The Maker
Forged by Hand. Rooted in Wonder.
Dragon's Alchemy is a one-person studio where metalwork, herbalism, and natural history converge. Everything here was made slowly, with intention.
How It Began
My journey began at the weaving bench. There is a meditative power in chainmaille—the rhythmic opening and closing of thousands of tiny rings to create something unbreakable. It is ancient armor reimagined for the modern world; a weight on the skin that reminds you of your own boundaries and your own strength.
But hours of working with cold steel and stiff wire take a toll. My hands were dry, my muscles ached, and I realized that the "armor" I was making for the outside needed a partner for the inside.
From the Bench to the Garden — I turned to the earth to find the balance. I began studying traditional herbalism, looking for the same time-tested reliability in plants that I found in metal. I started steeping local, organic botanicals in golden oils, seeking a way to mend the skin and soothe the spirit after the day's "battle" was done.
Slow Work
Nothing here is rushed. Quality takes the time it takes.
Ethical Sourcing
Every material is chosen with care for its origin.
One Maker
Every piece is made by the same pair of hands, start to finish.
No Waste
Scraps become samples. Offcuts become experiments. Nothing is discarded lightly.
Three Crafts. One Philosophy.
Chainmaille
Each piece begins as raw wire — copper, sterling silver, bronze, or anodized aluminum — cut into individual rings and woven by hand. No two weaves are identical. The process is meditative, repetitive, and deeply satisfying.
Materials
Copper, bronze, anodized aluminum, niobium
Botanical Salves & Soaps
Herbs are grown or foraged, dried slowly, and infused into oils over weeks. The resulting salves and soaps carry the full character of the plant — not an extract, not a fragrance, but the thing itself.
Materials
Beeswax, plant-infused oils, raw botanicals, essential oils
Insect Display
Ethically sourced specimens are relaxed, positioned, and pinned with museum-quality precision. Each display is a small act of preservation — a way of honoring the strangeness and beauty of the natural world.
Materials
Ethically sourced specimens, archival materials, hardwood frames
On Materials
"I don't use anything I wouldn't want touching my own skin or hanging in my own home."
Every material in Dragon's Alchemy is chosen for quality, provenance, and longevity. Metals are sourced from reputable suppliers. Botanicals are grown without pesticides or foraged from clean land. Insect specimens are ethically sourced — never wild-caught for commercial purposes. If I can't stand behind a material, it doesn't come into the studio.
Made by hand.
Every piece.
Care Instructions
Each piece is made to last. A little attention goes a long way.
Chainmaille Jewelry
- Rinse under warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Store in a dry, airtight pouch or box to prevent tarnishing.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and harsh chemicals.
- Polish copper and bronze pieces with a soft cloth or a small amount of lemon juice and salt, then rinse thoroughly.
- Anodized aluminum requires no polishing — simply rinse and dry.
Botanical Salves & Soaps
- Store salves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the botanicals.
- Use clean, dry fingers or a small spatula to scoop salve — moisture in the jar shortens shelf life.
- Soaps last longest when kept on a draining soap dish between uses.
- Shelf life is approximately 12 months for salves and 6–12 months for soaps, depending on storage conditions.
- Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Patch test recommended for sensitive skin.
Insect Display
- Keep displays out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of specimens and mounting materials.
- Maintain low humidity — avoid bathrooms or damp spaces, which can cause deterioration.
- Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or compressed air. Never use water or cleaning sprays.
- If a pin loosens, contact the studio — do not attempt to re-pin without proper tools.
- With proper care, archival-quality displays will last for decades.