The word "chainmaille" does not usually conjure up images of jewelry. Instead, it draws to mind medieval knights and their armor. However, chainmaille jewelry is a type that is gaining in popularity, and if you want a unique look, you can easily learn to make it for yourself.
No matter what the finished piece will be, if something is made of chainmaille, then it will primarily be composed of tiny metal rings that are interlocked in intricate patterns. To make your jewelry, then, you will need to make sure that you have enough rings available to complete the project. This can be done by purchasing ones of the proper size and weight, or by making your own if you wish.
Making your own rings is the best option if you have a specific pattern in mind that requires a particular type that you may not be able to find readily. You will need a metal rod with a diameter that matches that of the rings you want, and also enough metal wire to construct a sufficient number of rings. Once you have these materials, start by winding the wire tightly around the rod until you have enough coils to make your rings.
Next, slide the coiled wire carefully off, and use a pair of wire cutters to snip the coil into individual rings. Be careful to make sure they are all cut in the same place so that they are all the same size, or your jewelry will look uneven and be more difficult to make. Once you have cut all of the pieces, use narrow pliers to pry open the ends of each ring slightly so that they can be interwoven.
No matter if you decided to purchase rings or cut your own, you are now ready for the next step, which offers a bit more variety. Weaving the chainmaille itself is not a process that has one direct path, but is rather one that can be accomplished a variety of ways. Try looking up some pictures of different types of weaves to see which one best fits the type of accessory that you have in mind.
One thing that all the patterns have in common, however, is that they all consist of interlocking your rings together to form the material that will compose your finished jewelry. You may want to end up with longer strips to form bracelets or smaller shaped pieces for earrings. Choosing the easiest and most attractive options is important.
The chainmaille itself is the most important part of this process, but you can also include additional bits. Ribbons and gemstones are popular here, but you can get as creative as you like. Depending on the piece, you may also need fasteners, clasps, or pins to make it into a finished product.
Making chainmaille jewelry is a hobby that is not only fun, but can also leave you with some fantastic results. With the unique and gorgeous accessories you will be wearing, you may get requests from others to make them pieces as well. Everyone will love this great new look!
No matter what the finished piece will be, if something is made of chainmaille, then it will primarily be composed of tiny metal rings that are interlocked in intricate patterns. To make your jewelry, then, you will need to make sure that you have enough rings available to complete the project. This can be done by purchasing ones of the proper size and weight, or by making your own if you wish.
Making your own rings is the best option if you have a specific pattern in mind that requires a particular type that you may not be able to find readily. You will need a metal rod with a diameter that matches that of the rings you want, and also enough metal wire to construct a sufficient number of rings. Once you have these materials, start by winding the wire tightly around the rod until you have enough coils to make your rings.
Next, slide the coiled wire carefully off, and use a pair of wire cutters to snip the coil into individual rings. Be careful to make sure they are all cut in the same place so that they are all the same size, or your jewelry will look uneven and be more difficult to make. Once you have cut all of the pieces, use narrow pliers to pry open the ends of each ring slightly so that they can be interwoven.
No matter if you decided to purchase rings or cut your own, you are now ready for the next step, which offers a bit more variety. Weaving the chainmaille itself is not a process that has one direct path, but is rather one that can be accomplished a variety of ways. Try looking up some pictures of different types of weaves to see which one best fits the type of accessory that you have in mind.
One thing that all the patterns have in common, however, is that they all consist of interlocking your rings together to form the material that will compose your finished jewelry. You may want to end up with longer strips to form bracelets or smaller shaped pieces for earrings. Choosing the easiest and most attractive options is important.
The chainmaille itself is the most important part of this process, but you can also include additional bits. Ribbons and gemstones are popular here, but you can get as creative as you like. Depending on the piece, you may also need fasteners, clasps, or pins to make it into a finished product.
Making chainmaille jewelry is a hobby that is not only fun, but can also leave you with some fantastic results. With the unique and gorgeous accessories you will be wearing, you may get requests from others to make them pieces as well. Everyone will love this great new look!
No comments:
Post a Comment