Over 5 hours later, and this is what I've managed:

Man, that was more work than I expected.  The project had called for about 140ish rings, but for the length I wanted, I was easily pushing into 400. 

This is my 'for me' piece.  I wanted earthy colors, so this is made up of green and brown.  Granted this time of year it's looking a little red and green in some lights, but overall I'm pleased with it. 

Not that I'm planning on doing this pattern again anytime soon!

Huzzah for my supplier for being located in Chicago, for my order has arrived!

Do you know what 4000 rings look like?

It looks something like that. 

Let's see what I can get done tonight...

So, here's part 2 of "Adventures in Chainmailing" (Part 1 below)

We're on project 3.  By this point, I've put in an order for more rings of varying size and color, but all I have available are the first ones I picked up at Michaels, which are only 3 base colors and very small sizes. The size is especially frustrating, as it limits me from being able to try other patterns (and believe me, I tried!)

To feel productive, I go back to Project 2, but vary up the colors:

...which I'm pleased with, despite having to repeat a project already. 

I then decided to try and create a spiral bracelet.  Due to the size of the rings, I'm limited to about 7 links in before it's too packed to continue.  On the plus side, it makes a nice pair of earrings :)

And last, but not least, I played around with the only other weave I seemed able to put together with my limited stock (my ring order has shipped at this point at least!), an English 4-in-1 I believe?  Bracelet's not too bad, just a bit delicate for my tastes:

So that's all I have right now.  But I'd say not bad for a weeks worth of work (and a non-chaining holiday weekend included in there).  I'll post more as I create it.  Which will be when my new rings get here...

So it's been a while....

Needless to say, I've had some inspiration fail on the art production end.  But on the plus side, I've found my creative outlet! It just wasn't where I'd left it.

So....Chainmail is my new thing. I know, kinda left field from drawing and painting, but one can't question their muse.  I'll start posting my projects here.  It's only been a week since I saw my first piece of chainmail jewelry in a book, and I'm happy to say I've already got 6 projects I'll be posting. 

So, yeah, I'm a little inspired :D

Here's my first project, pretty basic, but you have to craw before you can walk (unless you're my youngest nephew...)

Wore those the next day, as I was quite proud (even if there's a huge chip off a link in the back).

So the next night, I kicked out these babies:

Even though I'd finished these at 11:30 pm, my chaining need hadn't been sated.  I'd ordered a 'kit' earlier (comes with rings and instructions, assembly required).  So I couldn't help myself and started in on it at this point.  2.5 hours later, I have this helm chained beauty:

Here's a bit more detail - it's a neat 'floating link' effect:

Wore that one on Christmas.  It's a nice piece.



Part 2 will be posted shortly, with my next 3 projects.

Shock and Awe!

Believe it or not - I finally started using all my toys. Behold - a sample of the pic I started. Why a spider? Beats me. But I won't argue with inspiration. Huzzah!

This is done is Photoshop CS4. Not even a pre sketch. Not sure how far I'll go with it - but it's fun to play with and see how everything works. Digital painting - WAY easier to clean up after than oils...

Big steps forward

Got my copy of the CS4 Design suite on the way. And some books on how to use a few of the programs. Finally time to take a big bite out of this amorphous goal I keep claiming I have...

I know what you're thinking....

No posts. No art. No writing.

So the weekly deadline isn't my thing. I have done a lot of planning though. Future planning. Freelance planning. Heck, I even invested in the Adobe Design Suite. So I'm working on it - just not in the "post weekly" sort of way. Stupid idea anyways. I am she without boundaries!!!

Or something like that....