Introducing Tangled Metal

We are here again to introduce another of our newer members. This week we are meeting Eric from Tangled Metal. We asked Eric our regular questions, so let's get to know him.

How long have you been a Chainmailler? I started making chainmail in 1986 after reading the complete Lord of the Rings series. I wanted to have a suit of armor like the warriors in the books. So, I guess I have been making chainmail for a little over 25 years.

Why do you like Chainmaille? I like the how you can take metal and weave it so that it becomes almost like cloth. I have done some very tiny chainmail (2mm outer diameter in a 30 gauge wire) and it had the feel of very fine silk.

What is your favourite type of ring? I enjoy working with stainless steel rings. I like the strength of the metal and the shine you can get from it. Of course I also like titanium rings for the strength and light weight.

What kind of items do you prefer to make? I prefer to make jewelry, but I am never opposed to make armor, clothing, home decor and accessories. I just enjoy working with chainmail not matter what I am making. It is really fun to watch a piece take shape.



Which weave would you like to learn that you don't currently know? After 25 years of weaving chainmail, I am not aware of any weave that I do not know. I do however have a lot of fun finding new ways to make 3D items in chainmail.

Which piece are you most proud of? I have chainmail on every continent except Antarctica, I have had pieces in movies, television shows, on Broadway and on thousands of people over the years and yet I am most proud of the small scrap of the very first piece of chainmail I ever made. It is a learning scrap from a shirt made from metal coat hangers.

What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? Be prepared to learn a lot about patience. Spend the extra money on professional grade tools. Take the time to do it right the first time. And lastly, if you end up making chainmail as a job, never underpay yourself. You may only be a minimum wage crafter at the start but as you get better you should pay yourself a fair wage.


Thank you Eric, and welcome to the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. You can see lots more of Eric's creations at Tangled Metal on ArtFire.

June Challenge - Persian Weaves

For the month of June the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild members were set the challenge of creating pieces with Persian weaves. We have some great entries, so let's go look.

Catinalife

BathorysChainmaille

VikingJonesJewelry

BarbsDesigns

Nightmaiden

Wonderful creations as always! Thank you to those that participated.

Please don't forget to vote for our next theme on the left of the blog.

Chain Maille Summer Rainbow

Collection curated by The Lucky Dogs

Chain Maille Summer Rainbow

   Curated By: TheLuckyDogs

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Photography

Introducing JTRJewelryStudioLLC

Here we are again introducing another of our ArtFire Chainmaille Guild members. This week it is our pleasure to introduce Janice of JTRJewelryStudioLLC. Let's see how she answered our regular questions.

How long have you been a Chainmailler? I am a novice chainmailler. I did not begin until I had a Flex Shaft and was able to ensure the quality of my rings. I have been making chainmaille jewelry for approximately 4 months and still have a lot to learn.

Why do you like Chainmaille? I rapidly became hooked on the art of chainmaille. I love its intricacies and the challenge it presents and feel a great sense of accomplishment when I have mastered a new weave.

What is your favourite type of ring? So far, my favorite type of ring is the box ring. I like its deceptive simplicity and its rather "streamlined" look. My second favorite ring is Japanese lace, primarily because it so much fun to weave.

What kind of items do you prefer to make? I have made bracelets, earrings, and necklaces utilizing chainmaille. Overall, I prefer to make bracelets probably because I don't usually wear necklaces.

Which weave would you like to learn that you don't currently know?  There are many, many weaves that I don't yet know. Therefore, I can't pick just one that I would most like to learn. I would like to learn as many as possible.

Which piece are you most proud of? I think the piece I am most proud of is my first Japanese Lace bracelet. I was so pleased to be able to master the weave and immediately sold two of them when I posted a picture of my first bracelet on my Facebook page.

What advice would you give to someone who was considering doing Chainmaille? The advice I would give to anyone considering chainmaille is... Don't let it intimidate you! Also, if you are able, purchase a Flex Shaft so that you can control the size and quality of your rings. In addition, purchase as many books as you can on the art of chainmaille, as each has something different to offer.

Thanks Janice! Welcome to the guild. Be sure to check out JTRJewelryStudioLLC for more of her fantastic work.

Pendants and Chains

Collection curated by 28SidesDesigns

Pendants and Chains

   Curated By: 28SidesDesigns

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

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!

Little Metal Merchant

Nightmaiden Designs

Nightmaiden Designs

Barb's Designs

HaffinaCreations

Lovely creations once again. Please help us choose our next theme by voting for your favourite idea over on the left of the blog.