Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Introducing Isis Arts
It is time to introduce another of our newer members. This week's featured ArtFire Chainmaille Guild member is Linda Faigen aka Isis Arts. We asked Linda our regular questions, so let's see how she answered them.How long have you been a Chainmailler? 2 years approximately
Why do you like Chainmaille? Because of its design possibilities and also because it's relaxing for me to work on. Sort of like knitting is for some people.
What kind of items do you prefer to make? Necklaces and bracelets
Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? Jens Pind
Which piece are you most proud of? The piece shown here, which combines Helm, Spiral and Wire Wrapping.
What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Go for it!
Thanks Linda and welcome to the Guild. You can see more of Linda's amazing work at Isis Arts on ArtFire.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
May Challenge - Summertime
Another month draws to a close and with it comes another ArtFire Chainmaille Guild monthly challenge wrap up.The theme for May was 'Summertime' and we have some lovely results. So let's go check them out!
Lovely creations once again. Please help us choose our next theme by voting for your favourite idea over on the left of the blog.
Lovely creations once again. Please help us choose our next theme by voting for your favourite idea over on the left of the blog.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Introducing Shealynn's Faerie Shoppe!
It is time to introduce another of our ArtFire Chainmaille Guild members. This week it is the youngest member we have, the lovely Shaylynn from Shealynn's Faerie Shoppe. We asked her our regular questions, so let's see what she had to say.
How long have you been a Chainmailler? I first heard about chainmaille at a local summer fest this summer. So... about 7 months, although I took my sweet time learning! I'm still limited by the fact that I can't buy every tool or ring that I want, so I'm forced to make do with what I've got (which leads to some unique little designs).
Chainmaille isn't the only style of jewelry design that I do, and I am not very advanced in chainmaille, so it is strange that I do think of myself as a "chainmailler." I started learning chainmaille just a couple of months after I first tried making my own jewelry, and I have to say that learning chainmaille is one of the best things I've learned as far as jewelry techniques go. The way you have to think about the way the wire and rings interact is a great mindset for other jewelry techniques, too.
Why do you like Chainmaille? It's such a unique and versatile art form... why *wouldn't* I like it? I'm not a patient person, but (strangely) I am obsessed with details and making things beautiful. Chainmaille is right up that alley! Plus, the historical ties add a thousand awesome points. I also like how chainmaille can be classy, bold, spunky, feminine, or very masculine... Like I said, it is versatile!
What is your favourite type of ring? Colorful ones! Seriously... I love color. Color adds an extra, magical dimension.
On an even more serious note, I'll have to say enameled copper. It is very easy to work with and has a quality feel.
What kind of items do you prefer to make? I prefer making intricate pendants and fun bracelets, but I seem to be making more earrings than anything else right now. In any case, I like making jewelry.
Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? ALL OF THEM! I think that the Persian and variants are next on my list-to-learn, though.
Which piece are you most proud of? Oh, dear. What an unanswerable question. I love almost every chainmaille creation I've made.... Since you are making me pick, I'll pick the Celtic Flower necklace. It was my first big chainmaille project, and I couldn't make heads or tails of the tutorial. But it all worked out in the end, and I wear this necklace almost every day.
What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? To have fun and jump in the deep end!
Thank you for answering our questions Shaylynn and welcome to the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. You can see more of her wonderful creations at Shealynn's Faerie Shoppe on ArtFire.
Chainmaille isn't the only style of jewelry design that I do, and I am not very advanced in chainmaille, so it is strange that I do think of myself as a "chainmailler." I started learning chainmaille just a couple of months after I first tried making my own jewelry, and I have to say that learning chainmaille is one of the best things I've learned as far as jewelry techniques go. The way you have to think about the way the wire and rings interact is a great mindset for other jewelry techniques, too.
Why do you like Chainmaille? It's such a unique and versatile art form... why *wouldn't* I like it? I'm not a patient person, but (strangely) I am obsessed with details and making things beautiful. Chainmaille is right up that alley! Plus, the historical ties add a thousand awesome points. I also like how chainmaille can be classy, bold, spunky, feminine, or very masculine... Like I said, it is versatile!What is your favourite type of ring? Colorful ones! Seriously... I love color. Color adds an extra, magical dimension.
On an even more serious note, I'll have to say enameled copper. It is very easy to work with and has a quality feel.
What kind of items do you prefer to make? I prefer making intricate pendants and fun bracelets, but I seem to be making more earrings than anything else right now. In any case, I like making jewelry.
Which weave would you like to learn that you dont currently know? ALL OF THEM! I think that the Persian and variants are next on my list-to-learn, though.
What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? To have fun and jump in the deep end!
Thank you for answering our questions Shaylynn and welcome to the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. You can see more of her wonderful creations at Shealynn's Faerie Shoppe on ArtFire.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Introducing Circles of Stone!
Here we are again introducing another member of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This week we are meeting Circles of Stone. We asked her our regular questions, let's see how she answered. How long have you been a Chainmailler? I think I've been doing chainmaille for about 12 years off and on. I say off and on because I like to try different techniques. I'm currently learning to stamp and rivet metals. Now I need to combine that with my chainmaille!
Why do you like Chainmaille? It amazes me the beautiful pieces that can be created from simple round rings. I also like the history behind the art of chainmaille.
What is your favourite type of ring? I started out working with sterling 16 gauge/4.5mm, but because of the economy I'm also working with aluminum and rubber rings. I'm having fun adding color to my designs this way.What kind of items do you prefer to make? In chainmaille I mostly make bracelets and earrings. I really enjoy the byzantine link.
Which weave would you like to learn that you don't currently know? I just can't seem to get the hang of full Persian or even half Persian. I need to make sure I'm in a very patient mood before trying this again!
Which piece are you most proud of? My current favorite is the sterling silver bracelet I did in the European 4 in 1 weave.
What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? There are a lot of good books and online tutorials to help you learn the weaves. Enjoy your creative journey and be patient with yourself.
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