
Julie Kindt- Steel Sculptor, Maillesmith, Metalsmith, Artist, Collector and Seller of Vintage Tools.
Greetings! I am a Metal Artist from Wisconsin. Most of my pieces are created using reclaimed metal scrap and found objects though I love working with all kinds of metal. Inspiration for my work comes from my interests in ancient armor, primitive symbols and mythical beasts. All of my work is handmade by me in the U.S.
About the Maille: Chainmail is a series of interlocking metal rings joined together to form a pattern. I wind the wire on a mandrel, cut each link by hand and assemble the piece with pliers using both ancient and modern patterns in my designs. I make what is called butted or butt-ended maille. This means the ring is closed by lining up the ends of the link one against the other. The rings are cut individually using a bolt-cutter with the ends of each link forming a double-sideways >< at the closure. This type of ring closure seems to work well for maille armor. This type of artwork can be called Maille (old name) or Chainmail (modern). Many years ago I needed a piece of chainmail for a sculpture I was working on. I taught myself how to make it and was hooked ever since.
I use galvanized steel, brass and copper wire for my Maille. Galvanized Steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc compound to help prevent corrosion. This type of steel is not rust proof, but is only rust resistant. For this reason, you should not wash this metal or leave it out in the rain. New galvanized steel is a shiny silver color. It will oxidize very slowly turning it to a soft gray or even black. This process is natural for the metal and to be expected. It may even smell slightly metallic after awhile. Care for Galvanized Steel: Keep it dry and handle it often. The action of handling your mail keeps it shiny longer. Remove any soiling by rubbing with a soft cloth. You can keep it in a sealed container when not in use.
The Engraved pieces I make are done entirely by hand using Gravers. These hand tools are wood handled with a chisel steel end. They are held in the hand and pushed across the surface to remove small lines of metal forming the pattern.
The stamped metal objects are done by hand using a metal stamp tool. As such, the stamped letters are not meant to line up perfectly. I think this adds to the handmade charm of each item.
My Metalcast pocket tokens and other things are made using an ancient technique called cuttlefish bone casting. The melted lead-free pewter is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. Then I grind the edges down and drill a hole for the sueded leather lace. Each bone is hand-carved individually and used only once.
My Primitive pieces may typically be incorporated with non-metal materials. Ancient symbols are the main inspiration for these pieces.
The Recycled pieces shows my fondness for the re-use of recyclable and found materials. These pieces are not only made from throw-away stuff but are functional as well.
My sculptures are made with reclaimed, recycled and rescued metal. Exact alloys may not always be known. The sculpture may contain rust, small dips, dents, scratches, grinding marks, etc. that make the metal piece unique. This includes the metal bottom that makes contact with the surface it sits on for display. May continue to rust and develop patina even when clear coated. The piece may have sharp edges. These characteristics should be expected on a one of a kind piece such as this.
I was a born collector and have years of collections to prove it! Nothing thrills me more than the hunt of vintage artifacts. The research and listing is part of the fun as well. I've been at this for years and love what I do. I love to use vintage tools to make my artwork. I find many old tools have good quality and enjoy using them.
The vintage items I sell are used and pre-owned unless otherwise stated. As such, expect some wear, patina, etc. on these items - patina may continue to develop and so on. I do my best to describe each item carefully and include photos to aid in your purchasing decision.
I do not make custom work at this time.
My Artwork is for enjoyment, wearing and visual pleasure. I cannot be held responsible for any injuries, allergies or damage of any sort sustained when using, maintaining or wearing my pieces. Items are made for adult use and not intended for children.
Past Events
*Wisconsin Trails Magazine. My artwork mentioned and shown in a Recycling Artists article.
*Arts Alliance Concert & Art Show Solo
*Wisconsin Regional Art Program Art Exhibit
*Karner Blue Butterfly Fine Art & Fiber Exhibit
*Local Newspaper - Full page feature about my Handmade Maille Armor
All images, artwork and text Copyright ©Julie Kindt and may not be copied in any way.
