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Thanks for visiting Chained to the Strange! If you're a first time visitor check out the links there to the right. You can find out more about myself and my crafting, and how to get some of these amazing items for yourself! Any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Learning new things

While I have a broad range of products, they use a lot of similar weaves. It's easy to see the Euro 4-in-1 similarities between my chainmaille tie, and chainmaille bags, but even things like this use the same weave:



I'm actually still a bit of a newb when it comes to mailling, and anything to with wire. Well the weekend I decided to try my hand at some new things. I don't have any pictures to share at the moment, mostly because the vast majority of the attempts no one will be allowed to see. So many tool marks!

First I tried full Full Persian. I was... surprised. This was a weave that last time I tried I ended up nothing but frustrated. This time it was as easy as making a ham sandwich. I think my proficiency in byz helped to understand how the rings needed to fold. That was happy.

Then I tried Half Persian. Not so good. It seemed like I was doing it right, but it just flops into a mess, beats me.

Then I tried to make ear cuffs. This was kind of successful. My Mum bought me a magazine while we were at the craft store for wire stuff (can't remember the title!) which included tutorials in how to make spirals and such. With this info I dove into making some cuffs. They actually turned out really well... shape wise. They'll take some practice to get even, but my biggest issue with it is tool marks. I end up with having to pick between marks due to slipping, or marks due to the teeth on my other needle nose pliers. I'm going to have a look for some coating and some stubbier pliers which might help. If anyone has any advice for this let me know!

3 comments:

Cindy said...

You should invest in some pliers that are specifically made for jewelry. They won't have the teeth so you won't have those marks any longer. Until then, you might file the teeth down on your current pliers. I've never done that, so I'm not sure of the best tool for that purpose. However, I have used an emery board to file the edges of my pliers.

I currently use Wubbers pliers and really like them. They are comfortable and specially made to prevent tool marks.

For the slippage problem, you might try flat nose pliers as opposed to the chain nose. You can grip more of the ring in the flat nose. Also, the way you grip your rings makes a difference. Try holding the rings with the side of the pliers rather than the tip. More of the ring surface comes into contact with the pliers and holds onto the ring better without having to use the dreaded "death grip."

Blue Buddha said...

I second the recommendation for Wubbers. I've been using them recently for some stainless projects (I also coat the jaws in Tool Magic) and am completely loving them. My hands are thanking me, too. :-)
-Rebeca

Silver Haunt said...

Just wanted to let you know that your Feedburner link is screwed up. You've got an accidental space in there that is making it bring us to an error page on-click. Just thought I'd point it out.