Sparkle and Shine.

We are here with another fabulous feature of the amazing talents of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This time we are featuring some wonderful sparkly and shiny creations.



There are many more wonderful creations in the studios of our members, which you can visit via the links to the left of the blog.

Christmas Green Chainmaille

Here we are back with another feature of our talented guild member creations, this time with a Christmas Green theme.

In this feature we have:
BnB Creations ~ GirlieMaille ~ Not Nilla Designs
The ChainMaille Lady ~ HaffinaCreations ~ Cheli

You can see more of the work of our talented guild members by clicking the links to the left of the blog.

Christmas Red Chainmaille

The Christmas season is upon us! There are really very few days until Christmas day, and the business of buying gifts for our nearest and dearest is in full swing. So for our latest spotlight of the fabulous talents of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild we are looking at some creations that feature Red. Next time around we will spotlight creations with green. So sit back and drool a little over these awesome creations.



You can see many more fabulous creations at our guild member's studios, which you can get to by the links to the left.

Not Just Rings!

Sometimes Chainmaille is made entirely with metal rings, sometimes it is a mix of metal and rubber rings, and sometimes the Chainmaille Artisan adds extras. This is the focus of our latest spotlight, the addition of extra elements. These extra elements could be crystals, charms, glass beads, lampwork beads, gemstones or seedbeads. They can enhance certain weaves, or add interest to a piece. Whilst Chainmaille without extra additions is beautiful and timeless, the adding of different items can certainly help create completely unique creations.
This spotlight is just a small example of the use of other elements in chainmaille.



You can see many more examples by following the links to member studios on the left of the blog.

Oodles of Earrings!

Here we are again, with another great feature on some of the items from the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This time round we thought we would showcase some of the awesome earrings available from our members.
Chainmaille earrings are great, there are so many possibilities, colours, metals and weaves, not to mention the addition of beads, gemstones and crystals.
This spotlight is just a very small sample of the earrings created by our members and available on ArtFire.



You can see many more wonderful creations by following the links to member studios on the left of the blog.

Colour Maille!

Here we are with another feature of the wonderful talents of the members of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This time round we are spotlighting some of the great coloured pieces of chainmaille created by the guild. This is just a few of the wonderful items available from guild member studios.



You can see many more coloured chainmaille pieces by following the links to member studios on the left of the blog.

Beautiful Bracelets!

We are back with another feature of the creations of members of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This time we are looking at some of the fabulous bracelets that have been created. There are so many possible looks that can be achieved, in so many different materials. This is just a small sample.



To see even more, just click on the member links to the left.

Elegant European!

Our latest feature on different Chainmaille Weaves is on European weaves. All the items in the spotlight feature European 4 in 1 or European 6 in 1 weaves. It is a beautiful and elegant weave, suited to many different uses.



You can see more elegant European pieces by checking our member studio links on the left of the blog.

Magnificent Mobius!

Welcome back to our newest feature weave. This time round it is Mobius, also known as Rosettes or Flowers. It is a relatively simple weave, but the results are beautiful. Our talented guild members have put it to use in may different pieces. Here is just a sample...



You can find more examples by visiting guild member studios on ArtFire by clicking the links on the left of the blog.

Brilliant Byzantine!

Here we are with the first of a regular feature for the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild blog.
Every few days we will spotlight 9 wonderful creations from 9 different studios, all of whom are members of the guild.
Our first spotlight is on Brilliant Byzantine. This is by no means all the Byzantine creations by guild members..but it certainly gives you a little taste of one of the most beautiful chainmaille weaves.



Gorgeous creations.

Let us know what you would like to see, and we will feature it in an upcoming spotlight.

And the winner is....

The winner of the September Monthly Challenge - Fall Finery is BarbsDesigns with her fabulous necklace creation. Congratulations Barb.


Thank you to all who voted, and to all who entered.

September Challenge Vote!

The time has come to vote in the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild monthly challenge. The theme this month is 'Fall Finery' and we have some lovely entries from our members.

HaffinaCreations
Square Copper Wire Jens Pind Bracelet with Fancy Jasper

Lanza Creations
Autumn Gold Bracelet

The Chainmaille Lady
Large Celtic Star Pendant in Orange Black and Silver

BarbsDesigns
Fall Elegance in European 4 in 1 Chainmaille Choker with Crystals

It is not going to be an easy choice at all! Below is the poll, so come and vote for your favourite.

