I've not been handling stress well the last few weeks and have felt pretty much like I'm stumbling around (sometimes literally) a lot. I've dealt with a few sick days, a few of hubby's banged up elbows (he's teaching himself to skateboard but that's been fun) and just an overwhelming sense of too much to do even if it's stuff that I want to do. I tend to shut down completely when that happens.
But not today, no sirree, I got back up on that horse and got some neat photos taken of a couple new pieces including Moops (moderate hoop earrings) in copper and a necklace-length Mmm, Mobius.
Tomorrow I start work on learning Full Persian chainmaille weave in a bracelet for hubby so will post photos on that work in progress.
Listings on Etsy:
Mmm, Mobius - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30243130
Moops in copper - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30243515
6 comments:
Oh my gosh, I did not realize you did chainmaille too! Awesome! I just bought Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections by Scott David Plumlee! It is a great book and he is coming to Woodinville September 26th and 27th to teach a workshop and I am going to try and go. I have always loved the feel of chainmaille but when I tried to do it a couple of years ago I did not understand the whole aspect ratio thing and I was making my own jump rings the best I could and it did not go too well. His book explains it so well and he has made this new tool that is not even on the market yet. It is a tool called Mandrel-Tip Pliers. You can see them and sign up to be emailed when they are in at his website: www.davidchain.com where he also lists his workshops. Just had to share with you.
I am so glad you always get back up on that horse! You would be dearly missed in the artisan community. Love your photos. Also, thank you for following my blog. I hope to keep improving it. Tara Frey's book Blogging For Bliss has really got me excited about making a better blog and being a more regular bloggee!
Mimsy! Thank you for this comment - I have been working through Scott's book the last couple of weeks and been trying to figure out if he was online or not. I saw lots of variations on the mandrel tip pliers at the local jewelry supply store so that will likely be my next purchase.
You should definitely go to his workshop if you get a chance and let me know how it goes. I really like the tone of his book!
If you don't mind me asking where do you get your jump rings? In his new book he uses 19g jump rings in argentium and I cannot find them. The designs won't work if I don't have the right size, right? Are you working through his first book or second book?
I am going to call today to see if there are still spots left in the workshop. Cross my fingers :)
Welcome to the wonderful world of aspect ratio (AR). It's math but once you get some charts and whatnot it will make your head hurt less. I will post some links on my blog that I've found from other blogs and whatnot that will help.
You can use other gauge wire on the projects he has, you just have to get the aspect ratios close. I ordered some 19ga bright aluminum and copper from The Ring Lord who had great prices, just shipping took a bit because it was coming from Canada.
I'm working with those metals first to get the hang of the weaves that are very dense so I don't end up messing up with materials first. I also like the 19ga because it's not as chunky as 18 but not as thin as 20...makes sense really.
The book I have is the newest one, has the chaos wraps on the front.
I look forward to the posts on the charts that will help me understand the AR of chainmaille. Thank you for sharing. That is a great idea to practice with the aluminum first.
I will take a look at The Ring Lord for ordering the jump rings. I have heard a lot of good things about their quality.
Again, thank you!
Okay, so I'm slow on the blog updates but I will e-mail you a list of links of what I have found if you get a chance to shoot me your e-mail. I'm at seedlingsjewelry@gmail.com
Post a Comment