Monday, June 6, 2011

JET Interview - Sharon of Shazzabeth Creations




    
Byz Cross Chainmaille Bracelet with Moonstone
One of the two techniques that I love the most when designing and creating jewellery is Chainmaille - and no doubt this can be evident from my store. In my title I have described chainmaille as a love/hate relationship and no doubt anyone who has tried chainmaille before can attest to this. 

 







 

While I love the challenge of learning a new weave, there are times when it can become so frustrating. Don't let all my pieces fool you, there are moments when it has seemed like a new weave is getting the better of me. 

Festival -Chainmaille Bracelet in the Byzantine Square Weave



Padparascha  Romanov Chainmaille  Bracelet



 I think the real satisfaction here can come from mastering a weave that you struggled with to begin with.
    
   


 
 Once I have mastered a weave, and probably created one piece just in that straight weave, I then like to play around with the weaves, trying to come up with something a bit different. This was how my Dragonscale Diamonds piece was created. I had already completed one straight dragonscale piece so wanted to do something a little bit different with it. I therefore created a straight strip of dragonscale, and then I started shaping the edges by removing certain rings.


My greatest satisfaction however has probably been with creating my own weave, my Chrysanthemum Chain, a weave that seems to have become quite popular.
    
   
   
Diamond Chainmaille Necklace
 Believe me, there have been times when I have screamed at the rings or flung them across the floor - do you know how satisfying it can be at times to rant at inanimate objects. However, I have always determined that I am never going to let the rings beat me. The real key here is persistence. And then there is that magic moment - when the weave suddenly clicks into place, and then suddenly it seems so straight forward and you wonder what the problem was.


Please visit my Etsy shop and  website to see more Chainmaille designs. Thank you,
Sharon




14 comments :

Bob J24-7 said...

Simply beautiful - Shazzabeth is THE place to shop for fantastic chainmaille jewelry! Thanks for posting this ... Your shop is amazing!

jemsbyjb said...

The detail and craftsmanship in this jewelry is amazing. Such beautiful and unique designs. I just love this artisan's shop.

Beadsme said...

I just lurve the diamond one.

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Absolutely beautiful! Love everything in Shazzabeth's shop.

Tracy said...

Gorgeous chainmaille! I'm in awe over the amazing detail you're able to create. Gorgeous pieces.

Made By Tammy said...

Amazing Designer and Jewelry!

Jill said...

Great topic! Thank you for sharing your love (and hate) of chainmaille :) I can only imagine the patience it takes to make sure each and ever ring is properly closed. I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it! LOL Your work is amazing.

Michele said...

Such talent, her shop is amazing and filled with lots of unique pieces!!

SendingLoveGallery said...

Very inspiring Shazzabeth! love your work~

cooljewelrydesign said...

Shazz, your work is beyond intricate and gorgeous...and true confessions: I would probably stab myself at the notion of even "beginning" something basic. You have every right to scream at inanimate objects and yes, I am familiar with that. JUST STELLAR!

Erika Price said...

Your work is amazing, Sharon - and truly inspirational, especially your fabulous Chrysanthemum weave. And yes, I too enjoy a good rant at inanimate objects (as well as the DH animate one from time to time!) Thanks for this great article x Erika Price Jewelry

Mollie Ann said...

Sharon, what a delightful article! I have enormous admiration for those with the skill to do chainmaille, and your pieces are spectacular!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

Sharon, your talent is amazing. It is great to hear about your love/hate and I think we can all relate. As with your spectacular creations, its all worth it in the end.

Unknown said...

I bow down to the master! :) Your chain maille is absolutely incredible! It's actually nice to know that you have yelled at rings too!