Just a quick snap of the current work in progress. Yes, the photo is bad. I'm far too busy to pretty it up.
Posts
The Debate Over How to Hire a Ghostwriter
6 years ago
10 September 2009
Sneak peek at the new project.
Just a quick snap of the current work in progress. Yes, the photo is bad. I'm far too busy to pretty it up.
07 September 2009
So, how much for a maille shirt?
This, and four-thousand other questions along the same lines. I hear these alot. The answer is complicated, and I'll tell you why.
Any handmade item is going to carry a higher price tag than mass produced factory line stuff. Be it jewellery or a messenger bag or a steel chain shirt. In many cases, crafters are doing this on their own. We have both materials cost and our own time and effort to consider when setting a price. My time is valuable to me as I'm sure yours is to you. Time I spend mailling for somone else is time I could spend playing guitar or annoying my cats. Difference being, mailling is work. When most people work they expect to be paid X per hour for dedicating their time to someone else's venture.
So the understanding is, I am making an hourly wage. Most skilled tradesmen scoff at the proposal of taking a project on at minimum wage, and crafters should be no different. We employ a skill and talent that is trained and personalized, and therefor valuable in itself. We shouldn't be made to feel bad about considering our crafting time as valuable as that of a carpenter or welder.
In maille, buyers see finished sheets or chains of rings, maillers see the wire that was wound to make the coil that was then cut to make rings. We see closing each ring individually, and some to all of them have to be opened first. This is work, it's tedious, mind-numbing, and time-consuming. There's time again. Do you expect a product you buy to be made well, not have flaws, or pinch and stab you. This is what you're getting when you purchase a handmade item. There is a distinct difference between handmade, and homemade.
And the idea of handmade comes back around. People who craft handmade anything will generally attempt to use materials from local sources whenever possible. Local can be the shop up the street but it also can mean your own country. The idea of outsourced labour and imported materials is enough to start a riot in some parts of America. Buy handmade and you're pretty much guaranteed to be buying local, and you can feel confident that the money the seller allocates to his personal use will be spent locally. Would you rather spend 20$ in some random foreign factory, or 50$ next door?
There's at least one popular site selling pre-made maille shirts for an inconceivably low price in my mind. I don't know where they get their wire or rings, how their maille fabric is woven, or anything about the quality of their closures. It's obvious from the price tag alone that these items are mass produced. I can almost promise if I were to call them, they couldn't tell me exactly how it was made or where the rings came from. Nor can they tailor it specifically for an individual.
So, how much for a shirt again? That'll depend too on your measurements if you want it to fit properly. Then we have to decide on a material and the grade of the ring cuts. If you're expecting saw cut stainless, expect to write a cheque with more than two zeros on it, there's no way around it, the time and effort in saw cutting rings alone is worth several times more than the 100$ I've heard offered for a hauberk. In "low end" galvanized steel cut by a ring making machine or by hand with bolt cutters, you're still getting an incredible deal if you only pay 3-400$
So give it some thought the next time you find a handmade item of any sort and gawk at the price tag when "you can go down to Evil-Mart and get one for half that." You're not getting the same thing by a long shot, and if there's any question about the work put into it, any crafter will be more than pleased to tell you about the work put into an item. Ask with a genuine interest in how it was made, not so you can find a way to talk down the price, we can tell the difference. ;>
Have the fun
--Charon
Any handmade item is going to carry a higher price tag than mass produced factory line stuff. Be it jewellery or a messenger bag or a steel chain shirt. In many cases, crafters are doing this on their own. We have both materials cost and our own time and effort to consider when setting a price. My time is valuable to me as I'm sure yours is to you. Time I spend mailling for somone else is time I could spend playing guitar or annoying my cats. Difference being, mailling is work. When most people work they expect to be paid X per hour for dedicating their time to someone else's venture.
So the understanding is, I am making an hourly wage. Most skilled tradesmen scoff at the proposal of taking a project on at minimum wage, and crafters should be no different. We employ a skill and talent that is trained and personalized, and therefor valuable in itself. We shouldn't be made to feel bad about considering our crafting time as valuable as that of a carpenter or welder.
In maille, buyers see finished sheets or chains of rings, maillers see the wire that was wound to make the coil that was then cut to make rings. We see closing each ring individually, and some to all of them have to be opened first. This is work, it's tedious, mind-numbing, and time-consuming. There's time again. Do you expect a product you buy to be made well, not have flaws, or pinch and stab you. This is what you're getting when you purchase a handmade item. There is a distinct difference between handmade, and homemade.