Vote for your favourite

• Square Copper Wire Jens Pind Bracelet with Fancy Jasper - Haffina Creations
• Autumn Gold Bracelet - Lanza Creations
• Large Celtic Star Pendant in Orange Black and Silver - The Chainmaille Lady
• Fall Elegance In European 4 In 1 Chainmaille Choker With Crystals - Barbs Designs

View Results
Create a Blog Poll

Well here we are with another ArtFire Chainmaille Guild member feature. This we we are meeting our Guildmaster, HaffinaCreations. So over to Haffina to answer the questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? Approximately two years, although I feel like I've just begun sometimes, and like I've been doing it forever other times.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? The results are beautiful, amazing and timeless.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? All of them! Really it depends on what I am making, but I especially love anodised aluminium, EDPM rubber and jewellers brass.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? I would have to say bracelets.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Would be easier to answer 'which weaves do you know?', because there are lots I dont yet know, but Dragonscale is top of my list. It so far eludes me.

6) Which piece are you most proud of? My European 4 in 1 choker that I made as the result of a poem a friend wrote. It is also my biggest project so far.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Be prepared to become addicted! And be patient with yourself, sometimes it can be hard to 'get' a weave, but patience and perseverance will pay off in the end.

You can see more of Haffina's work at HaffinaCreations on ArtFire.

Presenting LanzaCreations!

We are back to present another fabulous member of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This week we are featuring LanzaCreations. I will hand over to Elizabeth from LanzaCreations so she can answer our questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? Since 2007

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? It's gorgeous! What's not to love! I love the weaves that are strong and slinky at the same time!

3) What is your favourite type of ring? I mostly use bright aluminum, but I would do everything in sterling if I could afford it!

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? Bracelets! Necklaces get tedious, and earrings are just not as much fun.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Dragonscale. It's gorgeous, but I haven't gotten my aspect ratios right yet!

6) Which piece are you most proud of? I think the Black and Silver Byzantine Helm Bracelet looks very cool, but it was actually pretty simple to make.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? I would only consider it if you're very patient and have a great attention to detail!

Thanks so much Elizabeth. You can see more of her fabulous creations at LanzaCreations on ArtFire.

Presenting NotNillaDesigns!

Our featured member from the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild is also our newest member, NotNillaDesigns. I will hand over to her so we can all get to know her a little better.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? Several years, but I just began to sell it and take it very seriously as opposed to a hobby.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? I love the fact that I can create something out of a bunch of rings and people say it's beautiful. I was said to be 'uncrafty' by my family who knitted and sewed. I just couldn't wrap myself around those things but I found heaven in jump rings. I find it entirely calming and centering to weave.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? I know it makes me sound like a little kid at this, but I really love to work with Bright Aluminum - it's forgiving, it's light, it's shiny and most of all, it allows me to keep my pricepoint at a place where it's affordable. That's really important to me.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? I like to make pieces that mean something - that was why I started making the Pride jewelry. I'm part of Leather Culture and I realized that we didn't have a lot of pride wearables and I began to make them for friends and they caught on and I opened this shop exclusively to carry my pride and more 'adult' pieces.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Jen's Pind. I just haven't really needed it, but I feel like I should know it, as it's one of the more difficult and sets the 'real maillers' apart from the hobbiests.

6) Which piece are you most proud of? Oh, this is totally easy - the Chainmaille Bra Top. I spent a long time trying to find a pattern for one that would not flatten the breasts out. I wanted it to actually fit like a real bra and I am happy to say that the pattern I used was public domain and worked wonderfully. It takes a long time to weave, but it is really a gorgeous piece when finished.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Try it! The worst thing that can happen is you waste 40 bucks on a starter kit and a couple of pliers from the craft store. But, you may be starting an addiction that you never dreamed of having.
For me, it was a whim - an extension of my beaded jewelry. I had seen some chainmaille handflowers and wanted to see if I could make them myself. For me, the click of the rings closing was the most soothing sound I'd ever heard. I still love to listen to my pliers click those rings closed.

Thank you so much for answering our questions, and becoming a member of the guild. You can see more of her fabulous creations at NotNillaDesigns on ArtFire.

Presenting HarmonyInMetal!

