Beginning Chainmaille
Another great opportunity to learn wire arts at the club!What: Beginning Chainmaille
When and where: Thursday August 7 & 14 starting at noon at the club
I will begin and show a variety of chains and discuss why the size of your jump rings matters. Then we will get started! If you have never worked with jump rings or made chains, I can start you off with a simple pattern to get used to working with them. Or we can jump to a round maille or Byzantine pattern.
What to bring: definitely need two pairs of jewelry pliers. NO serrations! Flat nose works best and they can be inexpensive ones if that’s what you have. No need to start with expensive pliers.
You will also need jump rings. For the simplest chains, size is not as important. I suggest either copper or silver. Aluminum tends to be too soft and the rings get out of shape too easily creating frustration! Stainless steel is harder to work with. Now if you have only wire, we can make jump rings from copper or silver but keep in mind if we have a lot of folks that need to make them, we could end up spending most of the afternoon just making jump rings!
Now if you want to try either the roundmaille or Byzantine pattern, here are the sizes that I suggest getting:
Byzantine
14 gauge wire use 5/16“ rings
16 g wire use 1/4“ rings
18 or 20 g wire 1/8“ rings
Round or box chain
18 g wire use 11/64“, 3/16“ or
1/4“ rings
20 g wire use 1/8“, 5/32“ or
3/16“
The smaller rings will be harder to learn with so probably 18 g wire rings are best! I know Michael’s has some jump rings or the best online source is WeaveGotMaille if you want to go that route. I do have some packets of some copper rings.
Please text me with any questions!!! 760-985-3063
I look forward to assisting you to learn chain making to augment your creations!
Mary Lou
MAKE A VIKING TORC BRACELET
Presented by Corey Beck Hello, Join me Saturday August 9 from Noon till 5 for a demonstration and then class on making a twisted wire Viking Torc bracelet. I will first demonstrate the making of a bracelet and then help you make one for yourself. There is no cost but you must be a member of the club. This bracelet can be made of silver or copper. I suggest you start with copper, a little harder to work but much lower cost, perfect for learning.Since we will be in the silver room long paints and closed top shoes are required (safety first).
Needed supplies: 16- or 18-gauge wire, 70 + inches. This amount varies depending on your wrist size and how tight you twist the wire.
All tools will be supplied by the club.
Silver bracelets are 16 gauge, copper bracelet is 18 gauge