Mind and Muse Crafts... the crafty side of my life
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The math, engineering and history in the designs...

3/20/2013

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  "Chain maille", "Chainmail" or,  simply, "Mail" is a type of armor consisting of small metal rings that interlock, following a specific pattern, to form a mesh. The phrase is taken from the French, "Cotte de maille", meaning "robe of rings". This technique has become my new obsession.
     I am a math professor by day,  so I was attracted to the technique by the fact that a small calculation could change the feel and the fall of the weaving. In addition, my two older children are engineers. So, by association, I have learned that a good design, can usually be made better, cheaper and faster through enough failures and successes. (Believe me, with chain maille one has to be prepared for failures.)  Finally, my youngest daughter is a historian, so I knew she would love to hear about the historical roots of these weaves. Ultimately, my upcoming chain maille designs will have to be considered family heirlooms. 

  These earrings were my first attempt to chain maille. They began with the Japanese flower weave...but were too small for my taste, so I added more weaving to the bottom...

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March 11th, 2013

3/11/2013

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  As the prices of metals  continue to rise, our techniques need to be more frugal and thrifty, as well as creative.
  For example, I bought this plated copper chain over a year ago at a close-out. This morning it occurred to me that I could open the rings and create links. I joined the links with copper and gold-plated findings and the
result was the bracelet on the left.
  I love the  initial shine of copper but am dismayed at  how it dulls over time. Maybe some enamel...


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Beads that are a work of art...Cloisonne

3/6/2013

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Cloisonne is a French word meaning to be compartmentalized. It is also the name of a decorative technique for metalworking and enameling in which thin wire is soldered to a metal surface (usually brass or copper) in such a way that small "compartments" are created. The compartments are then filled with enamel and the piece is fired and polished. Cloisonne is a very famous art and craft of Beijing, even though, it was not discovered in China.The cloisonne technique was taught to the Chinese by Central Asian missionaries sometime in the early to mid 14th century.  The Chinese did quickly perfect the process and make it their own. Today, China is considered the cloisonne capital of the world. Cloisonne jewelry findings are little treasures.

Check out some of our designs with Cloisonne beads
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March 01st, 2013

3/1/2013

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Swarovski bicones were a big thing 6 years ago.
A lot of important events of my life have happened in March...I was married...My youngest daughter was born...One of the first challenges when I began jewelry making was this set I made for my youngest daughter's 17th birthday. The necklace has swarovski crystals on sterling silver beading thread. The pendant is made of 4 mm swarovski bicones woven into a butterfly. Its shine and luster are still amazing even after 6 years.

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    To work with ones hands is to be a laborer; to work with ones hands and brain is to be a craftsman; but to work with ones hands, brain and heart is to be an artist. - Louis Nizer

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    About me:
    Caroline Rodriguez

    Many years ago I discovered that there was a crafty side to me. Since then, there have even been times when I have considered taking up crafting as a full time job. But, I guess that is something I have heard most people who practice some craft say.  Someday... one day... Until then...  I guess I'll just blog about it. Thanks for being part of the crafty side of my life! 

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