Intro to Chain Making
Intro to Chain Making
Introduction to Chain Making
When: Dates announced soon
Class description:
This course is for students curious about making basic chains for jewelry design. The course will run for four weeks and each week will feature a new, basic design to get your creative ideas flowing. Within each session, students will learn how to construct a 6 to 7-inch long bracelet from 18ga round wire without the need for soldering. The bracelets can be finished as completed pieces of jewelry, or students can use them as "starters" to continue on their own to make into longer necklaces. Students are encouraged to bring notebooks to class to record their experience and information needed to construct each type of chain.
Please see cancellation policy
Week 1:
Students will learn how to make links and jump rings from wire using basic jeweler's tools. By the end of the
lesson, students will know how to make, cut, and join links: a basic skill needed for the remaining classes. To
practice their new skills, students will complete a basic 7-inch long, "2 by 2" curb chain with the links they make.
(Requires about 78 inches [6.5 feet] of 18ga round wire). 18ga: 16-3.5mm ID links per inch, plus 2 for findings.
20ga on 2.5mm mandrel, requires 63in (5.5ft) for 22 links per inch.
Week 2:
Using skills learned in week 1, students will make a Byzantine weave chain which is a modified box chain. This
chain will certainly inspire more complex designs as students explore their creativity with jewelry making.
(Requires 133 inches [11 feet] of 18ga round wire).
28-3.5mm ID links per inch, plus more for findings. 20ga on 3.0mm mandrel, requires 101 in (8.5ft) for 30 links
per inch of chain.
Week 3:
Continuing their journey to create more complicated designs, students in this session will learn to create the
Queen's link a.k.a box chain. This chain takes on serpentine appearance with a square profile, proving to be as
eye-catching as it is very comfortable to wear. (Requires 166 inches [14feet] of 18ga round wire). 32-4mm ID
links per inch, plus 2 for findings. 20ga on 3.5mm mandrel, requires 126 in (10.5ft) for 32 links per inch.
Week 4:
To conclude the course, students will learn how to make basic findings to complete their chain designs allowing
them to be securely worn on the wrist or neck. Students will be shown how to make "S" clasp catches, hook and
loop catches, and toggle pairs. As a final chain design, students will construct a 3-ring mobius chain. Each "link"
in this chain consists of three interwoven links resembling a floret. The sheer number of links in this chain lends
to its strength and durability as well as its unique visual appeal. (Requires 130 inches [~11 feet] of 18ga round
wire). 21-5mm ID links per inch, plus 2 for findings. 20ga on 3.5mm mandrel, requires 112in (9.5ft) for 24 links
per inch.