Maille Artisans International League
M.A.I.L. started from a simple idea: artisans congregating at The
Chainmaille Board would come together to create a resource for all,
a place of communication, information, and tutoring. It didn't take
long to grow much larger than it's roots, and all it took was a brave
few to say 'enough with the talk, let's do this'. They started this
resource because Chainmaille had no neutral, definitive information
database. After trying a number of ways to run the show, they finally
decided on a sort of democratic matrix of members and a core of
folks who volunteer their lives for the art.
So, head on over, browse, experiment, contribute...M.A.I.L. is
nothing without the donation of information and effort by the
submitting members.

What is maille?
Maille (also known as chainmail or chainmaille), is a flexible material
composed of small interlocking metal rings or loops of chain. Maille
was historically used as armour from the Roman era until the late
middle ages, in both eastern and western cultures. It is used today
for industrial armour, combat reenactment, jewelry, fashion design,
and sculpture.
The term 'maille' comes from the French word for wire, although most
sources claim it to be an invention of the Celts. It was used around
the world as material-efficient armour for several centuries, until the
introduction of plate armour around the 16th century.
Today it is still used as armour in medieval and renaissance re-
enactment groups like the Society for Creative Anachronism and
Amtgard, as well as in movies like Gladiator, The 13th Warrior, and
The Messenger. It is also still being used today for its armouring
benefits in such applications as shark suits and butchers' gloves.
Many people are discovering maille's potential for use in jewelry and
clothing, as well as sculpture and functional pieces. Everything from
inlaid chessboards and chandeliers to bikinis and bullwhips have
been made from this versatile material. The Articles and Weaves
sections show how to go from a spool of wire to the finished product,
and examples of finished products can be found in the Gallery.
This page contains links to
other sites related to chain
jewelry and chainmaille.
Solely for your browsing
pleasure, I attempt to link
only to reputable sites.
Please let me know if a link
is broken.
Click the link below, and you'll be taken to a site with an astounding
amount of information, articles, tutorials, photo gallery and a wonderful
forum, where you can ask questions, or just troll, and soak it up.
Chainmailbasket.com
David Austin's Site has
much more than just chain
maille baskets. Check it out
for tutorials and a ton of
other helpful info for the
chaincrafter.
Charlie's Chaincraft
Custom Chain Jewelry Crafted the Old School Way,
by Hand, with Care and Mind the Details.
Spcializing in Quality Materials and Tools for the Chain Jewelry and Maille Artisan
541-273-1102
Klamath Falls
Oregon
updated 9-1-09
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Spot Silver
Feel free to call me anytime,
I'm always here to answer your questions,
whether it's in buying jewelry, or making it,
call me anytime.
Charlie's Chaincraft    541-273-1102
6800 S 6th #26
Klamath Falls, Or. 97603
charlie@charlieschaincraft.com
Charlie's Chaincraft
541-273-1102
Klamath Falls
Oregon
Charlie's Chaincraft
Custom Chain Jewelry Crafted the Old School Way,
by Hand, with Care and Mind the Details.
Spcializing in Quality Materials and Tools for the Chain and Maille Artisan