ChainMaille I

JUNE 8-24, 2025 WILLIAM HOLLAND

JIM HIRD - CHAIN MAILLE I

Become your own “Lord of the Rings”. Learn the ancient art of chain maille like that used in medieval times armor making and how it has, over the years, magically morphed into creating fine jewelry using unsoldered links. Basic patterns will be taught using inexpensive copper rings as well as anodized aluminum, and colored rubber. Several patterns will be taught with William Holland supplying the basic tools. I will also have available for your use the same high-grade ergonomic pliers that I use. You will learn why just any old commercial jump rings do not always work in all patterns. Printed handouts will be provided for all patterns. My experience and tips come free of charge.

You will also learn about things like wire gages, wire types, wire sizes, how rings are made both in small batches and in bulk. If you wish, you will have a chance to cut some of your own rings using a jump ring making tool.

Optivisors or other magnification devises are advised as they are extremely useful in working with the rings. No prior experience is needed, since this is to be a beginner’s class, but some experience with using flat nosed pliers and other wire bending pliers as an extension of your hands can be an advantage. The number of projects done by each student will depend upon their own abilities in manipulating the rings. All class projects will be done at a comfortable pace for each student and no one will be left behind. This will be a learning class with some working faster than others based on their own abilities but it will not be a race to see how many projects can be completed.

After you have mastered the basics, you will have the opportunity to do more advanced and additional patterns as well as working in more colors, gold filled, argentum, and mixed material rings.

Lab fees will be $20 for handouts and the base metal kit prices should be around $20 or less. Total cost will depend upon how many projects you complete and what materials you choose to work with once you master the basics. Of course, gold filled and argentum kits will be more expensive due to higher material cost.

So come join me to learn the art of chain maille jewelry and have fun while doing it.

Jim Da Maille Man

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Lab Fee:  $20 (to cover cost of printed material)

Estimated Materials Cost:  $25 and up depending on kits selected and materials used

Prerequisites:  None