Last week I worked on the 10th project in Mary Hettmansperger's book, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet for Deryn Mentock's Summer Jewelry Challenge. I am pleased with the outcome, and even went so far as to create a necklace and earrings to go with the bracelet.The techniques shown in the example are:
- Texturing with an awl
- Drilling holes
- Applying heat-treated patinas
- Using liver of sulphur patina
- Installing rivets
- Adding jump rings
- Making chain mail
OK...at this point I feel that I must admit something to all of you: chain mail is really not a strength of mine. And it is not from lack of trying - believe me!
After trying to follow the directions for this project, I have come to the conclusion that I just plain don't have the capacity or patience to connect the pieces the way the example in the book is constructed. As you can see, I made up my own version of the jump ring linkage, and this is pretty much as good as it is going to get! :-)I did cover most of the techniques in my pieces: drilling holes (lots of drilling involved!), applying heat-treated patinas, installing rivets and adding jump rings, but I would say that the "chain mail" part of my pieces is questionable at best...
I used heat-treated etched copper as my base, and instead of using metal for small circles for the 2nd layer per the example, I used small hand-cut leather flowers. I really like the juxtaposition of the materials and the texture the leather brings to the pieces.
So there it is...my riveted set of "almost chain-mail jewelry". C'est la vie!
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Molly, What a great job! And a full set of jewelry to boot! You are really a great jeweler. The earrings are darling, and I love the clasp. This took alot of time, and I am so impressed...
John 14:7
Wow,Molly! You've outdone yourself.
I think these pieces look great. I really like the addition of the leather flowers--they make the whole thing POP.
Carolyn
Molly, this is absolutely wonderful! I adore the little leather flowers. What a great idea! I'm glad you went "off-road" for the chain mail. That's been the most enjoyable thing about this challenge for me.
Molly,
What an excellent job! I would never have known about the chain mail if you hadn't told us because I am way too taken in with the texturing you did on these pieces! I think your use of the leather flowers was a great touch and I think you should be very proud of this set!!
Great photos. You really get the feel of what your jewelery is like...very beautiful!
The little leather flowers are so cool...lovely pieces...I really like your earrings too...way to go!
I really like the leather flowers! They really compliment the copper that you worked with so diligently. Fun bracelet~~~
Molly,
Your work and words are both inspiring. I've been a visitor to your blog for a while now and have finally taken the time to add your link to mine. Thanks for stopping in with your encouraging words! I feel very blessed to hear the voice of God through so many wonderful people this way!
Crystal
Molly,
These are absolutely wonderful. I love ,love,love the flowers.Even the chainmail that you did looks hard to do to me, you did outstanding!!!
Beth
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