8 Things I've Learned About Chain Maille

I love making chain maille jewelry. I've made hundreds of pieces over the past few years and have learned a lot about how to make it more pleasurable.

1. Use good tools. Your hands will thank you for it. I use Lindstrom brand but there are lots of other good ones out there.
2. Take care of your hands. They are your most valuable tool. Take frequent rest breaks. Stretch and exercise your fingers and wrists. If you start having trouble with your hands, see a hand specialist or physical therapist for some specific exercises.
3. Practice, practice, practice.
4. Work with a variety of materials (aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, sterling silver) so you can see how each reacts in different weaves, how they work in your hands, and whether they give the look you want.
5. If at all possible, don't mix rings from different suppliers in the same project. This is especially true if they are the same metal.
6. If you can't figure out a weave from one set of instructions, try it with another set. Every teacher has their own way of writing instructions and many times a different way of looking at the weave makes all the difference.
7. Have a second set of eyes look over your finished work. They might find errors that you can't see.
8. Invest in a tumbler and stainless steel shot to finish your work.  You will not believe difference in the appearance of your finished work after it is tumbled. It is breathtaking.

Note from Rena:

See a variety of interesting jewelry tools, jewelry supplies, and more in Charlene's Purveyor of All Things Creative storefront!