I cannot contain my excitement. I’ve spent the better part of two days trying to get a website running for MinZ Maille. I have finally succeeded in putting up a beta version. It’s an exciting day. I don’t care that it isn’t a real URL, it’ll do until we can afford one.

So excited.

Unfortunately we didn’t have the opportunity to dress the stage this time, and with the limited rehearsal time is was lucky that I re-wrote the choreography to go with a different shaped stage on the journey down.

The dressing room was crowded with models and collections but the other teams were helpful and we found space to put our stuff and even electricity to do some simple hair. Kudos to my amazing MUAs, Laura Wilson and Tabitha Adams, for managing to do make up in the abysmal lighting conditions!

I was pleased with the show in general and received a lot of positive feedback.

Show pics by Daffyd Owen

Models as they appear in the photos: Asphazia, Helene Atsuko, Kerry Wheeler, Whiplash, Sapphire Black, Anna Swiczeniuk , Harlotte Wolderland, Ruby True, Vex Ashley, Boo Elizabeth, Biomechanina, Mam’zelle Maz.

This particular piece has been sold.

A stainless steel and bronze Japanese weave bracelet on a log put through filters in Camera Bag 2.

Otherwise known as asa no ha gusari.

Moving on to the second topic, my last post was about a holiday special my boyfriend was running for the chainmaille business he’s trying to start. We’re tight on money right now, so we decided to reach out to you guys with this special offer (please feel free to let your friends know about this).

I realized in my previous post, I didn’t really clarify some things. So I was up really late last night trying to write up a clearer version, and my boyfriend and I decided we should add something to our list of goods: custom duct-tape roses. He made a lot of them for Christmas presents, and we decided to offer them to you. (Pictures for the roses at the end of the post)

Another thing I should clarify for you is gauge. Gauge is a measurement of thickness of a wire we use to make chainmaille rings. The gauge works kind of backwards: 14 gauge is thicker than 17 gauge. Currently, we don’t have any heavy machinery or anything, so all the rings are cut by hand with a pair of wire cutters. We also start to wind the rings by hand before we can use a small jig to wind a bit more. As of this time, we don’t use aluminum, as it it far too easy to bend out of shape. We use only galvanized steel wire (which is much harder to bend). All our wire is currently silver in color, and custom colors for chainmaille are not available. As I said, we’re starting out.

The way things are going financially right now, we’re having some trouble and selling even a couple of things would be very helpful. Eventually, we’re going to start visiting anime conventions as vendors, but for now we’re working out of home. All packages are shipped out of New Hampshire.

MinZ Maille:

Currently running a special.* / ** / *** / ****

17 gauge chainmaille dicebags: $15.
14 gauge chainmaille dicebags: $20.
Custom Duct-Tape Roses: $2 each, 3 for $5, 6 for $10, dozen for $20.
—Currently available colors to choose from: Gold, red, green, black, blue, silver, white.
—More colors (and prints) available for an extra $2.
—Alternating colors for petals available for an extra $1.
—Buy a dozen “classic” roses (red petals, green stem), get an extra for free.

*All these prices do not include shipping.
**Offer ends January 31, 2012.
***Contact minzmaille@gmail.com for more information.
****Transactions will be made through PayPal.

More information about the roses:

Pictured below is a rose made by MinZ Maille. I’m hoping to get some pictures of the dicebags in the future, but photographing shiny metal takes a certain lighting. The lighting on these pictures were hard enough.

This is considered “classic” style. Red petals and a green stem. They aren’t usually that bright, but the lighting was terrible and cast a glare.

They’re very cute and a great gift for anyone who likes crafty things.

The number of petals is, within reason, also custom. This is a “full” rose. It has more petals than the standard. All the above pictures are of the same rose.

The levels are: minimal, basic, full, fuller. Anything more will cost extra.

MinZ Maille is a private, out-of-home business. We aren’t corporate monsters trying to trick you. We’re just starting out, so please be patient with shipping. We’re still figuring that out.

