Where to begin? I started with art school, then made the common progression into the corporate world, spent a few years flailing about, only to run, kicking and screaming, back to a more creative space. I enjoy painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking and photography. Having experience in programming and graphics, I also like working with computers and do a lot of my own web work. I became interested in making jewelry for the same reason I think many do: I couldn’t find what I wanted for myself.
A few years ago, I started shopping for beads and haven’t stopped since. I love the luscious, good-enough-to-eat quality of vibrantly colored, natural gemstone beads and the soft, richness of freshwater pearls. Some of my favorite gemstone beads include amazonite, carnelian, amethyst, labradorite, and various from the quartz, serpentine and topaz families.
One day, browsing for beads in a local store, I glanced down at a book on making chainmail. From the instructions in that book and electrical wire I bought at the hardware store, I started making chains. I’m still learning – experimenting with different materials, weaves and techniques. My favorite chainmail weaves are Jens Pind Linkage and the Helm Chain.
There is something indescribably satisfying about working with metal, I can only keep going. I work toward acquiring the tools and knowledge to create my chains and findings directly from raw materials.
Oh, my name is Michelle…
Every end of the year Twitter list of “who to follow” always includes every person we already follow. So I decided to take...
to add more pictures…This necklace was made as part of a set:
I made the chain for the bracelet. It is a simple, but one of my favorite, chainmail weave called Helm Chain. Stone combination and Asian style dragon & phoenix charms tie the set together.
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