Find me online at:
http://JulieKindt.com
http://pinterest.com/JulieKindt
http://www.twitter.com/JulieKindt
https://www.facebook.com/JulieKindtStudio
http://JulieKindtStudio.etsy.com
Greetings! I am a Metal Artist from Wisconsin. Most of my pieces are created using reclaimed metal scrap and found objects though I love working with all kinds of metal. Inspiration for my work comes from my interests in ancient armor, primitive symbols and mythical beasts. All of my work is handmade by me in the U.S.
About the Maille: Chainmail is a series of interlocking metal rings joined together to form a pattern. I wind the wire on a mandrel, cut each link by hand and assemble the piece with pliers using both ancient and modern patterns in my designs. I make what is called butted or butt-ended maille. This means the ring is closed by lining up the ends of the link one against the other. The rings are cut individually using a bolt-cutter with the ends of each link forming a double-sideways >< at the closure. This type of ring closure seems to work well for maille armor. This type of artwork can be called Maille (old name) or Chainmail (modern). Many years ago I needed a piece of chainmail for a sculpture I was working on. I taught myself how to make it and was hooked ever since.
I use galvanized steel, brass and copper wire for my Maille. Galvanized Steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc compound to help prevent corrosion. This type of steel is not rust proof, but is only rust resistant. For this reason, you should not wash this metal or leave it out in the rain. New galvanized steel is a shiny silver color. It will oxidize very slowly turning it to a soft gray or even black. This process is natural for the metal and to be expected. It may even smell slightly metallic after awhile. Care for Galvanized Steel: Keep it dry and handle it often. The action of handling your mail keeps it shiny longer. Remove any soiling by rubbing with a soft cloth. You can keep it in a sealed container when not in use.
The Engraved pieces I make are done entirely by hand using Gravers. These hand tools are wood handled with a chisel steel end. They are held in the hand and pushed across the surface to remove small lines of metal forming the pattern.
The stamped metal objects are done by hand using a metal stamp tool. As such, the stamped letters are not meant to line up perfectly. I think this adds to the handmade charm of each item.
My Metalcast pocket tokens and other things are made using an ancient technique called cuttlefish bone casting. The melted lead-free pewter is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. Then I grind the edges down and drill a hole for the sueded leather lace. Each bone is hand-carved individually and used only once.
My Primitive pieces may typically be incorporated with non-metal materials. Ancient symbols are the main inspiration for these pieces.
The Recycled pieces shows my fondness for the re-use of recyclable and found materials. These pieces are not only made from throw-away stuff but are functional as well.
My sculptures are made with reclaimed, recycled and rescued metal. Exact alloys may not always be known. The sculpture may contain rust, small dips, dents, scratches, grinding marks, etc. that make the metal piece unique. This includes the metal bottom that makes contact with the surface it sits on for display. May continue to rust and develop patina even when clear coated. The piece may have sharp edges. These characteristics should be expected on a one of a kind piece such as this.
I was a born collector and have years of collections to prove it! Nothing thrills me more than the hunt of vintage artifacts. The research and listing is part of the fun as well. I've been at this for years and love what I do. I love to use vintage tools to make my artwork. I find many old tools have good quality and enjoy using them.
The vintage items I sell are used and pre-owned unless otherwise stated. As such, expect some wear, patina, etc. on these items - patina may continue to develop and so on. I do my best to describe each item carefully and include photos to aid in your purchasing decision.
I do not make custom work at this time.
My Artwork is for enjoyment, wearing and visual pleasure. I cannot be held responsible for any injuries, allergies or damage of any sort sustained when using, maintaining or wearing my pieces. Items are made for adult use and not intended for children.
Past Events
*Wisconsin Trails Magazine. My artwork mentioned and shown in a Recycling Artists article.
*Arts Alliance Concert & Art Show Solo
*Wisconsin Regional Art Program Art Exhibit
*Karner Blue Butterfly Fine Art & Fiber Exhibit
*Local Newspaper - Full page feature about my Handmade Maille Armor
All images, artwork and text Copyright ©Julie Kindt and may not be copied in any way.
Find me online at:
http://JulieKindt.com
http://pinterest.com/JulieKindt
http://www.twitter.com/JulieKindt
https://www.facebook.com/JulieKindtStudio
http://JulieKindtStudio.etsy.com