What you like to go by: Christy
When did you start your shop? Jan 2011
Is this your only job? Yes. I "retired" from nearly 20 years in front line hospitality & tourism to move to the USA after marrying a fabulous Texan. I'm now a house wife with a "self supporting hobby" now and I LOVE it! I finally have the time to focus on creating and my dreams of one day having my own line.
When did you realize you had this talent? Would you believe when it came to me in a dream about a year & a half ago? I had been trying to learn the art of chainmaille for years and just couldn't seem to grasp it. After several years of picking it up my pliers and rings just to pack them away in in frustration I decided I was simply never going to figure it out and would sell/throw away my supplies. That very I went to bed and had the most amazing dream. I was shown exactly what I was doing wrong and was guided in how to proceed. When I woke that morning I grabbed my pliers & rings, followed the "dream tutorial" and everything just..."clicked". I've been mailling ever since.
Where do you find your inspiration? Everywhere! Chainmaille is an ancient art, tied to centuries of influence and diversity. Today's modern touch makes it that much more interesting and fun to create.
Who has been the most supportive of your work? My husband. He is not only my rock but my biggest fan! He makes me blush by pulling out his stash of GMBC (my short hand for GOT Maille? by Christy) business cards to give one to anyone who shows an interest and he is known for physically pulling me over to show someone whatever chainmaille I happen to be wearing at the time. He's the best!
What is one thing you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet? Craft fairs, festivals.. boutiques. I haven't branched out into the
booth world yet and I am just dying to get out there and get involved
with the community. What are your other hobbies? Hmmm other than a little online RPG gaming & reading I can't think of anything! I'm totally obsessed with weaving those little rings. I am taking a leather craft class in the near future & plan to incorporate that knowledge into some new designs. I already have pages of design ideas sketched out.. very excited!!
What are your words to live by or favorite quote? Words of wisdom once give to me by my father: "Try to live your life without regret. If you're faced with a life decision, ask yourself.. in five years, 10 years.. 20 years.. will you regret having NOT tried? If you think the answer will be yes, choose to try."
Where is the farthest you have traveled? England. Many years ago now & I would love to return! We toured for three weeks and it was amazing. I think it may have been seeing the Crown Jewels in person that lit my fire for fabulous bling!!
