Charming Chainmaille

Where did the sunshine go? I woke up this morning to dark grey skies and drizzle. So to cheer my day up I logged onto Artfire to check out new listings and the first item I saw, top of the front page was a beautiful hand crafted chainmaille necklace. It really lifted my spirits to see such an unusual piece...

LeafLee was the creator of that item and this is it. I think it is gorgeous! From it's flattering V shaped lines to the materials used to make it, it is just fabulous. Did you notice yet that it is made from recycled soda can ring pulls?

This lead me to searching for more chainmaille items. Barbs Designs created this rainbow coloured full Persian style bracelet. It's so pretty and just the right for brightening up a grey day like today.

Marion's Dream Works presents these very elegant and stylish Tetra orb chainmaille earrings. They are made from solid silver wire and Capri Blue Swarovski Crystals. They would suit all occasions.

This bracelet from Carol's Creations in some ways reminds me of beautiful serpent skin. The way the chainmaille links are fitted together creates a pattern that echoes the shapes found on the most regal snakes skin.

This very fine detailed sterling and pearl necklace from Red Panda shows so perfectly that chainmaille isn't all just about big bold chunky pieces. They can be delicate chic looking pieces like this. Utterly stunning!

Chainmaille comes in many shapes and sizes and after checking out what was on offer for sale at Artfire this morning I think there really is something there for everyone, from those that want a large statement piece to wear through to someone that wants something simple and elegant. There are items for men, women and children. Chainmaille is so versatile and as you can see from the above items the masters of the craft can create the most gorgeous jewellery with it. It has really lifted my day writing this article. Thank you all you chainmaille artisans.

It’s spring!

I know this may have occurred to everyone else, but I seemed to have entirely missed the arrival of spring, until today. It’s warm and breezy and I feel like cleaning. That’s got to mean something – I never feel like cleaning! So in celebration of my delayed reaction, I’ve chosen some things that make me excited about the arrival of this new season.

This amazing garden bag by is handmade by ohgosh. It just oozes quality and style, and is delightful to look at. It even has a double frame so you’ve got already got a purse inside. This shop will definitely be on my list when I’m looking for presents this season!

Just the thing to make treat yourself too after that spring clean – it would add a simple freshness to any room in the house. This beautiful natural wooden clock is made by Knottyburr Wood Crafts, from reclaimed oak.

I might be jumping the gun here slightly, but if you’re brave enough to actually go outside for lunch, this eco-friendly flatware set for 2 is perfect for a picnic. The maker Pony up also stocks toddler flatware sets, so you could get the whole family out in the fresh air!

Aha, I just had to add a cleaning related item. It’s very unfair on Robin101 to label these items as simply cleaning related! These four cards are beautiful. I came across some of Robin’s lovely cards in a gallery in Brighton a couple of weeks ago and was thrilled when I found these and a range of other amazing cards from Robin on folksy and etsy.

I love these little vintage style earrings, they are bright, delicate and cute! They are by MD sparks. Would be perfect with to compliment a bright, light summer dress – if you dare!

Better go start cleaning the house!

Written by Rose of Felt Giraffe

Button up!

Are you, like me, a button collector/hoarder? I know it’s a bit sad but buttons makes me really happy. Not only is there an endless amount of different shapes, sizes and styles but it’s also the ultimate recycling. Most of my button collection has been donated to me from a friend’s mum. After hearing that I had started making and selling purses and brooches, she sent me her button collection to me in the post- it’s amazing! In return I sent a purse, with a button design made using a few from the collection. Next thing I know another button collection arrived, from someone I’d never met – but had heard that I was collecting buttons!

Anyway, enough about me, let’s see some handmade items…

These gorgeous blue button earrings are made by Bethany Allen. Her shop also contains a matching bracelet and necklace. There’s even a special, discount price if you buy them altogether. They are simply perfect for a posh evening out or a wedding.

This amazing dial phone design iphone case from hiné, is made using thick felt and buttons. It even has a little pocket at the back for your headphones. This shop also contains an equally delightful ‘camera camera case’ - it’s definitely worth a look! Check out her Flickr account too.

I love Dorset buttons – here are some lovely handmade buttons from bigbluebed, linked together to make a cute bracelet. This type of button was handmade in Dorset, surprisingly, until the industrial revolution, which brought with it a button making machine.

An incredibly cute card with buttons on from bybelinda. It’s such a lovely item, so simple but really stylish. This really pulled on my heart strings!

Lastly we have this ace orange and blue bracelet from milomade. It is packed full of vintage buttons and beads. Milomade has used vintage buttons in a variety of ways to produce a gorgeous selection of bracelets, brooches and phone charms.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my little button selection today. I better get back to sewing my own buttons (on brooches). I’m trying to finish of a few promotional items today, and an apron for a small child. Maybe I’ll sew some buttons onto the apron too. Why not!

Written by Rose of felt Giraffe

More Flickr Finds

The Autonomous Artisans Flickr group is still going strong and you are all welcome to join, put forward photos of handmade goods and chat about items you love, crafts you enjoy, artisans you admire or just sit and stare at all the gorgeous photos of goodies that people have made. If you haven't been over there to see all the fabulous items yet, I've picked out a few to share with you.

