Ikow Designs
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Artist: Chris Bettini
I have always been a crafty person (basket weaving, mosaics and painting), but nothing ever truly held my attention long enough to say “ok… this is what I want to do for the rest of my life… this is what I thoroughly enjoy creating”. Then glass, metal and clay came into my life.
My journey with jewelry started several years back when, out of a love for all things glass, I started taking glass blowing and lampwork bead classes. I didn’t fully realize my passion for making jewelry until I attempted (successfully) to make the love of my life, Ted, a Chainmaille bracelet one Christmas. I absolutely fell in love with making Chainmaille… the tediousness of putting the rings together (unsoldered*) as well as the awesome results of a finished piece. Ted and I both got caught up in making jewelry after that, both chainmaille and non, and continued learning other processes such as welding, making polymer clay beads and some PMC.
I am a purist when it comes to Chainmaille, but from time to time I will use beads made by other artists, as well as semi precious stones and other metals. Due to having a Nickel allergy (as many other people do), I absolutely refuse to use anything that is silver plated or coated. I figure if I can’t wear it, then I’m not making or selling it. =)
All of my pieces are one-of-a-kind except for basic chainmaille. I do not accept custom orders EXCEPT for chainmaille and these are pre-paid orders only.
*I do not solder my chainmaille pieces. Through learning and experience, when the individual rings are work hardened as they are being woven into the piece, they become very strong and there is no need to use any soldering.*
All chainmaille pieces are tumbled with stainless steel shot upon completion for ultimate shine and strength.
If you’d like to contact Chris, please fill out the form below. Thank you!
