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Today's beads are the shiny gold jump rings I mentioned yesterday. I had fun casually linking these together just using my fingers rather than pliers. I wasn't going for a finished product, but wanted to see how many it would take to make a bracelet and if I liked the look of it.I'm not sure what the official pattern is called. It has 2 links connected to 1 link connected to 2 links, etc. I just searched a few sites and couldn't find a name for it, possibly because it is so simple. I also noticed most designs did not have beads dangling from them, which is what I'd like to do! I can see how this could become addictive, especially if you have lots of different colors and sizes.
I need to do some additional research to find out if there are special pliers that can be used so the metal does not become damaged by opening and closing the rings. Any information or guidance is appreciated, it's a brand new world for me!
Have a great evening! By the way, if you have a chance, take a look at this chainmaille work on Etsy by Ikow Designs.
5 comments:
Hey Lisa! Thanks for linking to my Tiger Lilly cuff. =)
A little bit of chainmaille info for you...
Get some pliers, two pair. One flat nose and one chain nose or bent nose. Make sure they're jewelers pliers and not ones from Lowe's with the ridges in them. You can start out with the $8.00 ones so you're not putting out a whole lot of money until you're sure you want to continue with it.
Maring or scratching the rings comes with the territory until you learn what strength to use while holding the rings. Starting out with copper rings is probably best since they're less expensive. You can also buy some kind of gel to dip your pliers in and it'll coat them. I can't think of the name right now, but will get back to you if it comes to me. You can also buy an inexpensive tumbler from Harbor Freight ($34) to clean the jewelry up, but the stainless steel shot to go in the tumbler is just as much, if not more than the tumbler.
I hope this helps to get you started. If you ever have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Oh... and your weave... it's a 2-in-1. =) Try www.mailartisians.org for tons of weaves to do.
Good luck!
Hi Lisa
Harbor Freight put there tumblers on sale quite often, I love mine. I actually bought it new on eBay, and paid less for it on eBay than at the sale price at Harbor Freight. Just did a search and couldn't find any reasonably priced. I will be posting to my blog shortly about some of my experiences with my tumbler. (Hopefully later today, article is done, just need to get the photos added and posted).
The stainless shot is the medium I really love, a pound is all you really need, but still wish I had bought an extra pound. The shot is very tiny, and my shot is in different shapes, which I feel is important.
Pliers: I love my Wubbers, but I do a lot of wire work. They are medium priced, but still not as expensive as Lindstrom pliers. Here's where I got my Wubbers http://www.wiredupbeads.com, search the net and see where you can get the best price.
You can dip you pliers, product is called Tool Magic, Fire Mountain sells Tool magic. I don't like the Tool Magic,and I've tried it. But again just my opinion.
Hope this helps!
Wow, thank you both for such great information!!
I agree with the Tool Magic suggestion. It is very helpful.
I prefer to use two flat nose, rather than chain nose (or one of each), but that's just personal preference. Spider is one of the most fabulous maillers out there, and she uses 2 chain nose pliers. I just can't seem to get a grip on them.
You can also feel free to give us a call at the Boutique, and we can talk you through some plier techniques. 866.602.RING (7464)
I wish that there was some way to send out test pliers in the mail...pliers are just one of those things like cars. You should try them before you buy, because everyone's hands are different and what works for someone might not work for someone else.
Oh, and practice helps a lot, too. When I look back at my first pieces, I see tons of scratches, bent rings and poorly closed rings. You will get better, too. :-)
I wonder if nylon tipped pliers might work. I use one flat and one bent nose for mine. I agree that it's all about practice. My first attempts were pretty marked up, but I'm getting better.
I love to make very tiny Byzantine pattern chains - use 4mm rings and extra strong magnifying glasses :-)
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