And the idea of handmade comes back around. People who craft handmade anything will generally attempt to use materials from local sources whenever possible. Local can be the shop up the street but it also can mean your own country. The idea of outsourced labour and imported materials is enough to start a riot in some parts of America. Buy handmade and you're pretty much guaranteed to be buying local, and you can feel confident that the money the seller allocates to his personal use will be spent locally. Would you rather spend 20$ in some random foreign factory, or 50$ next door?
There's at least one popular site selling pre-made maille shirts for an inconceivably low price in my mind. I don't know where they get their wire or rings, how their maille fabric is woven, or anything about the quality of their closures. It's obvious from the price tag alone that these items are mass produced. I can almost promise if I were to call them, they couldn't tell me exactly how it was made or where the rings came from. Nor can they tailor it specifically for an individual.
So, how much for a shirt again? That'll depend too on your measurements if you want it to fit properly. Then we have to decide on a material and the grade of the ring cuts. If you're expecting saw cut stainless, expect to write a cheque with more than two zeros on it, there's no way around it, the time and effort in saw cutting rings alone is worth several times more than the 100$ I've heard offered for a hauberk. In "low end" galvanized steel cut by a ring making machine or by hand with bolt cutters, you're still getting an incredible deal if you only pay 3-400$
So give it some thought the next time you find a handmade item of any sort and gawk at the price tag when "you can go down to Evil-Mart and get one for half that." You're not getting the same thing by a long shot, and if there's any question about the work put into it, any crafter will be more than pleased to tell you about the work put into an item. Ask with a genuine interest in how it was made, not so you can find a way to talk down the price, we can tell the difference. ;>
Have the fun
--Charon
03 September 2009
Finally!
Yes, it's done, yes you get to see photos. Yes, there's even some earrings involved! You excited yet?
Too bad, 'cause I am.
This took as much in planning on the fly as it did in actual crafting time. I suppose one of these days I might have an image solidified in my head before I start something; but where's the fun in that?
I think the clasp needs some adjustment still. I'll use some larger rings, and the J-hook needs a step up or two in size so it's easier to feel and grip. I'll get at that before I take the photos for Etsy.
Also in the last day or so, got a few pointers on bead wrapping, and just look at what happened afterward.
The first pair are actually more of a violet colour. That wasn't visible until I took them out in the sunlight. I was convinced they were kindof a smoke grey. Why I get blue in the photos, I have no idea. Any colour correction I attempted made the copper look like brown plastic.
/me shrugs
Each one of these, the choker included, aren't terribly complex weaves. The Jens Pind 5 used in the nada-blue pair is probably the most difficult. It's one of the more daunting weaves at the beginning, but that's mostly just hype. Once you understand it, it's not hard to follow.
The choker's is made with European 6-1 bordered by Half-Persian 4-1. If that doesn't make much sense, refer back to my terminology and abbreviations post. ;> Why is "abbreviation" such a long word?
Choker aside... the earrings were fast, and great little gift projects. I can't complain at all about the comments and compliments I get on the little stuff like these. Spend nine days and 70 feet of wire (or more, I haven't even counted yet.) on one thing, and everyone wants to see the little side projects I used to relax. ;>
I think it's worth giving projects like these a shot, even if you're solidly devoted to making maille armour. You can add a new weave or two to your list, and if you can make your closures tight and solid in jewellery, you'll have no trouble making them nice and pretty in your armour.
Have fun.
--Charon
Too bad, 'cause I am.
This took as much in planning on the fly as it did in actual crafting time. I suppose one of these days I might have an image solidified in my head before I start something; but where's the fun in that?
I think the clasp needs some adjustment still. I'll use some larger rings, and the J-hook needs a step up or two in size so it's easier to feel and grip. I'll get at that before I take the photos for Etsy.
Also in the last day or so, got a few pointers on bead wrapping, and just look at what happened afterward.
The first pair are actually more of a violet colour. That wasn't visible until I took them out in the sunlight. I was convinced they were kindof a smoke grey. Why I get blue in the photos, I have no idea. Any colour correction I attempted made the copper look like brown plastic.
/me shrugs
Each one of these, the choker included, aren't terribly complex weaves. The Jens Pind 5 used in the nada-blue pair is probably the most difficult. It's one of the more daunting weaves at the beginning, but that's mostly just hype. Once you understand it, it's not hard to follow.