Transactions must be made prior to shipping. Contact minzmaille@gmail.com for more information.

Throughout the year we will be running other specials on duct-tape goods. Be sure to tune in for the Hogwarts special, the Eeveelution special, and more.

Thank you all so much for your support!

-Korika.

https://plus.google.com/116740343785009399668/about

I don’t have much else to say. He’s just starting out and it would be fabulous if you all would just take a look at his page. Thanks!

minzmaille@gmail.com

I paired my vintage floral skirt with a black peplum t-shirt from Forever21. The flare at the waist of the shirt in combination with the subtle A-line cut of the skirt adds a bit of volume without looking over-the-top.

Over the t-shirt I wore a Topshop quilted leather jacket, and accessorized with a Cooperative beanie, stiletto suede booties, and sheer black stockings from Urban Outfitters with intriguing and old-fashioned seaming down the back of each leg.

I also wore a Rusted Revolution Skull Baby Necklace and Three Chain Handpiece. Shop our jewelry on Etsy and Barb and Bear.

NERD ALERT: Anyone going to see The Hobbit at midnight?

I am! And I’ll be debuting a Middle Earth-inspired headdress, which will soon be for sale.

xox,
Lesley

Elegant Silver Chain Mail Necklace & Earrings with Blue Swarovski Crystals

This handmade silver chain mail necklace lights up with brilliant blue Swarovski crystals and sits elegantly at the base of the neck.

Closure is a toggle clasp featuring clear Swarovski crystals set in a lovely filigree design. Necklace was created to be worn with the clasp in the front as part of the central focus of the design. Stunning in the back as traditionally worn.

Simple matching earring complete this set.

***********************************************

Necklace is approximately 16″ in length.

Earrings are approximately 2″ in length.

***********************************************

Click the image to view the etsy post.

Like many serious beer nerds, I collect glassware. But this one-of-a-kind, chainmail beer stein made entirely of ringlets of galvanized steel is one of the most unique beer steins I’ve ever seen. Of course, you wouldn’t really want to attempt to drink a beer out of it because it’s full of holes. It’s not for sale, anyway; its creator spent more than a year designing and building the five-pound, 7.5-inch tall stein, so he/she probably wouldn’t part with it without a (sword) fight—or an exchange of significant funds.

Still, that thing would make a worthy addition to any beer nerd’s glassware and/or tchotchke collection.

UBN

Via ChainedBeauty.DeviantArt.com

I have a holiday boutique next Friday. It’ll be exciting because I haven’t done this in forever and I have price tags for everything except the earrings. Still trying to figure out a good system but I feel pretty confident. My stock this time around feels a lot more… Streamlined? More collection-ish vs my usual chaotic mishmash. I have my Rock on a Rope collection, the Chainmaille Straight Up, and the Chainmaille with a Hui Twist. Some of them need more specific names but I’ll get to that later. Some designs have become standard, which means its easier to quickly whip out, assuming I have all the right beads. I’m really happy with how everything is turning out. All this hard work is starting to pay off.

Jesse.1 spent Thanksgiving with us and apparently she had a cold and gave it to all of us. Poor Hui.1. But he’s a strong baby and the germs are starting to go away. Jesse and I still have a lingering cough but overall, 95% back to normal. With that being said, I need to schedule more downtime while Jesse.1 visits for Christmas/New Years. That was the real culprit, even though I always get sick during this time of year anyway. Running myself ragged 4 days straight and not enough quiet contemplation time. I’m going to send them to Disneyland without me. That’ll be good bonding time for them, and it will give me a chance to rest from the obligated Christmas socializing that will be done. After this show, I can focus on my winter cleaning and making sure I have all the stringing supplies I need to entertain Jesse.1. I feel bad every time she asks to make something, but I don’t have the necessary tools because I don’t string my beads anymore. Besides, I have a giant bag of bead stuff that needs to be sorted through anyway. Maybe I’ll find my dainty little chain that’s good for dangling.

