Explorations in Chainmaille: Scalemaille

Back at Bead Fest, I purchased a few chainmaille kits from HyperLynks.  There are so many weaves I want to learn and kits are the best way to do this.  HyperLynks carries a wide variety of kits and they all come with instructions, quality rings and findings.  You just need to supply the pliers.

They had a kit for a scalemaille bracelet and earrings (in an assortment of colors) and I knew I had to give it a whirl!  

The instructions were very clear and I was off and running in no time.  Now keep in mind, this is also rated as a beginner kit and once I got the hang of the pattern I whipped this piece up in an evening.  

I went a little crazy and didn't realize just how long I was making the bracelet.  Once I stopped, I noticed it was far too long for my tiny wrists.

I removed a section and finished the bracelet off with a lobster claw clasp.

The kit actually came with instructions for a more dangly pair of earrings but I decided to make earrings with the sections I removed from the bracelet.  

I highly recommend the kits from HyperLynks.  Next up, I'll be learning Helm's Weave.  Stay tuned for a blog post on that in the near future!

Happy Beading!

Diana P.

Suburban Girl Studio LLC

Further Explorations in Chain Maille

I can't stop.  I was warned that chain maille was addictive.  It's true.

I'm working on two projects right now, both of which I hope will become samples for my booth at Bead Fest.  The first involves these pretty autumn-hued anodized aluminum jump rings.

This is a box chain weave.  It was supposed to be a bracelet but I've decided to go ahead and turn it into a necklace.  Still needs several more inches before it's finished.

I'd like to add some of my ceramic leaf pendants and/or charms to it when it's done.

The other necklace I"m working on is for showcasing one of my clowny face pendants.

This is a Byzantine weave.  I love how the rainbow rings pop next to the black rings.

I'm still trying to get my technique right when it comes to opening and closing the rings properly.  Once I'm confident I have it down, I may start making jewelry to sell again.  I love the combination of chain maille next to my ceramic beads.  

If you find yourself wanting to explore chain maille I highly recommend C&T Designs and Blue Buddha Boutique for your ring supply.  All the rings I used in the above pieces were from both these sources.

Happy Beading!

Diana P.

Suburban Girl Studio LLC