Blue Buddha Boutique -- Newsletter - Jan - Feb - Mar

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

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

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.
Refer to sterling silver stats and base metal stats for measurements of rings.

Atlantis
SILV: F18 weave with D17 edging

Turtleback
COPP: H18 weave with H16 connectors

Double Atlantis / Doubled Byzantine
COPP: H18 weave with H16 connectors

One of my favorite weaves made using this type of variation is Conundrum, by Deirdra (Dee) Rector. You start with two or more—my preference is three—lengths of Helm Chain.

Helm Chain (aka Parallel Chain)
SILV: F18 with K18

Then, connect the chains—as shown in the photo at right—to create Conundrum. Dee also came up with a second, tighter variation (far right).

Conundrum 22g sterling, 5/64" and 9/64" (A22 + E22)	Conundrum 2
I generally use Dragonscale ring combos for Helm Chain and Conundrum: SILV: D20 + H20, F18 + K18, and H17 + N16. Base Metal: D20 + H20, N18 & H18.

Conundrum photos used with permisson of Deirdra Rector. Visit her website, DarkSkye Designs, to see more sterling silver maille designs.

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.

For example, when looking at the Bulls-Eye weave, I realized it might be possible to add a few very thin extra rings and create a nifty bracelet. These rings would go where the blue and red marks are on the right. There seems to be enough space to fit an extra ring, but I haven't yet tried this. So I don't know if it works or will allow for enough flexibility to be practical.

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.

On that note, if you find that this technique isn't working for you, you might want to try the opposite: removing rings! The example at the right is very similar to Celtic Visions. Even though it uses different ring sizes for a better fit, it is basically Celtic Visions with the middle rings removed. You can create any weave you'd like, and then snip off certain rings. Perhaps you want to remove all "like" rings (ie, all middle rings) or just some (ie, every other middle ring)...or try each way and see what you like best!

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 at 773.539.7739. 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.

at Briolette

at Ayla's

at LillStreet

at Caravan

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:

Anti-Tarnish Tabs
Keep silver and copper from tarnishing. Simply store rings and finished pieces in a Ziploc® bag (squeeze out all the air before sealing) along with one of these tabs.

Maru Bracelet Kit
One of my most popular designs—now you can craft it yourself!

Chain and Bead Jewelry
A new book by Scott David Plumlee. Lots of great Byzantine variations (some that were new to even me!) and clever ways to incorporate beads. Have your book signed during one of Scott's workshops at Lillstreet this May.

Feel free to contact me as always with questions or comments. 773.539.7739 rebeca@bluebuddhaboutique.com

Happy Weaving!

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