The choker's is made with European 6-1 bordered by Half-Persian 4-1. If that doesn't make much sense, refer back to my terminology and abbreviations post. ;> Why is "abbreviation" such a long word?
Choker aside... the earrings were fast, and great little gift projects. I can't complain at all about the comments and compliments I get on the little stuff like these. Spend nine days and 70 feet of wire (or more, I haven't even counted yet.) on one thing, and everyone wants to see the little side projects I used to relax. ;>
I think it's worth giving projects like these a shot, even if you're solidly devoted to making maille armour. You can add a new weave or two to your list, and if you can make your closures tight and solid in jewellery, you'll have no trouble making them nice and pretty in your armour.
Have fun.
--Charon
Slow.
Yep, not much to tell here. The choker I've been working on is finished, as well as two pairs of earrings and I'm taking a short break after cutting rings for the third. All three will debut as my first beading pieces. With nice little Swarovski drops.
Oh, the pictures? Yeah, I left those in my other pants...
Camera is not cooperating. I'm waiting on a temporary replacement.
Feels like I've been leaving alot of "coming soon" posts. Like this one, really, you'll get to see the choker, I promise, and a large maille related rant surrounding them, I'm sure.
Have fun.
--Charon
Oh, the pictures? Yeah, I left those in my other pants...
Camera is not cooperating. I'm waiting on a temporary replacement.
Feels like I've been leaving alot of "coming soon" posts. Like this one, really, you'll get to see the choker, I promise, and a large maille related rant surrounding them, I'm sure.
Have fun.
--Charon
01 September 2009
New reading material.
I'm going to depart from the normal course just a little here and suggest a friend's little blog for a moment. It's not Maille-related at all; instead it's very personal. The account of my very good friend's struggle through her life, stumbling with drug abuse crime and prison along the way.
I consider it a very mature and responsible work. Not something to point at and laugh, ya get me? This is her therapy, and her attempt to straighten everything out for herself. She and I both hope it can help her readers just as much.
http://methprisonandcrime.blogspot.com
Expect something on-topic from me by morning. I've been a little busy, and I apologize for not keeping up.
Be Well
--Charon
I consider it a very mature and responsible work. Not something to point at and laugh, ya get me? This is her therapy, and her attempt to straighten everything out for herself. She and I both hope it can help her readers just as much.
http://methprisonandcrime.blogspot.com
Expect something on-topic from me by morning. I've been a little busy, and I apologize for not keeping up.
Be Well
--Charon
28 August 2009
Handmade Artist Forum Team featured on Handmade News.
I have to say right from the beginning. I am a member of this team, and in the short time I've been with them, I've learned what wonderful and supportive people they all are.
For those unfamiliar the team, usually called by their tag "Hafteam", are a global collection of Etsy sellers dedicated to cross promoting, aiding, provoking, teasing, and challenging one another in the spirit of friendly fun.
Our current event is the Summer Memories Challenge. Members create and submit a work in their chosen craft that represents their memories of the summer season. Vistors and members alike are asked to comment on the pieces and vote on their favourite. This little cereal box of fun even has a prize inside. I promise. Check it out.
Somewhere along the way, word got out to Coco over at Handmade News and she was pleasant enough to write a feature article to support the event.
You can also see what our promotion chair Heather has to say about it on her blog, Heather's Haven.
I didn't really make it in time to submit anything myself, but I do love to browse. Guarantee you, you'll see some Maille from Stygian Chains stepping up for our Fall Challenge.
Have fun,
--Charon
For those unfamiliar the team, usually called by their tag "Hafteam", are a global collection of Etsy sellers dedicated to cross promoting, aiding, provoking, teasing, and challenging one another in the spirit of friendly fun.
Our current event is the Summer Memories Challenge. Members create and submit a work in their chosen craft that represents their memories of the summer season. Vistors and members alike are asked to comment on the pieces and vote on their favourite. This little cereal box of fun even has a prize inside. I promise. Check it out.
Somewhere along the way, word got out to Coco over at Handmade News and she was pleasant enough to write a feature article to support the event.
You can also see what our promotion chair Heather has to say about it on her blog, Heather's Haven.
I didn't really make it in time to submit anything myself, but I do love to browse. Guarantee you, you'll see some Maille from Stygian Chains stepping up for our Fall Challenge.
Have fun,
--Charon
26 August 2009
Chainmaille for Kids.
I've seen this come up a few times, and figured I'd probably go ahead and cover it.