The ArtFire Chainmaille Guild is proud to present another of its members. This week it is HarmonyInMetal! Let's go and learn more about this talented artisan.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler?
I started with maille about 4 years ago.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille?
The options are almost limitless. In my work I like to start with the
bare minimums, usually wire and sheet metal. Chainmaille allows me to
take a plain spool of wire and turn it into something beautiful. I love
to see people’s reaction of surprise when they feel how flexible and fluid
the metal is.

3) What is your favourite type of ring?
Copper. I like to play with color using the metal itself and copper is a
perfect canvas.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make?
It depends. For weaving I prefer bracelets but I don’t actually wear a
lot of bracelets so I find myself making more necklaces.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you don’t currently know?
Elfweave, it completely eludes me. It turns into a jumbled mess of rings
every time.

6) Which piece are you most proud of?
Vintage Viperscale. This piece really changed the ballgame for me.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille?
Buy the best pliers you can afford. You’re going to spend a lot of time
with them in your hands and you want them to be comfortable. Also
whenever possible buy handsawn rings or saw them yourself. The saw
provides a clean cut that allows for smooth, tight joins with no gaps.

Thank you HarmonyInMetal! You can see more of her fabulous work in her studio on ArtFire - HarmonyInMetal.

It's a Tie!

The ArtFire Chainmaille Guild August Monthly Challenge has ended with a tie between HaffinaCreations and Barb'sDesigns!





Congratulations to both, and also to HarmonyInMetal for submitting an entry.

August Monthly Challenge - Voting Time!

The time has come to vote in the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild Monthly Challenge. This month's theme was 'Black As Night', chosen by last month's winner HarmonyInMetal.
We are down on numbers a little this month, but the entries are still wonderful.

Here are the entries.

Black Byzantine Chainmaille Necklace with Glow In The Dark Stars
HaffinaCreations

Black Stainless Steel Scherzo Chainmaille Cat Collar
BarbsDesign

Black as Night, Handcrafted Copper Necklace
HarmonyInMetal

So these are our wonderful entries, and now we need you to vote for your favourite. When you select your favourite and click on VOTE it will take you to another page, where if you scroll down you will see the current results of the vote.
So let's get voting!!

Presenting Catinalife!

This weeks feature is of one of our newer members. Catinalife makes wonderful items of jewellery, both with Chainmaille and other media. Let's see how she answers our questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler?
Just a few years now, as I have time I learn new patterns and design uses. Time is the biggest issue.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille?
I get a rhythm going with my hand movements and usually make an item too long if I am not careful.

3) What is your favourite type of ring?
Still learning my way around with what will work best especially when combing with the gemstones.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make?
Bracelets are my best. I usually make full sets with necklace, bracelet and earrings if possible.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you don't currently know?
Byzantine, I really need some time to practice that design.

6) Which piece are you most proud of?
A simple 4-in-1 necklace with silver and gold 4mm rings and used blue Zircon Swarovski crystals which really gave it some flash.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Practice, patience and practice, good tools and good quality rings.

Thank you Catinalife! You can see more of her fabulous creations at Catinalife on ArtFire.

Presenting Cheli!

A new week, a new member feature for the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This week we are featuring Cheli. Let's hand over to Cheli to answer the questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? 3 years.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? History in general and jewelry history in particular is my favorite subject when reading about ancient jewelry techniques and stumbled upon chainmaille weaves, I was fascinated. The idea that I can use the same technique that people used centuries ago was like traveling in time and bringing a piece with you. Amazing.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? 20ga ,2.8"

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? Necklaces and bracelets.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Half Persian.

6) Which piece are you most proud of? Solar Eclipse Onyx and silver chainmaille collar.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Have a lot of patience and use your imagination.

Thank you Cheli. It is great to have you as a member of our Guild. You can see more of Cheli's designs at her studio on ArtFire.

Presenting RedPanda !

We are back with another ArtFire Chainmaille Guild member feature. This week we are meeting RedPanda. Let's hand over to her and see how she answers our questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler?
Since 2005, when I was just graduating from high school.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille?
Because it's different from the common jewelry that you see a lot on handmade sites. I also think it's rather versatile. It can be chunky and manly, or delicate and feminine.

3) What is your favorite type of ring?
I love working in sterling, and do so when I have the chance.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make?
Anything that comes to mind! Mostly jewelry, and of that, mostly bracelets. I make a ton of bracelets.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know?
If I'd like to learn a weave, I learn it! I don't keep weaves in a want-to-learn queue typically. If I see something I want to make, I make it! :)

6) Which piece are you most proud of?
Hm. I'm not really sure. I've got a really pretty sterling dragonscale bracelet, but it's relatively basic. I've got a lot of gemstones that I've been working on incorporating into my work recently. Hopefully I'll make up something complex and new and exciting soon!