All and all, I feel like I’m starting to get a good balance between being a mom, entrepreneur, and just plain ol’ me. Telecommuting still has its downsides, but I go in at least once a week to give Mom and Dad their baby fix and to just spend time there instead of staring blankly at the walls of my apartment. When the office slows down for the holidays, I want to spend some time sorting through my stuff and get rid of whatever I can. It’s time to reclaim the space the stuff takes over.

And I’ll leave you with a cute picture. I’ve been better about bringing my camera out and about with me…

I try to remedy this situation with my wardrobe — mixing classic, adult pieces with edgier, youthful trends.

I paired a Zara leather-shoulder top with silky Kimchi Blue trousers and stiletto ankle boots.

My quilted shoulder bag and gold bar ring are both from Forever21. I’m also wearing a Rusted Revolution Collar Harness.

You can buy Rusted Revolution jewelry on Etsy and Barb and Bear.

TGIF
-Lesley

He stood before me with his eyes wandering around the room. I have always admired his curiosity and willingness to explore. When I had entered, I had given the space nothing more than a quick glance. ‘Spanking bench, spanking stool, St Andrews cross, table with cleaning products’, The efficient recognition of where everything was situated within the space along with their function so that I could immediately start plotting what I could, and inevitably would, do to him.

His sable shirt was slightly open at the neck and showing off the steel chainmail collar which states he is mine. I know it is always there, but noticing it made me smile. His gaze immediately shifted towards me and he took in a deep, shaky breath as I began to close the distance between us. Holding the slightly crooked smile on my lips only seemed to make him nervous. A good effect in my opinion.

One by one, keeping eye contact all the while, I slowly unbuttoned his shirt and slid it from his shoulders to let it fall loosely to the floor. He shuddered slightly as I gently brushed over the line of his collar with a claw and followed down to do the same to one of his nipples.

Having Scottish roots flowing through my veins, I have found the kilt to be something distinctly masculine. Tonight he was wearing one, deliciously  so, for me. His arousal was evident through its folds, I could smell his scent in the air and it made me all the more eager to play. A soft, hungry growl passed my lips as I pulled him by his neck jewelry towards the St Andrews cross and began to fasten him in with his back towards me.

The dungeon door opened and a head popped inside to have a look around. A distinct reminder that we were playing in a public place. A bearing of teeth and a growl being a quick assurance to the visitor that I did not wish for prying eyes. The head disappeared as quickly as it had arrived and I walked over to the door to gently push it shut once more. I picked up my cane (Sasha) and took in a deep breath to quell the annoyance of being interrupted before returning to where he was now secured.

His nerves had kicked in and he was trembling. Gently tracing his spine with the tip of my cane only seemed to heighten his fear. I was relishing every moment.

“Why do you fear so? Is it because we are in a public place?” I asked in as soft a voice I could collect with the violent thoughts running through my head.

“We have played in public places before, Mistress” He said as his leg started to twitch with nerves. “I do not fear eyes on us”

“Then perhaps it is Sasha you fear?” I asked as I gently slid the cane up the inside of his leg to the crotch, lifting the kilt enough to reveal a little of the tempting soft rump underneath.

“Sasha is only a tool, Mistress” He said through shaky breaths and shudders.

“You tremble, your nerves betray you and I can smell your scent on the breeze. You are oozing fear! I taste and enjoy every drop. But if it is none of the above, what is it?” My voice had broke its gentle tone. I could no longer steady it. The hunger was taking over, my sadistic nature getting the better of it and my own breaths were becoming fast and impassioned because of it.

“I no longer fear you, Mistress, because I trust you completely and I do not fear Sasha because she is just a tool. The only time I truly feel fear is when you are both together and Sasha is in your hand.”

A grin slowly formed on my lips and a whoosh cut through the air as I quickly drew the cane backwards and away from his body. He jumped slightly at the sound and I slowly raised his kilt with my free hand to expose the soft backside flesh that had been teasing me, I held Sasha back a few moments for effect.

