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Chain Maille - Pain Maille
Chain Maille, Pain Maille
Ah, chain maille. I have just started teaching myself how to make it, and there are some things no one ever told me. For example, who knew I would have to build up callouses because gripping my tools so darn hard makes my hands hurt? And you think beading is a strain on the eyes? Honey, you don't know strain 'til you've tried piecing together jump rings that are all the same color. That's why I put together this little noob guide for beginning chain maillers (and I freely admit I'm a noob, not a newbie).
1.) Get those stupid, cheap, colored aluminum jump rings from your local craft store. Get many. Get them in several sizes. Sort them by size and color. Make patterns using specific colors in specific spots so you can see what is supposed to go where, or if you have made a mistake. (You can also use various plated metal and copper - mix it up. Don't get the good stuff like sterling or gold filled right away, at least not while you are experimenting) 2.) Do experiment! Just because some book or website tells you how to make a pattern doesn't mean that's the only way, or the best way, or the least confusing way for you. Or, you might start out with some pattern in mind, but if you add a ring here, take one out there, voila! You have a new pattern that is completely your own. Well...sure, maybe someone else, somewhere else has also come up with it, but they don't know, so we won't tell. 3.) Don't get cheap tools to work with. Jump rings, when you're just trying to experiment with stuff, are one thing, but when you're spending a lot of time trying to piece rings and chain together, your hands will be grateful that you have invested. And if you don't want them anymore, you could always give them to someone who does, like me....(Kidding!) 4.) Don't forget that dogs like the taste of metal. 5.) If you decide to continue making chain maille, invest in classes that will teach you how to sodder and make jump rings so you don't have to buy them all the time (because wire is always cheaper than the finished product).
Some links that I find helpful: M.A.I.L. - Maille Artisians International League
This site has a lot of free, (usually) comprehensive tutorials on chain maille designs. Beaducation
They have video tutorials on making maille and jump rings, but not all of them are free and can be rather expensive. The free one I downloaded was pretty interesting, though. Chain Maille Weaves
Just some nice weaves. They look complicated, but they've been explained and diagrammed very well, and even I don't have trouble following the instructions. |
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May, 2012
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