Glamasaurus made these cookie earrings that look good enough to eat. You might have to fend off hungry passers by when you wear them.

Dangerous Mezzo is a very talented lady. This is one of her collage paintings, but she also creates gorgeous jewellery.

Are you looking for a warm hat for this winter. Dread Nought Designs has just the thing. Made from flannel and fleece it is bound to keep you feeling cosy.

Meero made these stylish fresh water pearl earrings. They have a simple elegant stirrup shape that would look fabulous hanging from any ear shape.

I love Venice and this picture from Sounds Like Rain reminds me of a happy afternoon laying in a gondola. Kay is an amazing photographer as her shop will show you.

I'm so glad I set up the Flickr group as it has turned up many wonderful artisans and given me the opportunity to share them with you. Please spread the word about it so that we can give exposure to many more independent artists and crafters.

Written by Lynne of Hyperloop Hoops and Pirate Pixie Crew

Artisan of the Week, Jill Brown from Out of the Pink Sky Designs

Today's Artisan of the week first caught my eye with her unusual cat earrings. There are many cat earrings in the world but not many like Jill Brown's of Out of the Pink Sky Designs. After following her kitties back to her Etsy shop I found that this very talented lady had so much more to offer...

Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?
I'm Jill Brown, the founder and driving force behind Out of the Pink Sky Designs. I live in Columbus Ohio with my husband, Matt, a transplant from England, our pug, Xander, and our cat, Sushi. I began as a fairly straightforward beader. I mainly wanted to make things that I would wear since my style is pretty eclectic and I had a hard time findings things I liked. As time went on, I learned some wire wrapping skills, and learned to work with shrink plastic. I eventually moved into precious metals and semiprecious gemstone jewelry. In general, I tend to stick with earrings and pendants because I enjoy making those the most.

What led you to take up your craft?
Two things - first, I had a difficult time findings earrings I liked that were unusual. When I did, I was allergic to them. I basically started working with jewelry because I needed to switch my earring hooks to sterling silver so I could wear them. From there, I decided that I'd like to make my own earrings. My craft snowballed from there into a business. I learned wire wrapping techniques and learned to work with sterling silver and gemstones.

Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
That's a toss up. I love learning new skills and findings interesting ways of using those new skills with those I already have. However, little compares to the feeling of selling a piece, knowing that someone likes your work well enough to wear it on their body.

Which part do you find hardest?
Promoting. I already have a non-creative day job. I would like for my free time to be spent doing creative activities. However, promoting is necessary.

Where do you hope to be in 1 year’s time?
I do not believe that I would be able to support myself with my craft, especially considering my need for health insurance. However, I hope to be selling at the biggest local shows and doing well on Artfire and Etsy. I also hope that I have a new day job, but that's a whole other story!

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
To take photos of my work outside, in the afternoon, on an overcast day. We get plenty of those in central Ohio. The sort of environment has done a work of good for my photos which, if you're selling on-line, is an absolute necessity! Better photos means more exposure which means more sales.

Name other artisans sites/shops would you recommend are worth a visit?
My favorite artisans include Beatblack, aminyitray, Auryn design, Sepia Lepus, and I love the dolls at strangedolls. I would also recommend checking out Columbus artists and crafters on Etsy

What is your favourite sandwich filling?
That's a tough one. I think I would go with turkey, swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing.


Thank you for joining in with our blog Jill. I was so glad you agreed to do this interview. You have such a wide range of designs in your shop, from traditional through to some very individual modern pieces. It's so nice to see the variety. Check out her shops dear readers. You are sure to find something to delight at!

Written by Lynne of Hyperloop Hoops and Pirate Pixie Crew.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

In honour of Christmas I thought today I'd find some beautiful stars to twinkle on our blog. As many of you regular readers know, I'm not a big fan of neutral colours, so I picked out some bright beautiful and fun stars to showcase. So as the song goes "Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are."

Over on Dawanda we have these fabulously colourful star earrings from Glamasaurus. This Swiss lady's jewellery is novel and fun. Her shop is full of cute cookies, doughnuts, bugs and birds. You're sure to find something there that will make you smile.

I just adore this pack of cards from Jumping Jack Designs. The expression on the snowman's face is just priceless. The utter simplicity of the design is what makes it so special. As they say, less is more.

Well I had to have one silver star, it is after all Christmas! This is such a gorgeous key chain I couldn't pass it by. It's for sale in the Unkamengifts shop. This shop is a real family run affair as the profile shows.

Now please don't try this one at home. I just had to feature this card from Peppermint Daydreams because it made me laugh so much. Jon and I have spent a couple of days trying to stop Weapon X (one of our cats) from trying to unwrap presents. Maybe we should strap him in a star costume to the top of the Christmas tree instead.

Last up for today is a must for all small boys and girls (and not so small girls and boys), a Superhero cape! Go and check this one out from SkedaddleKids. It has the most fabulous lining to it. Kapow! Off to space we go! I wonder if SkedaddleKids will make one of these big enough for Jon... hehehehe

Well I have to go now. I still have 6 Christmas presents to finish making. We are going with handmade gifts for all this season. I better get a wriggle on. Have a fabulous day whatever you are doing.

Written by Lynne of Hyperloop Hoops and Pirate Pixie Crew