You may or may not know that Chain Maille is not one of my favorite things to do. I love and adore the finished project, but I just don’t care for the time and sore knuckles it takes to get there. It falls in line right along with beading projects with seed beads, but, being that I’m open to challenging myself every now and again, I have made a commitment to do at least 2-3 Chain Maille projects a year. Well, I’m happy to announce that I’m officially done for 2009!
In my last post I mentioned that I had completed a bracelet for a customer, that really didn’t hit it on the nail as far as every day wear goes and sentiments, but it did turn out to be quite a lovely piece, what I didn’t do was post you a picture or tell you exactly what process was used. You guessed it…Chain Maille.
Gladys Ruediger of Silver and Spice Jewelry makes the most beautiful chain mail and beaded jewelry designs that I would never want to master. Knowing my lack of tolerance for the jump rings, she recommended this design for me to teach to a class recently.
Believe it or not…I liked it so much; I had to make another one with dangles. Added a few beads to a new bracelet and I now have what I call “Reminiscent of a Rose”.
The opening and closing of the rings actually wasn’t too bad this time, as the design called for more closed than open and I nipped that in the bud at the beginning. The nail breaker this time was all the wrapped pearls and crystals. Instead of trying to complete them all in one night I dragged this project out over a week, just to prevent myself from getting bored with the monotony of it all.
What I realized is (you can’t tell a soul), I actually liked doing this chain design, and I just might do a few more…minus the beads of course, or at least no so many; and who knows, maybe next year while doing my 2-3 new projects, I’ll find another pattern that’s just right for me.
Find more of Dee’s jewelry creations on her website at www.runakojewelry.com, also follow the day and life of Runako Designs and other great things with a cause on her blog at www.runakodesigns.blogspot.com.
Mallory says:
That is a gorgeous bracelet! Wow!
December 16th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
sooz says:
What a gorgeous bracelet! I love those that can do this since I am plier challenged.
I have to agree that Gladys makes AWESOME rings!
December 17th, 2009 at 6:10 am
Maria says:
You did a lovely job with this piece! Interesting seeing the evolution from the chain maille bracelet to the embellished version. It’s just right
December 17th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Dee says:
Thanks ladies it was a labor of love, but I enjoyed making it.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Kat Sanders says:
Dee, this is one of my favorite chain mail designs for just the reason you stated, though I tend to make earrings instead of bracelets. If you get the right thickness of rings, you can thread the beads onto the “dangle” rings for another spectacular effect.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:59 am