Beginning with a stringing project, although daunting from a color-choice perspective, doesn't require too many techniques—string the beads, squeeze a crimp bead, and cut the beading wire (careful! Not too close!) After I tackled a stringing project or two to get my feet
wet, I was drawn to the look of chain maille—and the possibility of making something beautiful just by opening and closing rings. All that silver! The shiny
interlocking rings! The luxurious feel of slinky, supple rope!
I chose a scary-looking modified Byzantine bracelet,
“Tryzantine,” from Easy Chain Mail. Later, I found out that Byzantine is
the building block for many other chain maille patterns; but at that time, I just wanted an
interesting look, and for some reason, an easy-to-follow chain wasn’t going to
cut it. I thought, “Give me something a little challenging so I can brag to my
friends once I get the hang of this technique.” Big talk for someone who had
never opened up a jump ring before!
I bought my jump rings (a size larger than the directions
specified, since that’s what they had at the bead shop). I picked out a clasp
and rejoiced that the materials list was so simple. Then I got my chainnose and
roundnose pliers.
(There’s really no excuse. The materials list clearly said,
“2 pairs of chainnose pliers,” but I figured at the time, what’s the big deal?
Turns out, working with chainnose pliers is much easier.)
So, with almost the right materials and tools, I flipped on
the TV, settled on an afternoon football game, and started.
Four re-starts later, I finally had the first section
completed. I wiggled some of the sad, wonky rings into place as best I could;
luckily, they got kind of hidden in the midst of the chain. By halftime, I was
getting the hang of chain mail, despite my lack of proper tools and materials.
The click of the rings as they settled into place started to become a soothing
rhythm, and I didn’t have to stop after each ring and check the instructions.
By the end of the game, I was clicking along merrily, only stopping to find my
place when I got distracted by an impressive reception or touchdown.
After I finished that bracelet, I was so very proud. That
is, until I gave it to my mom as a gift—and it was just a little small. Oh
well. Just another excuse to dig out the extra rings and play some more...