Sunday, January 31, 2021
1:00 - 4:00 pm PST

Instructor: Julia Lowther

Zoom link and instructions for joining the call will be emailed 30 minutes prior to class.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

Learn to weave the lovely diamond-shaped Cross Chain to make earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. This intermediate-level pattern is particularly striking as a chain made with two different colors of rings. You will also learn simple wire-wrapping to adorn your jewelry with pearls or beads.

Spend a convivial interlude with friends new and old, and finish with fabulous new jewelry to enjoy yourself or delight a gift recipient.

Because such a shortlist of simple hand tools is required to make a very diverse selection of patterns, chain making is an ideal, and relatively portable, activity to continue enjoying long beyond the close of the class. Students are encouraged to incorporate favorite beads into their work.

Skill Level: Intermediate. Moderate patience and hand-eye coordination required.

Supply List for Students

The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Registered Little Metal Foxes students can access the Rio for Schools program for significant savings (discounts and flat-rate shipping). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Required Materials:

• TWO pairs of pliers with springs & inside jaws smooth and flat
  • chain-nose pliers - 111911
  • flat-nose pliers - 111912
• Pre-cut rings. Choose a ring COLOR:
  • 18ga (1.02mm) - 3.5mm ID (inner diameter)
    • sterling silver - 696089
    • bronze - 684717
    • 14/20 rose gold-filled - 924325

Check package (per pack) quantities to be sure you have enough rings! (23 links/inch)
Earrings: minimum 46 rings for one pair of earrings
Bracelet: depends on ring size, and varies if adding beads, 160-200 rings

REMEMBER! If you buy rings somewhere else or make your own, it’s okay to have a slightly larger ID (inner diameter), but a smaller ID will NOT work!

Working Aids. These will help you stabilize your chain as you learn.

• About 6" of thin wire (cut into 2 pieces)
  OR paperclips; a twist tie and a large darning needle

Additional Supplies:

• Findings: ear wires or bracelet clasp (choose the one relevant to your project)
  • 20ga ear wires - sterling - 924481
  • Hook & eye clasp - sterling - 696587
• Optional – beads/pearls & wire to fit through them. Each wire wrapped bead/pearl will probably require about 3-5" of wire. 22-20ga will work for many beads. Check your beads and buy extra wire.
  • Sterling silver round wire - dead soft

Optional – additional tools needed for wire wrapping beads/pearls

• 1 pair round-nose pliers - 111913
• 1 pair side cutters - 111931
• Ruler
• Emery board/sapphire nail file/flat needle file - 114327