Chain is hot! In today’s beading lesson, we’re going to show
you lots of different ways to incorporate unsoldered silver-plated chain
into your next jewelry project.
There are many different styles of chain. To choose the one that's best
for your design, think about the overall look you're going for. You can
use figaro chain for a classic look, curb chain for a funky look, elongated
chain for a contemporary look or very thin cable chain for an understated
look. Larger curb chain is often used to make charm bracelets.
Figaro
Curb
Elongated
Thin Cable
There are several ways to attach chain links to each other or to other
items. The easiest way is to use a jump ring. Use chain nose pliers to
open one side of the jump ring, then connect it to the last chain link.
You can also use jump rings to attach large-hole beads to a piece of chain.
Just open the ring, string the bead and close the ring to attach it to
a chain link.
To attach a dangle to a piece of chain, you can use a basic or wrapped
loop. To use a basic loop, use round nose pliers to make the loop. Use
chain nose pliers to open the loop and attach it to a piece of chain,
just like a jump ring. To use a wrapped loop, make the loop but don’t
wrap it. Slide the loop onto a chain link and then wrap the extra wire
around the base of the loop.
You can make an easy chain tassel by attaching a bunch of short chains
to a bead link. Use heavy-duty wire cutters to cut at least 10 pieces
of chain. Make a wrapped loop on one end of a piece of wire and string
a bead. Make a loop on the other end but string the chains onto it before
you wrap it. Attach a bail to the upper loop for a more professional look.
This would make a cool earring or pendant!
To make an easy pair of chandelier earrings, use metal disks and spacers
with chain. Attach a jump ring to each of the components to connect them
to the chain.
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