“Your fear is justified” I said as the air was cut and the first impact of the evening made his body arch in a visually orgasmic fashion.

Inspired my imagination.

Sent me to another world.

You gave me fantasy.

You were taken too soon.

You had so much more to give.

You created my favorite,

You made me live.

When you were robbed glory,

by the company you created,

It hurt almost as bad

As what has become of your fate.

You left us too early,

but life is not simple.

You will always be remembered

as the King of the Temple

of Elemental Evil.

I paired a Forever 21 monster graphic sweater (two sizes too big) with skinny leather trousers from Topshop for a look that is comfy but pulled together. The Cooperative beanie I’m wearing is my absolute favorite, and the pointed kitten heels are from god only knows where circa 2003 that I resurrected because I am so sick of seeing round-toe platforms.

I accessorized with a purse from Forever 21 (who would’ve thought they’d make something THIS great?), and our very own Rusted Revolution Web Handpiece and Plunge Harness from our 2012 collection.

Buy Rusted Revolution jewelry on Etsy and on Barb and Bear

xox,
Lesley

This is a sampling of my chainmail dice bags and what they can hold, other than dice.

What you need are a pair of pliers & some jump rings.

I used 16 gauge (1.6 mm) aluminum wire jump rings with 1/4″ (6.35 mm) inner diameter

You can either purchase some jump rings with 4.0 Aspect Ratio or make your own jump rings

And, if this piece is going to be your first chainmaille jewelry, learn how to open & close jump rings properly by reading my previous blog post

You can download the pdf tutorial here or follow the following tutorial (^_____^):

1. Decide your color scheme. (For first-timers: It’s easier to start with making a two-colored version of the bracelet first).

2. Open all of the jump rings in color A (in this tutorial: Red) & close all of the jump rings in color B (in this tutorial: Green)

3. Using a jump ring in color A (red), scoop 2 jump rings in color B (green)

4. Close the color A (red) jump ring

5. Hook another color A (red) jump ring onto the previous color A jump ring

6. Weave two color B jump rings (green) onto the open color A (red) jump ring

7. Close the color A (red) jump ring

8. Put the jump rings on top of your workspace and separate the color B (green)

9. Weave another color A (red) ring onto the previous color A ring right between the two color B (green) rings

10. Weave 2 Color B (green) rings onto the open Color A (red) ring; then close the Color A (red) ring.

11. To create a standard size bracelet, repeat steps 8 – 11 till you have a 7″ (17.75 cm) chain.

12. Then, find the first & the last Color A (red) rings. Use jump rings to attach a clasp onto the bracelet. Or, you can also use a ribbon instead.

And … that’s it!!!

It can make a pretty good holiday gift, don’t you think?

~0o0~

Note:

If you can’t find a 6.4mm cylindrical object [to coil the wire and create your jump rings], a slightly smaller or larger mandrel will do

