Presenting Silver-Haunt

We are back again with another feature of one of our newest members. This time around it is Silver-Haunt. We gave Tara from Silver-Haunt our questions and here are her replies.

1) How long have you been a Chainmailler? - I have been experimenting with chainmail since late 2008 to early 2009 when I friend showed me the art form on the website deviantART. I recall that I really wanted to try and make a certain style of necklace for myself, so I picked up some jump rings from the local craft store and started to play. That's where it all started.

2) Why do you like Chainmaille? - I love making things. I used to spend a lot of time drawing and painting when I was much younger, but have since lost the touch and interest in it, and found that I enjoy making more physical crafts that I can touch, and handle. Plus, I love being able to make beautiful things for other people. The smiles are the best part.

3) What is your favourite type of ring? - My favourite type of ring right now is 16 gauge, 5/16" ID copper clad aluminum. The rings are beautifully soft, and a delightful colour. My most used rings, however, are anodized aluminum. I love the range of colours.

4) What kind of items do you prefer to make? - I like making necklaces the most, but I find that most frequently I tend to make earrings and bracelets. People seem to like earrings and bracelets more, and so I constantly run out of them.

5) Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? - Right now the weaves I want to get the hang of are JPL, full persian, and most of all, Forars Kaede.

6) Which piece are you most proud of? - Right now, the piece in my artfire gallery that I am most proud of is my triangular byzantine pendant. It's made mostly of 5/32" ID, 18ga rings, and so was very hard with the size of pliers I use most of the time. But, it's beautiful, and it was fun to make.

7) What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? - Develop a really good reserve of patience, first of all. Secondly, find a good box set of a favourite TV series to have if you need background activity. Thirdly, make sure that the pliers you're using are comfortable to work with, because if you cramp up your hands with the wrong size of pliers, you're probably going to hate doing this, and we certainly don't want that to happen.

Thanks Tara, and welcome to the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. You can see more of her fabulous creations at Silver-Haunt on ArtFire.