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.