Last year, we started our monthly “Featured Product” contests as a way to challenge folks to create creative chainmaille jewelry and share just how talented our customers are. At the end of the year, we thought it would be fun to have all the monthly contest winners go head to head to choose an ultimate winner for the year. And thus, our “Mailler of the Year” competition was born.
As this year draws to a close, so does the reign of our first ever “Mailler of the Year”, Marge Hummel (winning piece, “Edwardian Splendor” shown left.) Before all the 2012 contest winners go head to head to crown a new reigning champion, we thought we’d catch up with Marge and see what she’s been up to this year.
Read our interview below to get to know this great gal better and make sure to stay tuned to vote for this year’s big winner.
So, did you put the “Mailler of the Year” bragging rights to good use? *wink* Only kidding…but did you?
*grin* Of course!!! It’s been very, very proudly touted at all the shows that I’ve done – along with displaying the necklace that won that honor. That necklace is also on all my business cards so that I can KEEP bragging every time someone sees my card! The bragging rights were all the more special because of two things: 1) it was voted on by fellow maillers and 2) because it was a contest run by B3 and I consider you all to be my mentors. Most definitely the absolute most exhilarating honor I’ve ever had!
Okay, getting more serious now. Describe your jewelry in 10 words or less:
Timeless. Elegant. Bold. Romantic. …Marrying medieval and modern.
How did you get started making chainmaille jewelry?
I got bored one day and saw an ad for chainmaille in the back of a magazine. I ordered a kit and became an instant addict. It’s been a grand journey since then (almost 6 years now!) and I only see it becoming more a part of my life.
In the last year, what role did chainmaille play in your life?
Chainmaille has had a huge role in my life in the past year. It’s how I wind down at the end of the day. It’s also what actually helps me think. I see the rings and the possibilities with them and they inspire me to think differently, try new things, and look at things from different angles. When my mind is clouded I actually free it up by linking the rings and playing with the colors. When I’m feeling down I make something and it makes me unbelievably happy. When I can’t sleep, I start creating…not exactly lulling my mind back to sleep, but the results are awesome! There isn’t a part of my life that doesn’t involve creating with the rings.
What do you think is the most common misconception about chainmaille as a craft?
I think that most people look at it and dismiss it as impossible right off the bat. They see it as complicated and something they could never do or learn. I think it’s a combination of the intricate look of many of the weaves and the fact that it’s done with metal. Add to that patterns in color and I think the intimidation factor catapults into the stratosphere for some people. When I see that, if I have pliers and rings on me, I ask them if they’d like to just try opening and closing a couple rings. If nothing else, I’ve given someone a deeper appreciation for the art form.
What advice do you have for folks new to the craft or intimidated about trying it?
Just try it…just give it an hour and try it. Obviously I never suggest they start with a weave like dragonscale – although they all love that weave! I always suggest something easier and then let them work their way up. One never knows until one actually tries. There really is nothing to lose and a whole world to discover.
Okay, one more just for fun… Other than making chainmaille, do you have an hidden talents?
*grin* Other than tying cherry stems in a knot with my tongue? Let’s see….I sing, crochet – mostly doilies, curtains, and collector dolls (think Louis XVI and the like), sew, and write. Cooking, decorating and entertaining are all on that list, too. I also have a talent for getting into all sorts of predicaments…but that’s not too hidden. Hang out with me for a while and you’ll see…and probably laugh.
Thank you SO much!! You all are phenomenal!