25 Gifts & Ornaments #10 - Chainmaille "Flower Chain" Bracelet

Yes, 2 ideas in one day!!  Christmas is coming quickly so I thought I'd speed things up a bit...

I don't know if you're familiar with Chainmaille or not but it's been around for hundreds of years ~ yes, it's similar to what the knights used to wear into battle....  Well, it's been on the fringes of the jewelry making world but I love it and wish it would become more mainstream so this is my push to help it get there.  I hope you give it a try because it really is lots of fun!   I am making a bracelet today but you could go ahead and keep chaining to turn it into a necklace or chain just a few for a nice set of earrings.

25 Gifts & Ornaments

#10 Chainmaille Flower Chain Bracelet

Supplies:

Jumprings* - 2 sizes of your choice
Clasp Findings
Pliers

*A bit about Jumprings and sizes....  Jumprings come in ALL sizes and are measured in milimeters. For this particular bracelet I used rather large jumprings (10mm - silver and 15mm - blue) so it's easier to see what I was doing during each step.  Of course you can use smaller sized jumprings for a more delicate look or you could even go larger.  I think larger ones look cool for guys.

If you're having trouble finding larger jumprings such as the ones I used you can always search for chainmaille supplies.  Fire Mountain and Rings n Things are two sights I know and trust.

Also, a bit on color...you don't have to buy pre-colored jumprings.  You can simply add several jumprings to a baggie...add a few drops of Alcohol Ink and ta-da!!  Colored Jumprings!  Very easy and you can make them virtually any color you want.
Instructions:

1.  Begin by locking one large ring into a second large ring.  When they are laid on top of each other it is called a flower (notice the set of rings closest to the handle of the pliers).  You could add 3 interlocking rings for an even cooler look but today we're keeping it simple and working with 2.

2. Take one of the smaller jumprings, open it and add two sets of flowers as shown.  Close the ring.

3. Take a second smaller ring and capture the same two flowers and close.  So you'll have two flowers joined by two small rings as shown below....

4. Now take another small ring, hook it into one of the original sets of flowers and add a third set of flowers.  Add a second smaller ring to this same set of flowers....   Now you've got 3 sets of flowers which is the start of your flower chain!

5. Continue adding additional flowers to the previous set using two of the smaller jumprings.

6. After your chain reaches the desired length ~ for earrings, bracelet or necklace ~ add your jewelry finding.  For earrings you'll need small jumpring and an ear wire; for a bracelet or necklace you'll need some sort of clasp....I prefer this type of closure but there are all sorts of options out there.  

And here is the finished bracelet....

Lovely isn't it?

I love mine and I'm planning on making a necklace to match!

I think these would make a really trendy gift for guys or gals on your gift giving list...  They could be personalized using their favorite colors too!