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille?
Go for it! Always use saw cut rings over machine cut, even though they're more expensive. It's worth it.

Thanks so much for letting us feature you! You can see more of her wonderful chainmaille creations at RedPanda on ArtFire.

Presenting EternalKnights!

It is time to introduce you to another member of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild, or in this case, two members, because EternalKnights is actually two people, Trinity and Seraph. So let's see how they answer the questions and get to know them just a little better.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? We've been doing this since high-school, which for one half of the group, Seraph, is over 10 years. Trinity's been doing it since 2001ish.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? It gives us a creative outlet, and generally is a lot of fun to do. We've been having so much fun making pieces, going to shows and just playing with ideas, that it's not really work more like a fun distraction from life.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? Oh so hard to choose. We've fallen in love with so many pieces, but really the EPDM rubber rings have proven so versatile. While we really can't say we have a favorite, it is on the top of the list!

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? We really like making armor - since we've been doing Live Action Role Playing it's kind of a must-have item! But for others we love making earrings, since they can come out so fun looking.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? That's hard for Seraph to answer, possibly perfecting his work on Tetra Orbs. But Trinity is trying to work on learning Persian and Half Persian.

6) Which piece are you most proud of? It'd have to be the silver byzantine bracelet. It was the smallest links Seraph's worked with and we're so happy about how it came out.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Patience is key! Trinity started learning with the harder patterns, she took years to even get 4 in 1 correct! It's taken a lot of patience but it's worth it.

Thank you Seraph and Trinity, it's great to have you in our guild. Drop by EternalKnights on ArtFire to see more of their wonderful creations.

Monthly Challenge Winner!

We have a winner in the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild Monthly Challenge - Fire and Ice!

Congratulations go to HarmonyInMetal


Wonderful piece! Thank you to everyone who entered and everyone who voted and helped us chose a winner!

Presenting Dark Ridge Creations!

We are back to present another of our fabulous ArtFire Chainmaille Guild members. This week it is Dark Ridge Creations. So now I will hand over to Donna to answer the questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? I have been a chainmailler for about 5 years. I started out with a kit from Urban Maille. I was hooked immediately.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? I really enjoy working with small things. I also like working with seed beads. All things small.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? I work with 18 gauge 4mm rings the most. I cut my own rings which makes it handy to have just the size ring to try something new.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? I make mostly bracelets.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Half Persian 3 in 1. I have tried this weave and just can't get it. I have cabochon type items that I would like to use it on. I will keep trying and soon I will have a aha moment.

6) Which piece are you most proud of? I have been making what I call cuff bracelets. They are from .75" to 1" wide. I recently sold one that was made up of sterling and gold filled rings. The next one is all sterling silver 12 in 2.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Just jump right in and start. Recently I was visiting my sister in law and I pulled out my rings. It didn't take long to get her hooked on it. I started her out on the byzantine weave.

Thanks you Donna! Come by Dark Ridge Creations on ArtFire and see more of her lovely work.

July Monthly Challenge Voting is Open!! Fire and Ice!!

Its time again! We have come to the voting part of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild Monthly Challenge.
The theme for this month is 'Fire and Ice', chosen by last months winner Barbsdesigns.
So here are this month's entries..

Sterling Silver and Copper Dragontails Bracelet - Chainmaille ~ ElaineJHillson

Chainmaille Necklace Fire and Ice Byzantine ~ HaffinaCreations

Fire & Ice: Challenge Piece ~ MikiCatDesigns

Fire and Ice, Red Handcrafted Copper Bracelet ~ HarmonyInMetal

Beautiful creations from everyone!!

So now we vote! Pick your favourite 'Fire and Ice' creation and vote for it below.
Voting closes July 31st at midnight CST

Presenting Jessica C Jewelry!

We are back again with another wonderful feature of one of the great members of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This week we meet Jessica C Jewelry and see how she tackles our questions. So over to Jessica.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler?