Or, get a chance to WIN enough premium quality jump rings to create this bracelet in any 2 colors you like or an All-in-One Starter Pack.  For more details, please read my previous blog post >>> http://angelicabrigade.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/the-best-way-to-start-learning-to-create-chain-maille-jewelry-giveaway/

~~~

Credit: This chain maille weave is Shaggy Loops, invented by Shelley of Metal Designz

However, all of the jewelry & step-by-step tutorial you see in this page is created by me, @k_joyz of Angelica Brigade

Get a chance to win a Shaggy Loops Bracelet kit in any colorway (you can choose any 2 color) you prefer by leaving me a comment on this blog post between November 18 – 21, 2012 !!!

This giveaway is open to everyone, not just US residents.

I made the bracelet in several different colors. What color combination will you choose if you make your own version of the bracelet?

The winner will be selected at random & will receive an instruction & enough jump rings to create a 7.5″ version of this bracelet from Blue Buddha Boutique.

Also, get a chance to win an All-in-One, Easy Start to Chainmaille Pack

Read on and find out what the All-in-One pack contains & how you can win it!~

.

.

.

* * * * * The Best Way to Start Learning to Create Chain Maille Jewelry * * * * *

We can’t create chainmaille jewelry using randomly selected jump rings.

If the jump rings you use is too small or too thick, you either can’t weave the rings through or the weave is going to be as stiff as a chopstick or a twig

On the other hand, if the rings you use are too thin or too large … the weave is going to be so loose that the links can’t hold its shape and when you wear it as jewelry, the links will definitely flop or look flattened

~0o0~

In the beginning, whenever I learned a new chainmaille weave, I used to need some time to figure out the ring sizes I need.

But, now, people who want to learn to create chainmaille jewelry do not need to go through a similar difficulty because – recently – Blue Buddha Boutique launched a number of chainmaille starter packs that simplify the process.

Every pack is different so you can start learning to make chainmaille jewelry by creating your favorite piece(s) & without having to purchase too many jump rings you might not need.

You can start by learning just one piece such as this one by using the All-in-One, Easy Start to Chainmaille Pack

The pack contains Euro Tool Ergo pliers coated with Tool Magic*, mini bead mat for holding your rings while you work, instructions (for right-handed & left-handed learners) and enough jump rings to create a Celtic Visions bracelet in the colorway(s) you prefer.

There are a few more exciting starter packs you might want to check out:

They can make great holiday gifts, don’t you think?

To read more &/or purchase the starter packs, please visit the following link >>> http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/b3/supplies/starter-packs/

To get a chance to WIN the All-in-One, Easy Start to Chainmaille Pack, simply leave a comment on the following blog post by November 28, 2012  >>> http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/blog/2012/11/chainmaille-starter-packs-blog-hop-giveaway/ <<<

Good luck!~

- @k_joyz of Angelica Brigade

Curved Dragonscale Chain Maille Bracelet, An Unusual Chunky Chainmaille Cuff in Gold, Orange, & Brown

I’ll write more about it soon~

This was ultimately good news as it meant there wasn’t much I had to tick off the list due to someone else having done it before. I still wanted it to be quite an abstract interpretation of the unicorn as opposed to a full on pony costume with a horn and as always I couldn’t decide on just one way to style it so I portrayed it in 3 facets. Pretty unicorn, warrior unicorn and queen unicorn.

I thought these were all likely characters for the dark unicorn to take on and Jamie Mahon did a great job bringing them to life and create the right atmosphere. I also borrowed some beautiful taxidermy accessories from Sophie Adamson to complete the looks. The wardrobe/styling was provided by Eustratia and the chainmail by Richard Ayres, as usual.

We also took the opportunity to shoot some other bits on the same day but I’ve decided to include them in a different post.

I wore a revised version of this outfit to Torture garden for Halloween and added ears to the headband which I thought looked much better.

For those of you who are unicorn fans, the selection of unicorn themed items on my site is growing! Grad yourself something at http://www.eustratia.co.uk

1. I will give you the basic principles.
2. Then, I will show you some examples.
3. Finally, I will show you how you can use the principles to design & create your own jewelry.

Ready?

~0o0~

What you might need:

1. Jump rings*
2. A pair of pliers*
3. Wirecutters (only if you plan to make your own jump rings)
4. Pen & Paper

[* Notes & tips at the bottom of this post. To find out which jump ring size(s) you need, please read my tutorial below ]

