Saturday, April 1, 2023 
2:00 - 5:00 pm PDT 

Instructor: Julia Lowther 

All Levels

Zoom link and instructions for joining the call will be emailed 1 day prior to class.

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

This class will be recorded, and the recording will be available for students to access through their Little Metal Foxes accounts for a full month after the live class.

Ribbon Chain is a sleek, flexible, and stylish pattern, tricky to start and fun to weave once you get going! You will learn a couple of slick ways to get the beginning of the chain under control so you can build it with confidence. Fun trivia fact: This chain is traditionally used for the chin chain on the bearskin hats of the Queen’s Guard.

Spend a convivial interlude online 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 their favorite beads into their work.

Skill Level: No experience necessary. Moderate patience and hand-eye coordination are 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:

• 2 pairs of pliers: with springs & inside jaws smooth and flat
  • chain-nose pliers - 111911
  • flat-nose pliers - 111912

• 18ga (1.02mm) – 5mm ID (inner diameter)
  • sterling silver – 924518
  • bronze – 684725copper – 631304

Check package (per pack) quantities to be sure you have enough rings! (17 links/inch)

• Earrings: minimum of 40 rings for one pair of earrings
• Bracelet: depends on ring size, and varies if adding beads, ~140-200 rings

REMEMBER! If you buy rings somewhere else or make your own, having a slightly larger ID (inner diameter) is okay, but a smaller ID will probably not work!

Working Aids:

These will help you stabilize your chain as you learn

• About 9" of thin wire (cut into 3 pieces)
• OR two twist ties 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
• Ruler
• Emery board, sapphire nail file, OR flat needle file – 114327

Optional Supplies:

• 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
• Additional tools needed for wire wrapping beads/pearls
  • round-nose pliers – 111913
  • side cutters – 111931