It's time for wardrobe!

Whenever I'm at an event and people realize chainmail is armor, there are always questions about what is involved with making it. Being a chain mail artist is tricky when it comes to making full pieces of armor, simply because there is so much time involved in the process.  I've had customers ask about the cost of having a piece custom-made and many of them balk when the price is a few hundred dollars. It isn't inexpensive, but most people don't realize that a handmade "shirt" can easily have over 30 hours of time put into it.

As a result, I don't make a lot of armor. Costumers can find machine made regalia online for a much lower price, and many of the truly hardcore armor lovers decide to get their hands dirty and take on the challenge themselves.  I'm completely fine with this, and enjoy talking with people who are new to the process. In fact, there has been so much interest from DIY people that I am going to start offering classes at conventions and venues that allow it.  So if you are interested in taking a class or are part of an event and would like to include a chainmail armor and jewelry making class, let me know!

Anyway… It's been a while since a larger piece has come across the workbench and decided that I wanted to make one for myself. The photograph above is the work in progress, and it definitely isn't traditional historical armor. The plan for the finished product is to have a shirt to wear to shows as a display piece, and I added the color to make it more fashionable. Because of the small ring size, it's taking quite a while to finish. If you want to check it out and get a closer look, come visit me at one of my upcoming shows. The next one will be on April 10–11 in Johnson City and you can find out more about it on my Facebook page. 

I love delivery day!

I'm really excited about the new batch of stuff that came in. It arrived in time to get a few new products made to debut at the convention this weekend, and I'm really excited! That wonderful mess currently scattered on the table will soon become new giant sized keychains, very pointy stars,and hopefully before the end of the week new candle holders as well! I love trying out new things! It's Christmas in March!

Time for more sculpture!

Hello again everyone! I'm sorry it's been so long, but life has been keeping me ridiculously busy. I know that in my previous posts I have mentioned several times about working on my dragon. Unfortunately, the dragon is still unfinished and a work in progress. I have been going through several different ways of getting the wings the way I want them and it's proving to be a bit of a beast. I didn't want to get completely mired down with it so I decided to try something new, and this cactus magically came into being.  I'm not entirely sure as to the exact inspiration for making a cactus. Maybe I'm thinking back to my old RPG days and playing around in the Weird Wild West of Deadlands. 

I have a few chainmail trees that are also currently sitting as works in progress. I have been able to make the trunk and branches portions to my liking and am testing out new ideas for adding leaves and canopies to these trees. They are beautiful standing alone as is, but I think giving them leaves will add extra life and dimension that will make them truly shine.  

MACE West is happening next weekend, and if you want to see the cactus or any of my other work you will want to be there. It's a fun gaming convention that is only a short drive for anyone living in the Tri-Cities.  Mention this blog post at my table at MACE West for a special free gift. Free.  You don't even have to buy anything! How awesome is that…

Projects in progress

It's been a very busy week so far. I have two projects that I have been working on, the second Dragon and some new decorated coasters.   For these coasters I have started with a slightly different style of tree, making it a bit more intricate than my originals.  I like them both, but I think the originals are my favorites.  Today I plan to finish the first coaster set and will be able to seal them and the base for the Dragon.  I'm very excited about finishing up these new projects!

It's a scramble!

Ever have one of those months instead of one of those days?  That's been me lately!  Good news, a new dragon is in progress and I'm hoping to have it completed either before the Celtic Festival in Elizabethton this weekend.  It's a scramble...  But short of sacrificing quality I'm going to do my best to have it ready!  In addition to the usual chainmail fare this will be the first show where I have my tree art on display, and I've been trying to sort out the best way to make the booth look inviting and exciting.  If you're planning to come out this weekend, I'd love to hear what you think about the new items.  Stop by to say hi, and do a little shopping.  Also, don't forget to check back on the Facebook page for new events and items!

Lots of Celtic festivals are coming up

I'm just back from Gencon, and it was a great and much needed vacation. Now that I'm back home, I'm in a bit of a scramble with getting ready for the shows coming up. There are several good Celtic events coming soon in the area, including...

Sept 6 weekend - Upper East TN Celtic Festival in Elizabethton

Sept 27 - Big Stone Celtic in Big Stone Gap, VA

Oct 25 weekend - Celtober in Asheville, NC

If you'd like to find out more about any of these I have links to each on the Events section of my Facebook page. Check them out, and stop by to see the chainmail and tree art while you're there. Mention seeing this blog post for a discount on your purchase at any of these shows. 

A foray into beading

The last two weekends have been incredibly busy with the Davy Crockett show, and then three days driving to Asheville for WNC Celtic. Normally a long show like that would wear me out, but thanks to my friend Danielle I had a partner in crime to make it all bearable. She does beadwork, and we had an opportunity to work together on several pieces together. I'll have these listed on Etsy soon, but if you see a pair you would like before they are listed, please let me know and I will get them to you.

The baby dragon traveled with me to Asheville this weekend, and everyone fell in love with him.  He was so popular in fact, that I believe he needs a little brother. Or maybe sister.  Either way, there will be another baby dragon in the works very soon.