Wednesday, March 30, 2011

March Challenge - Beaded Maille

It is time for another Monthly Challenge blog post. This month the theme was 'Beaded Maille'. We have had lots of entries this month, which is really wonderful!
So let's see what the members of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild have come up with this month.

Liv'n Good Jewelry








Omi Silver

Shaelynn's Faerie Shoppe

Little Metal Merchant

Viking Jones Jewelry

The Lucky Dogs

Barb's Designs

HaffinaCreations

Lunargent

Amazing work from everyone!
We would really love it if you could share this with all your friends, as well as voting in the poll to the left to help us choose our next theme.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Old Ball and Chain

Collection by ORefined.


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Copper in Chains

Collection by M2bC


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Introducing M2bC!

We are here with another of the newer members of the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. This week we are meeting Maureen from M2bC (Meant 2 be Cherished). Let's hand over to Maureen and see how she answers our questions.

How long have you been a chainmailler? About 2 years, though I had to put the pliers down for a few months due to a hand injury.

Why do you like chainmaille? What's not to like??  There is a huge variety of weaves and styles, you can incorporate color and watching a few rings develop into a lovely piece of jewelry is just fun. 

What is your favorite type of ring? I'm a huge fan of anodized aluminum!  It's lightweight, colorful, and easy to work with.  I love 18g rings.

What items do you prefer to make? I love making bracelets using the Euro 4n1 weave.  It's my favorite way to bring in color.

Which weave would you like to learn that you don't currently know? Oh, so many!  I really only know a few weaves, byzantine, Euro 4n1, shaggy loops, you know the beginner weaves.  I'd love to learn parallel and spiral and jens pind and - well, as I said, so many!  

Which piece are you most proud of? Probably my chakra bracelet.  I love the way the colors flow into each other.

What advice would you give to someone who was considering Chainmaille? Get good, comfortable pliers that won't strain your hands.   My 12 year old niece loves to make simple 2n1 bracelets or anklets for her friends using metal and rubber rings.  It's her birthday and I'm giving her a selection of enameled copper and rubber rings with a couple of pairs of pliers.  Here is what I tell her:  be patient and have fun!  


Thank you Maureen and welcome to the ArtFire Chainmaille Guild. You can see more of Maureen's work at M2bC on ArtFire

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Different Weaves for Different Tastes

Great collection by 28SidesDesigns