Fusing Wire Links with a Butane Torch

Learn How to Properly Open and Close Jump Rings

In order to create great chainmaille, you have to be able to open and close jump rings properly. This video shows you the proper techinique for opening and closing jump rings. Using the correct techinque keeps your jump rings nice and round and keeps them from becoming distorted when you work with them.

Centipede Bracelet Tutorial Now Available

If you have been interested in chain mail but afraid to try, this easy variation of the European 4 in 1 is fun to learn and will give you stunning results. As a bonus I have thrown in an easy earring pattern you can create with your left overs! You can get the tutorial for this and many more wonderful jewelry projects on the website www.jewelrylessons.com . The specific link for this tutorial is: http://www.jewelrylessons.com/tutorial/centipede-chain-mail-bracelet-bonus-earrings .

Learn to Make European 4 in 1 Chainmaille

The European 4 in 1 chainmaille weave is one of the easier weaves to learn and is quite versatile when it comes to jewelry design. It can be used to create necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I have found a CGI video that illustrates how to start weaving 4 in 1. You will find this video below. For another video that actually demonstrates someone showing you how to do the weave use the following link: http://vodpod.com/watch/918188-how-to-make-chainmail-2.

CGI Video Demonstration of European 4 in 1:

Learn How to Etch Copper, Bronze, Brass, and Aluminum

I have a new tutorial available at http://www.jewelrylessons.com/jewel/node/15673 that teaches you how to etch copper, bronze, brass, and aluminum using muriatic acid and hydrogen perioxide. Etching metal may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite easy and can allow you to create unique one-of-a-kind designs. Anything you can draw, or any picture, photo, or pattern you like can be copied onto metal. Traditionally ferric chloride has been the mordant, or acid, that has been used to etch copper, brass, and bronze. However, it is relatively expensive and sometimes hard to find. Muriatic acid, or hydrochloric acid, works just as well and is considerably less expensive. Muriatic acid can be found at your local hardware store, usually in the pool care section of the store. The resist is the portion of the design that won't be eaten away by the acid. Just about anything can be used as resist as long as it "resists" water. Permanent marking pens, nail polish, duct tape, vinyl stickers, Stazon stamping ink, etc. may all be used. With the advent of photocopiers and laser printers, a technique was developed that allows the use of more complex designs. A high contrast, black and white image can be copied onto an overhead transparency and then transferred onto the metal with an iron. The focus of this tutorial will be using the overhead transparency method of image transfer and muriatic acid to etch metal.

Learn How to Make a Byzantine Chain

The Byzantine weave is a variation of the Box chain and can be thought of as an alternating Box chain. This is another easy to learn weave and is great for someone just getting their start in chainmaille. As with all chainmaille, it is crucial that the correct ring sizes are used when creating your chain. For this particular weave the recommended ring sizes are as follows:

• 22 gauge, Inner Diameter: 2.5mm
• 20 gauge, Inner Diameter: 3.0mm - 3.5mm
• 18 gauge, Inner Diameter: 3.5mm - 4.0mm
• 16 gauge, Inner Diameter: 4.5mm - 5.0mm

Watch the great video below from www.jewelrysupply.com to see exactly how easy it is to create a beautiful chain with a few simple steps.

Learn to Make a Box Chain

The Box Chain is one of the easiest chainmaille weaves to learn. I have found a video created by the folks at www.jewelrysupply.com that does a great job of showing you the easy steps involved in making this simple, yet lovely chain. In the video they recommend using 18 gauge 7 mm inner diameter rings. Rings smaller than 18 gauge in diameter are not recommended when used for heavy wear. I agree with their recommendation whole heartedly. The watch I have pictured in today's blog was one I made for myself using 22 gauge sterling silver jump rings. While the watch band turned out beautifully, it was not heavy enough to stand up to every day wear and the rings ended up pulling apart after a few months of wear. It was one of my first chainmaille projects, and I was not experienced enough to know better! Don't make my mistake. It is always a good idea to find out recommended ring sizes before starting a project. Here some links for websites with recommended ring sizes for particular weaves: http://www.venomspit.com/ and the Maille Artisans website at http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/subcat.cgi?key=5 .
Enjoy the video below. It beautifully illustrates the steps in making a box chain.