Saturday, June 28, 2014

More Intricate Chain Maille

I think this is quickly becoming my favorite weave.


The colors are taken from Blue Buddha's Spring kit for "Large Coiled Butterfly" (a building block for Intricate Chain Maille).

I think it will work for summer also.  :)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Jens Pind Linkage

As you know, I've been mailing as much as I've been beading.

The other day, I decided to try my hand at a somewhat difficult weave -- jens pind linkage.  From what I can tell, this weave can scare even the most experienced chain mailers.

I started out with Sue Ripsch's pattern from her book, Classic Chain Mail Jewelry With a Twist.  I was surprised that I was able to start the weave without any trouble.  Keeping it going, however, proved to be harder.

Jens Pind is a spiral weave and each new ring matches the orientation of the 3rd ring back.  While this sounds straight forward, it's hard to see the emerging pattern (especially when using all copper rings).  I took out more than a few rings in learning this weave.

I finally turned back to ZiLi's tutorial (ZiLi is a chain maille genius and a regular on the chain maille facebook group I've joined) and something clicked.


I am really taken with this weave.  It's both delicate and hefty.  The spiral pattern is amazing.

I only had enough of the proper size rings to make a bracelet.  I paired my chain with a focal from Staci Louise Originals.  Staci's bead looks amazing with the copper.



The intimidating jens pind may now by my favorite weave.

I'm excited to try JPL 5, which is the same weave, but using 5 rings instead of 3.  (I think I need to order more rings.)  :)

As I menI've already ordered more rings.  I can't wait for them to get here.