Adventures in Chain Maille: The Beginning

Chain maille has been on my to-do list for years.  No really, years.  I bought this kit at a Bead Fest several years ago and just never got around to actually doing it.

The kit is from fe Maille and includes detailed instructions on both jewelry basics and the weave pattern (byzantine variation), jump rings, seed beads and an artisan clasp.  You just need to supply your own pliers.

It only took me a few minutes to understand the basics of making the first byzantine link.  I did have a couple of "What the heck?" moments but they didn't last long.  The instructions really are that good.

I was able to get through making five more links relatively quickly with only minimal destruction to a few jump rings.  I've always suffered from plier death grip-itis.  

I left the house for a bit and when I came home I easily completed the large jump ring and seed bead connectors.  It doesn't hurt either that I have tiny baby-sized wrists so I didn't have to create as many links.

Well look at that!  I made my first chain maille piece....a Byzantine variation bracelet!

And since my wrists are so ridiculously small, I had enough jump rings left to make some earrings!  I paired them with my porcelain ammonite charms.  I think they look pretty spiffy!  Yes, I said spiffy.

I was warned that chain maille is addictive.  It's true.  I've since ordered a practice kit from The Ring Lord and plan to order higher quality saw-cut rings from C&T Designs once I'm confident I won't wreck all the good stuff.  I also purchased two books on Amazon; Chained and Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop.  

I hope you'll enjoy following along with me while I embark on this jump ring-filled adventure!

Happy Beading!

Diana P.

Suburban Girl Studio LLC