Blue Buddha Boutique -- Newsletter - Sept - Oct - Nov

Anodized Niobium rings - as seen in Step by Step Wire Jewelry Magazine

Classes: Descriptions - Calendar - Teaching Locations & Registration - Private Lessons - Newsletter

Sept - Oct - Nov - Dec
2006

Making Weave Variations
Classes
New Tools

Greetings, fellow weavers, and welcome to the second online newsletter! I've created a Newsletter section within the Classes section, so from now on you'll be able to browse all issues online.

Hard to believe I'm already gearing up for the holiday season. December will be here faster than we think! If you're interested in making holiday ornaments, I have some new and returning seasonal classes. The new Intermediate Earrings class is a great way to craft 2 - 4 pairs of earrings for gifts, all in a 90-minute class. See below for a listing of all new classes. If you'd like to see lots of finished pieces, please stop by one of my shows between now and mid-December. Enjoy the rest of '06!
—Rebeca

Making Weave Variations
Many students of maille are fascinated by the idea of inventing a weave or creating original designs. But with 640+ known weaves (and counting!), is there anything left to invent?

Yes, of course there is! I've found the best way to invent a new weave is to simply sit down with a pile of assorted rings, and just start experimenting. Below are two basic ideas you might want to try, and next issue will include a few more ideas.

You can click on any photo for a larger image. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.
Refer to sterling silver stats and base metal stats for measurements of rings used.

1. Use Different Ring Sizes. Take a weave you know well, and try it with different ring sizes. First, try it in large rings, and then in small rings, in a variety of Aspect Ratios. Keep your samples well labeled so that you can see how ring sizes affect the look, feel and movement of the weave. Then, combine several ring sizes in one piece. The Box Chain takes on a whole new look when it uses 4 ring sizes, as in my Ripple necklace. A popular variation of European 4-1 and 6-1 calls for the outer rings (the "mouse ears") to change size. The outer rings can get larger and smaller at the same time (Euro 4-1 wave #2 below), or one side can get smaller as the other side gets larger (Euro 4-1 below). Japanese 12-in-2 also lends itself well to varied ring sizes on the edges.

Ripple Necklace
Box weave with 4 ring sizes
SILV: D21, E20, G19, J17
Base Metal: D20, F20, H18, L18

Euro 4-1 wave

Euro 4-in-1 wave #2
Base Metal:
Center row H18
Outer rows D18, H18, J18

Japanese Wave
Outer rows fluctuate sizes
Small (vertical) Rings: B22
Large (horizontal) Rings: D20, F20, H20

2. Mõbius Some or All Rings. For just a few select rings, or the entire weave, mõbius (intertwine) 2 rings. If you have space, mõbius 3 or even 4 rings. When the 3 connector rings of Byzantine are mõbiused, for example, this is known as Flowers in Cages. Some weaves look very elegant mõbiused; others may look disorderly. Instead of mõbiusing, you can also simply double specific rings in a weave. Doubling and mõbiusing are effective techniques to fill space in weaves that are too loose. A Mõbiused (double) spiral is one of my favorite weaves, because not only does it look like a DNA helix, it also holds its shape, unlike regular spiral. Note, though, that you have to mõbius the rings in the same direction as the overall spiral, or the weave won't look like the photo below.

Flowers in Cages variant
This variation alternates regular connectors with Flowers
J16 ALUM with L18 AA

Mobiused and Euro 4-1 Wave
P16 with L18 hand-cut steel

Mobiused Spiral
H20 stainless steel
L18 in base metals also works

Next issue will include a few more ideas for varying weaves. Until then, have fun trying out the ideas above with as many weaves as you'd like. It's important to have fun! Don't get discouraged. You might make a lot of unusable patterns before discovering something that works. I have lots of scraps from failed experiments, but the successes definitely make it worth the while.

Current Classes
I've updated my class calendar through the end of December. New classes include Intermediate Earrings and several seasonal classes: Holiday Ornament, Winter Pendant, and Wrapped Maille Ornament. Other classes include Japanese Ball, Spiral II (Jens Pind), and Japanese Bulls-Eye.

at Briolette

at Aylas

at LillStreet

at Caravan

Contact the specific store or gallery for a schedule or to register for a class.

New Tools and Supplies for sale
I've expanded my selection of pliers and other tools. If there's anything you'd like me to carry, please let me know and I'll see if it is feasible. All tools and findings are found within the supplies section.

Some recently added items:

eurotool ergonomic pliers for making chainmail

Euro Tool Ultra Ergo Pliers

Jump Ring Tool

Digital Calipers

Copper Sister Hook

French Hooks

Toggles

Lobster Claws

Feel free to contact Rebeca as always with questions or comments.
local: 773.478.3767 toll free: 866.602.RING (7464) rebeca@bluebuddhaboutique.com

Happy Weaving!

All content written by Rebeca Mojica, Blue Buddha Boutique artist & owner.