Maille contains small parts. If essence, Maille is small parts, alot of them. If your child is prone to chewing on things, regardless of their age. Maille is not exactly a wise choice for multiple reasons. The off chance a ring comes loose and becomes a choking hazard being one of them.
Speaking of chewing on things, there are also CPSA standards to consider. Most of us who are marketing our craft can do a few things to stay in compliance. The first, is to use materials on their known safe list. At last check, items composed of these materials did not require manufacturer (that's you) testing. Be sure to stay up to date though, and not just take my word for it. Your suppliers should also be able to tell you if items you're purchasing from them are CPSA compliant. The next point to mention, which brings everything back on topic, is not to market your product to children under 13 in the first place. This is the safer, smarter, and simpler solution.
Now, if you have children, little gamers or squires or Hallowe'en knights, and they want maille, that's your decision to make. Keep a few extra things in mind: Young little bones are not fully formed, and adding a sudden extra weight load could end up causing some frightening damage. Also, the black oxide rub-off from standard aluminium, and the zinc coating on galvanized steel, are probably not something you want ingested. Zinc fumes are certainly toxic (one reason you should never heat galvy) and I wouldn't personally take the risk in any other form. A good solution to both of these problems, is the use of Bright Aluminium. Properly called alloy 5356. It's lightweight, doesn't leave that dirty looking black junk on skin and clothes, and it's incredibly shiny which makes for great costuming. Still not something you want them gnawing on, alright?
Again, if you have kids that can't help but chew on anything in reach, don't give them metal objects of any sort. Just plain don't sell or market to someone else's kids. Know what's in your work and what potential hazards are involved, and draw your line strongly short of risking such hazards for your own protection.
In my own work. I avoid any sort of symbolism that might be taken as child-friendly. Sorry, no pink hauberks with a Hello Kitty inlay... unless you can prove you're over 13, and want to pay alot for making me look at that much pink. A good portion of my market is strictly the 18+ crowd. No explanation is needed there.
Short version, just don't do it. If you do, use safe, lightweight materials for clothing, or "armour-like objects" not armour. In jewellry, know your materials and their contents, and the age and maturity of your customer. If you are marketing to a younger crowd, be fully aware of the standards set forth by the CPSA.
Have fun,
--Charon
Maille contains small parts. If essence, Maille is small parts, alot of them. If your child is prone to chewing on things, regardless of their age. Maille is not exactly a wise choice for multiple reasons. The off chance a ring comes loose and becomes a choking hazard being one of them.
Speaking of chewing on things, there are also CPSA standards to consider. Most of us who are marketing our craft can do a few things to stay in compliance. The first, is to use materials on their known safe list. At last check, items composed of these materials did not require manufacturer (that's you) testing. Be sure to stay up to date though, and not just take my word for it. Your suppliers should also be able to tell you if items you're purchasing from them are CPSA compliant. The next point to mention, which brings everything back on topic, is not to market your product to children under 13 in the first place. This is the safer, smarter, and simpler solution.
Now, if you have children, little gamers or squires or Hallowe'en knights, and they want maille, that's your decision to make. Keep a few extra things in mind: Young little bones are not fully formed, and adding a sudden extra weight load could end up causing some frightening damage. Also, the black oxide rub-off from standard aluminium, and the zinc coating on galvanized steel, are probably not something you want ingested. Zinc fumes are certainly toxic (one reason you should never heat galvy) and I wouldn't personally take the risk in any other form. A good solution to both of these problems, is the use of Bright Aluminium. Properly called alloy 5356. It's lightweight, doesn't leave that dirty looking black junk on skin and clothes, and it's incredibly shiny which makes for great costuming. Still not something you want them gnawing on, alright?
Again, if you have kids that can't help but chew on anything in reach, don't give them metal objects of any sort. Just plain don't sell or market to someone else's kids. Know what's in your work and what potential hazards are involved, and draw your line strongly short of risking such hazards for your own protection.
In my own work. I avoid any sort of symbolism that might be taken as child-friendly. Sorry, no pink hauberks with a Hello Kitty inlay... unless you can prove you're over 13, and want to pay alot for making me look at that much pink. A good portion of my market is strictly the 18+ crowd. No explanation is needed there.
Short version, just don't do it. If you do, use safe, lightweight materials for clothing, or "armour-like objects" not armour. In jewellry, know your materials and their contents, and the age and maturity of your customer. If you are marketing to a younger crowd, be fully aware of the standards set forth by the CPSA.
Have fun,
--Charon
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