I've been making chainmaille since the mid-90s. I went to a Renaissance Faire that was held in Raleigh and became intrigued with a man who was making chainmaille while he sat at his booth. I watched him for a while before my friends drug me away, but I was too interested to forget it. I hit the library the next day and found a few books with fairly decent pictures that I could work from. I taught myself European 4-1 from a black and white photo in one of those books. Since I mainly made cuffs and armor pieces, European 4-1 was really all I needed. It wasn't until around 2003 that I started digging online to find more patterns that I could scale down into jewelry. Armor is nice to have, but it took way to long to make it and I really couldn't show it off without giving myself a hernia trying to carry it (all was made from galvanized or stainless steel). I've been making mainly jewelry since 2003.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille?

I guess I like chainmaille because I love puzzles, and to me, putting together chainmaille is like putting together a 3-D puzzle. Each piece has to go in it's proper place or you just end up with a pile of jumble rings that don't make anything pretty.

3) What is your favourite type of ring?

Not sure if you mean size, metal, or shape, so I'll cover all. For size, I use all sizes: 14g rings up to 24g rings. I can't get any gauges smaller than 24 gauge to hold their shape. I use only round rings. I tried oval ones once, but they frustrated me to no end, so they still sit in their little bag in my studio. And for metals, I try to use as many different kinds as I can. I first used galvanized and stainless steel, so my hands are used to working with them. Now, I've added bright and anodized aluminum, bare and enameled copper, and silver to my repertoire. I've fiddled with niobium, but I don't really like it a lot, so I only use it when it is requested for hypo-allerginic reasons. Neoprene has been fun to work with, and I have some new items coming soon that use those interesting rings. Can't afford gold at the moment, so I haven't really every used any before.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make?

I mostly make bracelets and earrings. I'm working on more necklaces to add to my storefront soon. And I have a hauberk that I have been working on for a LONG time. It's been in storage for a while because the person I was making it for decided after three months worth of work that he could not afford to pay for the finished piece, so he canceled the contract. I may finish it one day to sell, or maybe just to hang on my dummy as a display.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you don't currently know?

Half-Persian 3-1. It vexes me. I can't get it started.

6) Which piece are you most proud of?

I don't think I'm really proud of any particular piece. The hauberk, when finished, will be something that I could take pride in, since it has an inlay and it's a piece that required a lot of time. But as for my jewelry pieces, I really don't have a particular one that I am most proud of.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille?

If you are just starting out, don't start small. Use slightly larger rings that you actually want to use eventually to give yourself time to learn weaves without frustrating yourself by pinging little rings across the room.

Thank you Jessica! Stop by Jessica C Jewelry on ArtFire to see more of her wonderful creations.

Presenting Lil'Mouse

The ArtFire Chainmaille Guild is pleased to introduce another of its fabulous members. This time it is Lil' Mouse Here they are to answer the questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? 4 years, i think.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? it is so different and unique... much more fun that basic bead stringing.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? I really like the Enameled Copper, but work mostly with AA and rubber.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? I make a lot of jewelry, but i am planning on branching out into home goods, and clothing.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Jens Pind! It is killing me that I can't figure that one out from the many different tutorials out there!

6) Which piece are you most proud of? Hmmmm, I think it would be this one from my ArtFire Shop - Black and Silver Square Weave Necklace. I really love the way it turned out, and it is BEAUTIFUL!

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Watch out, it is ADDICTIVE!

Thank you very much Lil'Mouse! You can see much more in their studio on ArtFire, so go and have a look.

Presenting The ChainMaille Lady!

The ArtFire Chainmaille Guild presents another of their fabulous members. This time it is The ChainMaille Lady! Here she is to answer the questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? Over 4 years

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? I like the symmetrical nature of chainmaille. I find the repetitiveness of chainmaille soothing and relaxing. I also love to create a gorgeous piece of jewelry from just plain jump rings.

3) What is your favorite type of ring? Sterling silver

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? I love making cuff-like bracelets. I also love to work in micromaille. I love the challenge of those teeny tiny rings.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you don’t currently know? Viperscale. It reminds me of the Dragonscale which I love!

6) Which piece are you most proud of? My Hardanger Eyelet Bracelet

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? You must love repetitiveness and be a perfectionist when it comes to closing jump rings. If your closed rings are “sloppy”, especially when it comes to jewelry, you could potentially harm your client. Improperly closed jump rings can cause scratches to the client’s skin and snags on their clothing.

Thank you very much! Drop by The ChainMaille Lady on ArtFire and see more of her awesome creations!

We have a Winner!

