Featured Artist – Armored Hearts

Armored Hearts – Frann

Growing up in the late Seventies and Eighties gave me a large variety of crafts to choose from.
Learning counted cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, and macramé; until I was caught tying up the neighbor boys. Long story.

After a quick divorce, I turned into a Gypsy, moving from state to state, travelling on the wind. First seeing chainmaille as armor in the Ren Fairs I worked in. I started doing piece work for the performers (Mostly Euro 4 in 1 Sheets in Galvy and Aluminum for you calling for STATS!)

After travelling around the U.S. for 15 of my 40 years, I settled back in Michigan, where I was borne and raised. Getting back into ‘regular jobs’ again I went to work for a Telecommunications Company in West Michigan. I started back into chainmaille to keep busy during the winter months when sometimes it snows 3 feet in 3 hours. Initially wanting to become a Hobbyist Mailler; making jewelry for friends and family. In December of ’08 family and a few friends started giving out my phone number and email address and people started ordering from me. I was ecstatic!
By January ’09 the bottom started to fall out in the Job Market in Michigan and I became a statistic in February. I am now part of the 13% ( and growing ) who lost their job. I jumped right into an Etsy shop and did nothing but chain, promote myself locally and attend Art Shows with friends in Kalamazoo and other West Michigan cities. I learned a great deal about running shows, pricing work and learning more about the history of maille to field questions from potential buyers.

I don’t consider myself an Artist yet, as I have not designed any original pieces. I enjoy learning from others and would like to learn much more before tackling originals.

I have collections in two shops and an Etsy shop. I am also sponsoring a Pagan Awareness Festival in Newaygo Michigan, on September 27, 2009; along with other merchants and artists. The Flea market, craft show and Art show circuit is all booked for this summer and early fall. My red tent is on a UPS truck and on it’s way to me.

I’m grateful to all my friends on Handmade Artist Forum. Without them I would not have the enthusiasm, motivation or the competitive fire I have now for Maille and a new respect for those making ANY handcrafted item. We are hardworking, perfectionists, passionate and curious. Handmade Artists share, discuss and create. And I love being a part of it!

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Tags: chainmaille

Posted in Handmade Harbor