Katie Mullins
Rope Chain Necklace
Katie says, “I love patterns, natural and man-made, and man’s ancient ornamental designs. These elements, combined with my life experiences and perspective, are the foundation of my inspiration and creativity.”
Katie Mullins is a self-taught artist, handcrafting her jewelry from Argentium Sterling Silver wire. She is a member of Ohio Designer Craftsmen and the Vice President and a Founding Member of the Ohio Jewelry and Metal Arts Guild.
Gridlock Earrings by Katie Mullins
Katie’s business name, “Bonya’s”, came from her step grandson, Nathan. ” Since Nathan has two “Grandmas”, I thought I’d have him call me “Nana”. Despite my best efforts, “Nana” came out as “Bonya”, and Bonya I’ve been ever since.”
Katie Mullins teaches wire working and chain maille classes at Lake Erie Artists Gallery.
To buy jewelry from Bonya’s, follow this link.
Ancient Use of Chain Maille
A Brief History of Chain Maille
Chainmail – or Chain Mail, Chainmaille or chain maille -was the earliest form of metal armour. The earliest finds of maille are from a 4th century BC Celtic chieftain’s burial located in Ciumeşti, Romania.
The name mail comes from the French word “maille” which is derived from the Latin “macula” meaning “mesh of a net”. Consequently, when you say “chain maille” what you’re really saying is “chain chain”.
The armour itself involved the linking of iron or steel rings, the ends of which were pressed together, welded or riveted. The most common form of maille in Europe was the “Four-in-One” pattern in which each link had four others linked through it.
Chain maille is mentioned in the Quran as knowledge of which was given by God to David. The Japanese used maille (kusari) in a limited fashion in armour during the period from 1336-1392. Two primary weave methods were used: a square 4-in-1 pattern (so gusari) and a hexagonal 6-in-1 pattern (hana gusari).
Chain Maille remained in use as a decorative and possibly high-status symbol with military overtones long after its practical usefulness had passed. However, in today’s world, maille is still being used for protection, as woodcarvers sometimes use maille gloves to protect their hands and butchers wear stainless steel maille gloves when working with meat-packing equipment. Scuba divers also use mail (against shark teeth) as do animal control officers (against animal teeth).
Maille also has applications today in sculpture and jewelry, especially when made out of precious metals or colored anodized metals. Recent trends in maille artwork include headdresses, Christmas ornaments, chess sets, baskets and all manner of jewelry. For these non-traditional applications, hundreds of new weaves or patterns have been invented, using pattern to not only create the neck or bracelet chain but also the entire piece.
The chain maille jewelry of today also has the distinction – continuing its ancient legacy – of being hand crafted, not machine woven.