We have a winner in the first ever ArtFire Chainmaille Guild Monthly Challenge!
Our winner is Barbsdesigns with her gorgeous Black Stainless Steel Byzantin and Blue Glass bracelet.



Thank you to all the guild members who entered the challenge, and to everyone who voted and help to promote this event!
Can't wait to see what we come up with for July!

Presenting You've Got Maille!

We continue our weekly feature of ArtFire Chainmaille Guild members by meeting You've Got Maille. Here she is to answer our questions.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? A year and a half.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? Well, I'm a Renaissance geek, so there's the obvious appeal there. Beyond that, I just love the way it looks, and most especially, the way it feels. A nice weave has a sinuous, slinky feel and most of them are just irresistible to play with (great for fidgety people!)

3) What is your favourite type of ring? Do you mean materials, or sizes...? I adore anodized niobium, especially in combination with silver, and in general I prefer gauges around 20.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? Impossible to answer! I get on kicks where I'll make lots of bracelets, then lots of keychains, or I'll make lots of things in the same weave for a while. I'm currently working on my first maille shirt.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Viperscale continues to elude me. GRR!

6) Which piece are you most proud of? Romanza. Probably that one. It's my biggest undertaking to date.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Find a pair of pliers that feels comfortable, own several pair so you can switch out after an hour, and don't hold on so tight. Beyond that... don't be afraid to experiment.

Thank you so much! Drop by You've Got Maille on ArtFire and see her other beautiful creations!

Voting Time in the Monthly Challenge!

The time has come to vote in our first ever monthly challenge!
Our ArtFire Chainmaille Guild members were given the challenge to create an item of chainmaille that fit the category of 'BLUE'. It could use blue parts or signify 'blue' to the creator. These items are available for sale in the participating members ArtFire studio.
So here are the entries...

MikiCat Designs - Blue Moon

Haffina Creations - Bracelet and Earrings Shaggy Loops Chainmaille Blue

Eternal Knights Chainmail - Something Blue

Elaine J Hillson - Crystal Dream, A Tollykit Dragon

Barbs Designs - Black Stainless Steel Byzantin and Blue Glass Bracelet

Poll will close midnight CST on June 30th 2009

Presenting MikiCat Designs!

This week in our regular ArtFire Chainmaille Guild member feature we are meeting MikiCat Designs. I will turn you over to her and see what she has to say.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler?
I only started designing jewelry in September 2008. Less than a year ago and almost immediately, I became enamored with Chainmaille and now I love it.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille?
I find it soothing and comforting. There’s something about connecting simple rings and creating anything from a chain to sculptures to fabric that is both fascinating and compulsive. It’s one thing I can do comfortably in my studio, on the couch or even in bed... Though you do have to make sure to check the bed for escapees before you decide to go to sleep. (ouch)

3) What is your favourite type of ring?
I don’t think I can say to have a favorite. I tend to work mostly in silver and gold-filled, but I’m becoming partial to niobium as a strong alternative. Aluminum offers so many beautiful colors and is so lightweight but also tends to mar easily.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make?
Right now I prefer to make jewelry. It’s quick, easy and gives me almost instant gratification. But I am looking forward to trying my hand at larger chainmaille pieces and have an idea for a shawl I’d like to try.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you don’t currently know?
Full and flat Persian. As noted, I’m a beginner and have only mastered a few weaves. Japanese weaving being the easiest. But the Persian weaves are drawing me and I plan on learning those next.

6) Which piece are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the first Japanese weave earrings I mastered. I used red and purple aluminum rings and every time I go out with my Red Hat Society friends, I wear them. They’re also the first chainmaille earrings I sold. I also did a happy dance when I finally learned Byzantine. Does that count?

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille?
Patience, patience, patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is your mastery of chainmaille weaving. Like anything, the more you practice, play, work with the rings, the better and faster you get. You learn for yourself where and how it’s most comfortable for you, the tools you prefer and exactly how much pressure to put on the rings so as not to mar them, or whether or not to wrap your pliers in tape or Tool Magic. My other advice would be to take lots of breaks. Especially when you’re first starting out. You’ll be doing things with your hands that they are not accustomed to doing. I learned the hard way that you can waste a week with sore hands if you don’t take frequent breaks. LOL

Fabulous! Thanks so much for answering the questions! Drop by MikiCat Designs on ArtFire and see more of her fabulous creations.