Famous Jewelry Collections: THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Chain Maille Kit Giveaways by Blue Buddha Boutique

Posted: 14 Nov 2012 05:59 AM PST

This week is a special week because there are two giveaways! But today's giveaway is not the usual kind I do on this blog. It's actually blog hop organized by Blue Buddha Boutique, a Chicago based chain maille supplier. There are many opportunities to enter for the freebies. It'll also introduce you to new blogs and bloggers!

Celtic Visions Star Pendant from Colorful Starter Pack

Blue Buddha Boutique was founded by Rebeca Mojica. I wrote about her experiences writing her first book, How a Jewelry Book Got Published and subsequently, Chain Maille Book Review - Chained.

Blue Buddha Boutique sells artisan designed kits and instructions (for either right or left handers) in addition to general supplies.

Japanese Cross Bracelet from Purist Starter Pack

As chain maille is an increasing popular technique, Rebeca recently came up with several starter kits. I asked her what inspired her to do so. She said,"Actually, the real question is, why didn't I come up with them sooner?!? From working at bead shows, I know there is a definite demand for quick-and-easy starter packs. Chain maille can be very confusing to a newbie, and eyes start to glaze over real quick when one starts mentioning gauges and inner diameters and aspect ratio. Sure, Blue Buddha has a ton of kits at all skill levels, but for someone brand new to the craft, even that can be confusing. " So these kits will be an easy way to ease a beginner into this technique with great style!

Mesh and Rosettes Bracelet from the Purist Starter Pack

There is also a massive Scholar Pack which is based on the designs from the book. The most advanced project in this pack is the Rhondo a la Byzantine bracelet which the goal while working through the other projects. If you learn how to do the Byzantine and Helm weaves, both of which are suitable for beginners, then this is doable, never fear!

Rhondo a la Byzantine bracelet from Scholar Pack

Giveaway
If you would like to try chain maille, then this Shaggy Loops Kit and Tutorial (shown below) is up for grabs. It is suitable for beginners and most forgiving. The winner will be able to customize with 2 colors of anodized aluminum rings.

The winner will be picked by Blue Buddha Boutique from the comments left on this blog. The contest is international and will close at 6 pm EST on Wednesday, November 21, 2012.

Want more entries? Then hop to the following blogs to leave comments. Each blog will have one winner of the Shaggly Loops Kit and Tutorial! Please check their start dates as they are different from mine.

Beading Daily blog - November 15th
Angelica Brigade blog - November 16th
Jewelry Making Daily blog - November 17th (tentative)
Handmade Artists Forum blog - November 19th
ChiiL Mama blog - November 20th
Lovestruck Jewelry blog - November 21st

There is also a Grand Prize! It will be the All-in-One Easy to Start Chain Maille Pack, shown below. The pack includes tools, bead mat and the supplies to make a Celtic Visions bracelet. It's the only one of their starter packs to include pliers so there is no duplication of tools should you go on to purchase their other starter kits. To enter for that giveaway, please go to the Blue Buddha Boutique blog. This particular giveaway will run until November 28, 2012.