We’re always happy to help. Check out the Weave Idea blog posts we’ve done in the past, as well as the Weave Ideas photo album on our Facebook page. Happy weaving! :-)

We love these D toggles as a closure for bracelets, but we really love using them to make a quick pair of dangly earrings!

Add some small rings, a little Euro 4-1 weave; maybe some chain with crystals or scales and VOILA!

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As for something a little less … dainty. We really love the weight and durability of the B3 Steel Collection, including the square wire rings that have become so popular. Here’s a few ideas of weaves that work well with our steel square wire.

Pictured below are a Helm Flower, Wobble and Dragontail.

HelmFlower-300 Wobble-300 Dragontail-300

Hi, Julia! Welcome B3’s New Retail Supervisor

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Julia (right), with and B3 marketing director Britt, model Julia's hand-woven and dyed Mystic Locks!

Julia (right), with B3 marketing director Britt, model Julia’s hand-woven Mystic Locks in their hair!

As the B3 retail shop and studio and Artisan Market continue to grow, and our buddy Dan moves on to new adventures, it’s time to usher in a new Retail Supervisor to keep (and expand!) the retail side of B3 in tip-top shape. Well, we found her, folks!

Help us give a warm welcome to Julia Rochholz!

A sunshine girl at heart, Julia moved from California to Chicago when she was just 12 years old — and at that young age was already expressing her creativity with a paint brush. She followed through on that love of painting and turned it into a degree from UW Madison. These days she enjoys teaching yoga, face and body painting, as well as sewing and crafting in many different media, though chainmaille is fast becoming a top contender. :-)

Let’s get to know a bit more about Julia! 

Blue Buddha Boutique: Julia, what made you want to work at B3?

Julia Rochholz: I had heard wonderful reviews from a friend about how great of a place it is to work. I have a background in art, craft and art curation, so the Retail Supervisory position was a perfect opportunity to become involved with the Chicago artist community.

B3: Who is you favorite artist or maker?

JR: As a painter myself, I appreciate Gerhardt Richter’s ability to switch styles between abstract and realism with the same integrity and beauty. Alex Grey as a visionary spiritual artist is very inspiring as well. And — Lisa Frank!

Photo credit: Kurt Cichowski of KMC Media Studios

Photo credit: Kurt Cichowski of KMC Media Studios

B3: Favorite work of art?

JR: Brian Froud’s Faeries and other wondrous creatures lately! :)

B3: Favorite craft project you’ve made?

JR: I did a five painting series depicting She-Ra, from the ’80s cartoon, as a powerful heroine fighting for her planet’s peace. Also, I love making unicorn horn headdresses and once had a unicorn horn-making station in which I provided all the materials and people could create their own horns. I gave about 50 horns away that wonderful day!

B3: Do you have any pets?

JR: I have five cats, all of whom have come to me via unexpected avenues — Bella, Evelyn, Lexi, Iris and Jax!

B3: Favorite band, book, or other inspiration?

JR: I am inspired by people and community. The depth of the human experience expressed through the myriad of creative outlets is awe inspiring!

Artisan Market Monday: Elixery Cosmetic House

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We’ve mentioned that our B3 Artisan Market is pretty diverse, right? Lots of jewelry, home decor, artwork, etc.? Well, that’s true! But that’s not all we have in store for you …

elixery glimmer dust lipstickElixeryLet us introduce you to The Elixery, a Minneapolis-based cosmetics house. The folks at Elixery formulate original products, develop their own colors, and compound products from scratch in their lab.

Not only do they create moisturizing and long-wearing lipsticks, fun Glimmer Dust, essential oil infused products, but also many other glam items, but they source ingredients that are safe, vegan and free of animal testing! 

Stop by to check out Elixery’s items at the B3 Artisan Market, 1127 W. Granville Ave. in Chicago, or visit The Elixery online www.elixery.com. 

Help Us Customize the January Maillers’ Choice Kit + Special Offer!

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Happy New Year, weavers! Let’s kick off 2015 with the chance to vote on the colorway used for the first Maillers’ Choice kit of the year.

The Imperial Glass Byzantine Bracelet is a fresh take on the Cosmic Ring Byzantine bracelet. Instead of sterling silver and crystal rings, we’re looking at aluminum, jewelry brass or copper, and really excited to use these pretty, brand new 14 mm glass rings! Vote for your favorite glass/metal combo today.

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LIMITED TIME OFFER!

We often hear how much Maillers’ Choice subscribers love having a package of inspiration just show up in the mailbox every month. It’s a great way to keep your pliers busy all year long!

Good news: We’re bringing back our 15-month subscription for a limited time! This is truly the best deal if you love Maillers’ Choice. You’ll save 20% off the base of each month’s kit fee with this subscription. Crunch the numbers and you’ll see it’s a great deal; many of our Maillers’ Choice kits are more than the $19.60 you’ll be paying per kit with this subscription level. Subscribe today!