Blue Buddha Boutique

Specialties

Since 2002, we’ve helped people all over the world make beautiful chainmaille jewelry. Whether you’re brand new to jewelry-​making or an expert in your own right, there’s something for you at Blue Buddha. We specialize in artist designed kits and easy-​to-​understand instructions to make this artform accessible to all.

Purchase any of our kits, or bring your own supplies, and attend our Guided Learning sessions on Thursday evenings and Wednesday mornings. If you’re a beginner, we’ll help you get started on your project and show you tips and tricks to make chainmaille easier. If you’ve got some experience already, we’ll be there to help you out when you get stuck. Feel free to bring any of those projects you started months ago and never quite finished … we know how that goes. :-)

Not into the DIY thing? We offer handmade goods created by Chicago-​area artisans including jewelry, clothing, art and more!

In addition to our regular store hours Thurs-​Sun, we are open by appointment only Mon-​Wed.

History

Established in 2003.

Founded in 2003 by self-​taught artist Rebeca Mojica, our company is one of the largest chainmaille suppliers in the world. Originally operated out of Rebeca’s spare bedroom as a one-​woman business, Blue Buddha now serves customers in all 50 states and 40 countries. Our company fosters relationships with both local and international customers through rigorous online community development and opportunities for professional and creative growth such as our By Artists for Artists design program.

We made history in 2007 by moving to a storefront location and offering classes in the first chainmaille-​only brick-​and-​mortar store in the world. In January 2013, we moved into our new location where we are currently building a retail store and hosting classes and crafty events for the community.

Meet the Business Owner

Rebeca M.

Business Owner

Rebeca Mojica is an author, instructor and award-​winning chainmaille artist. She is a contributing editor to Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine and the author of an instructional jewelry book, Chained, (North Light Books, 2010).

She first began making maille in 2002 when she wanted to purchase a chainmaille belt, but couldn’t find any designs that she really liked. So she literally took matters into her own hands by buying some jump rings and making a belt on her own, thus awakening her passion. Today she knows more than 100 weaves, including more than a dozen of her own creation, and has a diverse portfolio of both upscale and accessible jewelry.

She is the pre-​eminent chainmaille instructor in the Midwest, and has spent more than 1,000 hours teaching students from around the world. In addition to conducting workshops at local bead stores, she has taught at the international Bead&Button Show and has been a guest instructor for the Fashion Department at SAIC.