We were lucky to catch up with Jared Keltner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jared, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I was introduced to chainmaille jewelry last year when I saw it for the first time at a festival that featured an artist that made jewelry weaving small metal rings into intricate patterns and chains. The symmetry and attention to detail needed for the patterns drew me in. Throughout my life, when I find something I enjoy or that intrigues me, I always end up diving head first in an attempt to understand how it is created. This instance wasn’t any different.

I purchased a few pounds of jump rings, the rings used to weave chainmaille jewelry, and a pair of specialty pliers and set out to learn some basic weaves. I began with a few Youtube video tutorials, found some books on the topic, and eventually found supportive online forums where artists posted their creations and helpful guides. Initially, the complexity of the patterns and their symmetry are what originally spoke to me about the artform. But, as I’ve continued to learn and develop my designs, I find myself exploring how multiple weaves can be used to create more complex and interesting pieces. When I’m creating larger, more time-intensive pieces, I’ve learned patience and being kind to myself go a long way in keeping the process fun and rewarding.

Jared, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My wife and I moved to the Nashville area in 2014 and have made a life here for ourselves and our two dogs, Gemma (chihuahua) and Igor (yorkie). My wife has a craft business, the Fabled Raven where she offers bone and oddity art. My business, Raven Chainworks is a chainmaille jewelry product line under the Fabled Raven umbrella. We both offer different but complementary products.

Most people are familiar with chainmaille from the chain shirts used as armor in movies and tv shows set in medieval time periods. I use jump rings made of various metals like stainless steel, sterling silver or bright aluminum and weave them into chains for bracelets, necklaces, earrings and I’m beginning to branch out into custom-fit body harnesses.

As I first started to develop my skills, I wanted to create jewelry that could be worn every day with little-to-no maintenance. That meant the pieces had to be both versatile, simple, and the details of the piece had to be purposefully executed. I also needed to be particular when it came to the metals I used to ensure the pieces could stand up to daily wear and not require polishing. If they had the right look but the right attention wasn’t given to how they were created, they would just fall apart or end up in the bottom of a dresser drawer somewhere, unworn and forgotten.

When I’m selling my pieces at craft events, each piece is custom fit to the customer. The materials I choose are also hypoallergenic metals so people with sensitive skin don’t have to worry about reactions. This allows my pieces to be completely inclusive of all body types at no charge and creates a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind intended for that person and their preferences.

I am most proud of a recent series of larger necklaces that are pushing me in new creative directions. They are my most involved pieces with sketches and considerations taken to create balanced pieces that make a powerful statement. These new necklaces push me creatively to try new ways of approaching design to integrate multiple weaves. I’m always elated when taking these to shows and seeing the pieces resonate with people.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to create a feeling of empowerment and strength with my jewelry pieces for the customer. Chainmaille armor was originally created to protect knights and soldiers of bygone centuries and in a way, my chainmaille jewelry could do the same thing for my customers. I try to make pieces to appeal to peoples’ varied tastes and always strive to be very intentional about each piece. I want them to create a positive, empowering energy and purpose that the customer can draw from when they need it.

These small rings can be woven together to create an object that feels durable and reflects light in an intricate, hypnotic way. It can make a bold statement and I want each piece to lend that strength to the wearer.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s always rewarding encountering past customers during day-to-day life outside of the craft events and to see them wearing their bracelet or earrings. It gives me the feeling I hit the mark on creating a balanced piece they enjoy and in some way positively affects the wearer. Most importantly, they are proud to wear it.

Contact Info:

• Website: fabledraven.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/raven.chainworks
• Facebook: Raven Chainworks

Image Credits
all self-taken. I own these photos