Featured Artist – MailleMystique

My addiction for chainmaille began out of necessity and turned into a passion. In Illinois I was a stay at home Mom to 2 boys. The eldest is mentally disabled and required my attention and the youngest was ‘normal’ and required more of my attention! I have always been interested in doing ‘something’ with my hands and did cross-stitch, sewed my own clothes, was part owner in a antique shop, ran estate sales and made dolls, snowmen and santas. For 10 years my partner in the business “The Tortoise & The Hare” and I did shows. We did quite well for the most part but when we were relocated to Ky. because of my husbands job, I had to downsize from an old 6 bedroom house to an apartment. The sewing machine, fabric and other things were sold and off we moved.

I happened to see a bracelet one day made of gemstones and silver and thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I also thought I could make it myself. Off I went to the nearest Hobby Lobby to purchase all the things I needed. Well, let me tell you that didn’t work out very well. I did not have an ‘eye’ for beaded things. I saw a piece of chainmaille on the computer and started researching what it was and how it was made. I ordered some bronze rings to play with and printed a tutorial and sat down one day to try it. That was it, I was hooked.

I ordered some sterling silver rings and tried my hand at using precious metals. I have never looked back. I get the pliers in my hand, the rings that I now make myself, sit in my chair with a board over my lap and I can get lost for hours. Making maille is a meditative and calming trade for me, unless I get stuck on a particularly hard weave and throw my pliers. (This happens rarely, but it does happen). I truly enjoy what I make, I take great pride in creating quality pieces that will last a lifetime and I love the whole process of creating something from a length of wire into something wearable.

Check out more of her stunning work at her 1000Markets shop.

Tags: chainmaille, handmade jewelry, jewelry

Posted in Handmade Harbor