Celtic Cross and Chainmaille Necklace

This necklace seemed to take me forever, but I was sick while working on it, and I ran out of wire, and broke the last of my saw blades and had to order more - yada, yada, yada. lol!! I am really pleased with the result though!

The pendant is about 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches made from copper sheet (about 22 guage), which I cut out, filed and engraved with the celtic knotwork design. (I think I'm starting to get the hang of this engraving thing!)

The necklace is done in the half persian 4-1 weave. I've always heard that this is a difficult weave, so I've put off learning it for a long time, but I actually found it quite easy to do.

Double Beez to Butterflies Chainmaille Bracelet

So, back in November, 14 year old DS pulled out some red colored copper wire that I've had for ages and decided he wanted a bracelet. So I sat him down with my chart of weaves and he picked out the beez to butterflies weave. But with the guage of the wire, the bracelet would be too skinny, so we decided that I could double it.

I had every intention of finishing the bracelet before his birthday in the first week of December, but I really underestimated how much work it would take. These are tiny rings, 2.75mm, 20 guage wire, and it took a gazillion of them. I could only work on it for a little at a time before I'd have to put it down.

Then my trunk show came up, and then the holidays, and other projects, and then, I ran out of wire!! It was a couple of weeks before I was able to find and purchase more. This last week I've been determined to finish it, because I am so over the darn thing!!!

Well, I finally finished it tonight!!!!! Yessssss!!!!! So without further ado, here it is!!! It's a good thing I love my son!!! lol!!

The Chainmaille Series

Okay folks, here on our little journey, I am going to be taking you along sort of a side path, one that will help you understand one of my major jewelry loves - chainmaille. We will take the path in little bits and pieces, so as not to give you too much information at once. In fact, I'm sure I'll learn a ton along the way too!!

"Chainmaille?" you're probably asking, " you mean like knights in shining armour and stuff?" Well, yes, but I gotta tell you, chainmaille has come a very long way since those days of yore. True, some people do still make chainmaille armor, but it is only used for display or re-enactment (as in people that participate with the Renaissance Fairs), or in the case of swimming with sharks (but we won't go there today :-) ).

What it's making a strong showing in now is the jewelry world. It is possible to use the ancient chainmaille "weaving" techniques and patterns to make gorgeous, and yes, trendy jewelry. It's one of my favorite techniques, it's one of my favorite looks, and I look forward to sharing this little side trip with you!!