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Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr 2007 |
Making Weave Variations, Part Deux Weekend Mailling Fest |
Classes New Supplies |
Happy New Year, fellow chainmaillers! As I sit down to write this, I realize it's been nearly four years since I went into business. What a whirlwind it's been! I want to thank my customers, and especially my students. Your eagerness to learn has pushed me to learn new weaves and try different teaching approaches. I feel as though I've grown so much as an artist, a businesswoman and also as a person. My business has come further than I ever thought it would, and I wouldn't be here without you. So a deep, deep thank you! I wish you all much happiness, health and peace in '07.
—Rebeca
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Making Weave Variations, Part Deux In last issue's article Making Weave Variations, I offered two techniques to try when attempting to create your own weaves. Here is a third technique: 3. Add New Connection Points/Edging. Take a familiar weave, and see where you can add another ring. Try adding on a different plane, or connecting two rings already in the weave. (For instance, the Atlantis and Turtleback weaves are simply Byzantine with extra rings through the "Box" part.) You can even take two chains—same or different weaves—and try to connect them together using new rings. Click on any photo for a larger image. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.
Some of you may be saying, "OK, this is all fine and dandy, but how exactly am I supposed to know where to add new rings?" Well, this is where the creation process generally leads to a lot of trial and error. Basically, what you want to do is closely examine the weave for "holes" where you can squeeze in an extra ring or two. 
My sketchbooks are full of ideas like this. Some work, and some don't. Often, once I start playing around with a new weave, I'll get a different idea that works much better than what I originally had in mind. Flexibility and an open mind are key to the creative process.
This brings me to my final tip, which is: Have fun! You might make lots and lots of unusable patterns before discovering something that works. Don't get discouraged if your first couple of tries don't work. I have lots of scraps from failed experiments, but the successes definitely make it worthwhile. Think of it as a journey, rather than a destination; most of the fun is just playing around with the rings. To help get your creative juices flowing, visit MailleArtisans.org (Maille Artisans International League) and browse their weave gallery. Many inspirations to give you ideas. And if you come up with your own weave(s), be sure to submit to M.A.I.L's Archive of Weaves! ***NOTE: Site down as of Jan 9 - I'm hoping it'll be back up soon!*** Weekend Mailling Fest Come join me in introducing chainmaille to newbies and people who think this craft has something to do with computer spam. On Saturday, January 20th, I'll be conducting a day-long artist demonstration at the Chicago Tourism Center as part of the Winter Delights Festival. I'd love to be surrounded by fellow weavers. Bring your projects, help one another learn new weaves, and basically, have a great time! Note: I am not allowed to sell anything during the demo, but if you place an order via PayPal or by phone (credit card only) by 5 pm Thursday January 18th, you can pick it up during the demo. Chicago Winter Delights - Stitching Salon Chainmaille Demo: Saturday, January 20, 11am - 4pm Chicago Tourism Center 72 E. Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60602 312.744.2400 More information about the Winter Delights Festival can be found on my Shows page. I'm all fired up about this event and decided that one day wasn't enough. So I'm turning the entire weekend into a Chainmaille Gathering! This means I'm opening my home on Friday and Sunday to anyone who wants to stop by and work on projects in a super-relaxed setting (my living room and kitchen). Stuff to know: I live in Albany Park, near Montrose & Kedzie. There will be some snacks, but you'll need to bring your own meals and drinks. There are a ton of great ethnic restaurants in my neighborhood, too. Pet- and smoke-free household (but smoking is allowed on an indoor back porch). You must remove your shoes in my apartment, so feel free to bring fuzzy socks or slippers. Finally, keep in mind that I live on the 3rd floor and there is no elevator. Oh, and you'll save on loose ring purchases (10% off silver and 20% off base metal) on Friday or Sunday, no need to order ahead. Yay! If you would like to attend on either or both days, please e-mail me or give me a buzz. I have a limited number of beds/sofas/floor space for out-of-towners who want to spend the night, too. I hope to see many of you on Saturday at the demo, or Friday and Sunday at my place! Current Classes I’ve updated my class calendar through the end of April. New classes include Chainmaille Earrings Workshop, Byzantine II, Flower of Life Pendant and Sleek Cuff. Also back this semester: Dragonscale and Japanese Flower Earrings, among others.
Contact the specific store or gallery for a schedule or to register for a class. Mark your calendars! In June, I will be teaching six classes at the Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee, WI. Hope to see some of you there! Online registration begins January 16th.
New Tools and Supplies for Sale Beginning in late-January, you can purchase Blue Buddha Boutique jump rings at Briolette Beads in Forest Park! You'll be able to buy the most popular sizes in aluminum, copper, brass and anodized aluminum. They've got approximately 100,000 rings on hand, so you should have no problem finding rings that will work for whatever weave you wish to do. Later, the complete range of sizes will be added, along with kits and instructions. So be sure to check out the chainmaille corner the next time you're in the shop! Briolette Beads and More 7322 Madison St Forest Park, IL 60130 708.366.8318 Some recent additions to the Blue Buddha Boutique Supplies section:
Feel free to contact Rebeca as always with questions or comments. GET SUPPLIESGET INSPIREDGET HELP | ||||||||||||||||||
