Well, I think I've found the solution to my chain maille problem . . . and I was comforted to learn that even an accomplished jewelry designer like Jane Dickerson has some trouble with it, too. Read on for an easy way to achieve the look of chain maille in a fashionable bracelet--without having to connect all those little jump rings!
Best Kept Secret Bracelet
by Jane Dickerson
I love the look of chain maille, but I'm all fingers when it comes to connecting all those jump rings. So, look what I found! Shhhh, don't tell-it's chain-maille chain! Simply attach a clasp and you'll look like you've spent hours creating this fast-and-easy bracelet.
Materials:
16" (40.5 cm) antiqued brass 9mm chain-maille chain
Shibu 35mm Saki Silver toggle clasp
2 pairs of chain-nose pliers
flush cutters
| |
 |
|
Jane Dickerson's Beach Stones bracelet is another favorite of mine from Chain Style. |
Steps
1. Cut the chain into two 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) pieces and one 3" (7.5) piece. Place the 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) pieces of chain side by side and disconnect one end link from each end of each piece of chain. You will be removing one 9mm jump ring and two twisted 6mm jump rings from each end.
2. Open two twisted 6mm jump rings from Step 1 and connect the end ring of the chain maille to one 9mm ring. Close the jump rings. Repeat with the three other ends of chain.
3. Remove two 9mm jump rings and four twisted 6mm jump rings from the scrap chain. Attach one 9mm jump ring to one half of the clasp. Repeat for the other half of the clasp.
4. Use two twisted 6mm jump rings from Step 3 to connect the 9mm jump ring on the toggle clasp and one end link of the bracelet. Connect the end link of the parallel chain to the toggle in the same way. Use two twisted 6mm jump rings to connect the 9mm jump ring on the ring side of the clasp with one end link on the bracelet. Repeat for the parallel link.
Voila! Look how simple that is--and no one will be the wiser. (You
know your secret is safe with me!)
For more great quick and stylish chain projects--fifty more, to be exact--check out Jane's book Chain Style. You read that right--Chain Style has fifty chain jewelry projects, by Jane as well as other top jewelry designers, such as lampwork glass and wire designer and author Kerry Bogert, Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry Editor-in-Chief Denise Peck, former Beading Daily Editor Leslie Rogalski, Lorelei Eurto (That's her Be True necklace on the cover), former Beadwork Editor Melanie Brooks, and more!
In addition to a comprehensive tools and materials guide, Jane includes step-by-step illustrated instructions for basic jewelry-making techniques in
Chain Style, including flush cutting and straightening wire; making simple, wrapped, and briolette loops; coiling and spiraling; making figure-eight links and jump rings; creating simple hooks, spiral hooks, and S-hooks; and oxidizing wire with liver of sulfur. It's a perfect how-to guide for beginning jewelry makers or a great refresher resource for experienced ones.
 |
|
|
Chain Style is full of chain-jewelry-making tips, including a visual guide to eighteen different types of chain.
|
|
Plus, Chain Style is available in a traditional print book as well as an eBook--and for a limited time, you can save $15 if you buy both in our special Chain Style bundle. It's the best of both worlds! Keep the hard copy in your studio and have the eBook with you at all times (at the jewelry supply store, or when you're traveling, even at a jewelry-making class!) on your laptop or tablet.
Resources:
chain-maille chain: The Bead Empire
Shibu toggle clasp (style: ss62): Saki Silver
Bracelet finished size: 7-1/2" (19 cm)