All e-maille is completely handcrafted by me, Erin Michael, paying close attention to the smallest details. I use sterling silver, gold-fill, and copper in my jewelry. I never use gold-plate, vermeil, or pre-fabricated settings.

Much of what I create is chainmaille.

Chainmaille is created with interlinked metal rings and was originally used as flexible armor. Depending on the application and region of the world, different chainmaille patterns were developed. I use smaller versions of these different patterns in my jewelry using sterling silver, gold-fill, and copper. I make every ring by hand and weave them individually into the pattern.

Nature

I grew up in southern Ohio--an area full of tree-covered foothills. It is the perfect place to appreciate nature, and I'm sure I spent more time outdoors than I did in. There were many trails to hike, trees to climb, and things to investigate. I was always bringing home rocks from my adventures--my favorite being pink granite--filling every ceramic dish or glass bowl my mother had for decoration. I remember investigating a new construction area and collecting the silvery splashes of solder that had dripped off the pipes. I was completely drawn to the shiny metal. Some things never change. I still can't resist bringing home a good rock or metal of any kind.

Science

Math and Science were my 2 favorite subjects in school. Balancing formulas in Chemistry was the best because it included both. Any science class in which I was able to use a microscope got instant bonus points. Seeing the patterns in the cellular structure of a leaf first-hand was completely fascinating. Engineering and Architecture provides endless inspiration from the pyramids and obelisks of ancient Egypt to the present-day gravity-defying buildings in Kuala Lumpur.

History

I visited a museum with an exhibit of medieval paintings, tapestries, and armour. It was that moment that lead me to investigating chainmaille further.

There are a few timeless artists that are always a source of inspiration for me.

• Mother Nature

• Leonardo da Vinci

• M.C. Escher

• Frank Lloyd Wright

• Antoni Gaudi

• Charles Rennie Mackintosh

I enjoy staying busy creating things and experimenting while expanding my knowledge and skills. That's why e-maille began--to have an outlet for all the things I've made.

I hope you enjoy wearing e-maille
as much as I enjoy making it.