~0o0~

Wanna make your own chainmaille jewelry but not sure which where to start?

In my opinion, the first chainmaille weave you might want to master is the Japanese Weave.

It’s easy to figure out & very versatile.

It’s the only chainmaille weave I used to construct this necklace:

The basic principle of this weave is:

2 jump rings … linked with 2 other jump rings … by 2 jump rings.

2 jump rings … linked with 2 other jump rings … by 2 jump rings

Okay, now, let’s bring it onto the next level:

The principle is still the same: 2 jump rings … linked with 2 other jump rings … by 2 jump rings

Add a few more links here & there, and this is what you might come up with:

And … if you mix the the jump rings with other materials such as Swarovksi crystal oval rings, the weave is  going to look like this:

If you look at the picture closely, you can see that the same principle still applies:

2 jump rings … linked with 2 other jump rings … by 2 jump rings

~0O0~

Now, let me show you how you can use the principle to design your own jewelry:

Start by sketching you design (in 1:1 scale) on a piece of paper. That way, you can see what jump ring size(s) you need, & how many.

One of the ways to do it is by linking them one jump ring at a time, but … if you want to finish making the piece a little faster, here’s what you might wanna do:

1.

Scoop 2 pre-closed jump rings (shown in black) with another jump ring (shown in gold):

and then close it (the gold jump ring).

2.

Double the gold jump ring by weaving it onto the black jump ring:

then, close that gold jump ring.

3.

Next, weave yet another gold ring through the black rings

4.

Weave 2 pre-closed black jump rings onto the gold jump ring (in this case, gold ring #3) before you close it.

5. Then, repeat steps 2 – 4 till you come up with the number of links you want.

Remember: 2 jump rings … linked with 2 other jump rings … with 2 jump rings

All I need to do now is to get a pair of ear wires & link the ear wires onto this handmade chain using the small jump ring I already attached on the top of this short chain.

I know, the design of this earring is not very attractive. So, let’s turn it into a necklace instead, shall we?

Simply repeat steps 2 – 4 till you have the length you want, then attach a toggle clasp at the ends of the chain using small jump rings:

Better?

If you like, you can embellish the chain with ready-made pendants or other jewelry findings.

The ones I used to create this piece are Tim Holtz‘s idea-ology World Keys and Sprocket Gears by available in JoAnn, Michaels, and (of course) Amazon.com.

~0o0~

Now, some notes on the jump rings & pliers.

If you are not sure that chainmailling is for you & don’t want to purchase some things you might never use again, you can start by making your own jump rings & borrowing a pair of flat-nose electrical pliers (not the huge ones, though) … or getting them from a hardware store with a good return policy.

Or … get a chance to WIN chainmaille starter packs [ courtesy of Blue Buddha Boutique ] via an online GIVEAWAY I will host on this blog (http://angelicabrigade.wordpress.com) this weekend (Friday, November 16, 2012). The giveaway is open to everyone (not just U.S. residents). So, please check back this Friday, or – to receive a reminder about the giveaway – please follow my blog via email.

Thanks, and have a great week~

-@k_joyz of Angelica Brigade

*** UPDATE: Get a chance to WIN a jewelry-making kit or an All-in-One ChainMaille Starter Pack.  For more details, please read this blog post >>> http://angelicabrigade.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/the-best-way-to-start-learning-to-create-chain-maille-jewelry-giveaway/

[ This blog post is a part of my Intro to ChainMaille Jewelry Making series ]

I’ve got a great idea I’ll love you for the rest of our days
Lets make it the biggest phase
Let’s skip to school on a bank holiday because
We’re Individuals in a Frank Sinatra Style

Did you know you stepped into my eye?
Did you know your face is a song of Frank’s?
Do you know I wanna die wearing birthday balloons thinking of you? Because
We’re Individuals in a Frank Sinatra Style?

There’s a goldfish in my shoe, I don’t know what to do, his name is Pete and he likes feet.
You look up to me, a smile is your reply because you know I’m being silly
It’s so cliché for you and I trick or treating at Halloween
Headbutt an Emu, punch an Irish midget in the face and have children in every window of the house when I come home at night because
We’re Individuals in a Frank Sinatra Style

It will be awhile until my mind stops playing the all night movie marathon of you
Should my eyes be this colour? Or is this what love looks like
I’ll grab this mike and say you’re so cute, so fine you’ve stolen his heart of mine
I care for you, I want no harm for you; I’ll try and dance, say the right words and protect you from
Galloping herds because
We’re Individuals in a Frank Sinatra Style