Creative Lightning!

re: Creative Lightning!

Atalanta2 — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:53:15 GMT

I had the pleasure of teaching 3 maille classes at Bead Fest Philadelphia this past August. Like many others, I am fond of the anodized aluminum rings - light weight, inexpensive, and colorful (www.theringlord.com). As for tools, I swear by my CRAFTSMAN mini pliers. Yes, the brand you buy at Sears. They're comfortable, guaranteed for life, and about US$10 a pair.

re: Creative Lightning!

LeaynT — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:25:05 GMT

Check out culturejewelry.com. Matthew has a great pattern e-book for sale. He also has an artists community started at https://members.culturejewelry.com. You can sign up for a free "copper" level membership or you can pay a bit more for higher levels and free monthly patterns. I have ordered sterling jump rings from urbanmaille.com and niobium jumprings from spiderchain.com. Both offer great rings and super friendly service. The Ring Lord is good too, but they are in Canada and it takes a while for shipping. Happy Chaining!

re: Creative Lightning!

marpomem — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:14:33 GMT

This was great. I, too, am hooked on chain maille. Don't know if I will ever tackle the Byzantine chain again, though I do wish I had made it in good metal instead of plate! It came out awesome, and everyone is shocked when I tell them I made it out of over 100 metal circles! Marilyn P.S. Try www.marilyngardiner.com (no relation to me but close on last name) for kits, classes, and jumprings

re: Creative Lightning!

marpomem — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:14:29 GMT

re: Creative Lightning!

Buyerlove — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:24:25 GMT

Check out www.AnneMitchell.net
she has an excellent work book available, good for beginners and advanced. Gives step by step instructions for lots of great projects and shows how to create your own jump rings.

re: Creative Lightning!

MaryF@78 — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:44:09 GMT

I too, have a yearn to master the chain maille 0 but still working on major priorities will getting readyfor a show on 10/6. Great hints and tips from EVERYONG! Many thanks to all. Mary

re: Creative Lightning!

SandraD@50 — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 23:26:59 GMT

If you want to see some beautiful pictures of chain maille patterns, including some great info on ring sizes to use, etc., try www.longcanyon.com, which is run by a local north central Illinois artisan. Her things are beautiful and the resources are excellent.

re: Creative Lightning!

MattieP — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:39:09 GMT

I agree that chainmaille is an addiction. I would recommend the ring lord for jump rings. I especially like the aluminum rings in lots of colors. the service from the ring lord is great. mattie p

re: Creative Lightning!

SaraJ — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 08:40:04 GMT

I recommend Spider's first DVD, on making bracelets.

www.spiderchain.com (not affiliated!)

This plus the rings and one Lindstrom white-handled pliers were the Valentine's gift from my husband, two years ago. I don't have her second DVD yet, though.

Chain maille is so beautiful! My husband got into it and has made me a bracelet, E 4-1 in teeeny tiny rings. I got HIM an anniversary gift of a chain maille coif & mantle kit.

re: Creative Lightning!

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:31:09 GMT

I feel the same way about learning new techniques. I just love it when I'm starting something new, you must always go to the bead or supply store and shopping in those places can be fun! I've been interested in chain maile for a long time now, I would love to take a class...Gail

re: Creative Lightning!

Joanna@41 — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:28:12 GMT

I get my jumprings from http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com. otherwise I make my own. They sell colored aluminum rings, they are light weight and yet strong. This company will help you in anyway you need from ordering for your project to making sure you are a happy customer. They are also very quick to send you your order. Hope this finds you well. Happy creating :)

re: Creative Lightning!

BrendaL@37 — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:38:36 GMT

I highly recommend the following for your jumprings: http://urbanmaille.com/
They are excellent quality and the kits they sell are fantastic. I've made the three bracelets from the beginner kit and love them all.

re: Creative Lightning!

PhyllisE — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:15:47 GMT

I made my first byzantine when I was 12 when it was called Idiot's Delight, but I did it the old fashioned way. My father handed me some sterling wire, a mandrel and jeweler's saw and taught me to first make my own jump rings.

re: Creative Lightning!

WendyM@43 — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:57:50 GMT

Beware the chain maille bug! I was bit two years ago and even after making dozens of different chains and patterns, I still wear the 1st bzyantine I ever made almost everyday. The only bug that is worse is lampwork. Now I've combined the two and my work is at a level I have been striving for for years!