Flat Box Chain Maille earrings

I wanted the earrings to "match" the Flat Box Chain Maille necklace and bracelet I had made. I found the the Box weave was a bit wobbly. Rings hung down when not secured. I had really wanted to use a matching bead from Sherry Ploof but the ones she sent were too big. So I used plain silver balls. Then it occurred to me that the plain silver might be more practical. In other words could be worn with out the matching necklace and bracelet.

So, the set is now finished. Here are all the other pieces.





B


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Flat Box Chain Maille bracelet

Remember an earlier post where I showed a Flat Box Chain Maille necklace? If not you can see it here. A necklace usually needs a matching bracelet.

I contacted Sherry Ploof to see if she had some matching focal beads. She made some for me and sent me several sizes to choose from. What a gal! Check out her web site.

I used the same clasp to make it a set and a smaller version of Sherry's lampwork bead to match the necklace. Here is the result.





These beads are so pretty. Here is a close up.





Next comes matching earrings. That is harder than it seems it should be. I'll show the results (when finished)

Any comments?

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

How to make a Flat Box chain

Several people have asked me how to make the Flat Box chain I featured in yesterdays post. I got the idea from Becky Goga's book, Chains by Becky, available here. (Scroll down)

I usually don't write tutorials, just "instructions" that go with the classes I teach. Being there in person allows me to correct anything I say and physically show people what I mean. However, I thought I'd give it a try. Let me know if this makes sense.

Start by closing 10-12 18 gauge / 5 mm jump rings. Open an equal number of 18 gauge / 4 mm jump rings. (You will need to open and close more as you go along.)

Make a small chain of 2 - 5 mm, 2 - 4 mm, 2 - 5 mm. Place a twist tie on the last 2 rings as a handle for starting the chain.

Fold each of the last two 5 mm rings back, exposing the middle two 4 mm rings.

Spread the two 4 mm rings apart so you can see the bottom 5 mm rings.

Take an open 4 mm ring and thread it through the two bottom 5 mm rings.
Before you close the ring add two closed 5 mm rings. Close the ring.
Then add one more 4 mm ring following the path of the last 4 mm ring. Close the ring.

Basically that is it.
Start again by folding the last 5 mm rings just added and go back to the beginning.

Continue until you have the desired length. Add your favorite clasp. Wear your creation and be prepared for complements.

B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com

Flat Box Chain Maille Weave

I'm back! Here is the first chain I've made since my "nuisance" wrist fracture. I decided to only do a bit at first to see how things would go. They went well. Actually, I ran out of rings.

The regular Box chain weave has never looked right to me. I've tried 18 gauge 5mm, 4.5mm and several others. The weave is OK but does not fall correctly with out some maneuvering only to need more maneuvering to keep it right. Well, that is my opinion but I have several bracelets made with sizes that were recommended and I still had the problem.


Then I found a book by Becky Goga called Chains by Becky. She had the answer for me. A pattern she calls Flat Box chain. It calls for 2 different sizes of rings. 18 gauge / 5mm and 18 gauge / 4mm. I really like the results.

It is my intention to add some lampwork beads in the center so it will match a necklace I have already made in the Flat Box weave.




Aren't those beads pretty? They are made by Sherry Ploof. I met Sherry several years ago at a bead show in Mansfield, MA. I saw her again this spring. I've ordered some beads to match the necklace.

I'll post the finished bracelet when I get the rings and beads. It feels good to be back jewelry designing again.


B

www.bevsjewelry.com and www.bevsjewelry.1000markets.com