New In The Shop: Ready To Wear or Customize Your Chainmaille

Good Morning,

The Holidays are right around the corner and the shop is creating and listing new items as fast as I am able.

The collection of Natural and Anodized Aluminum jewelry is growing, select a Ready To Wear Piece or Customize your selection in your favorite colors.

Aluminum Jewelry?  Really?  Yes, really.  This is not your Soda Can aluminum, it is Top-Shelf, Jewelry Grade, Non-Tarnish, Color Fast metal.  It shines, and sparkles, and is almost weightless, making it comfortable and easy to wear.

Warrior Princess Chain Maille Aluminum Bracelet

Stunning, strong, shiny, and silky across the skin, this substantial cuff is surprisingly lightweight and a delight to wear.  Elegant without being imposing, it is a subtle statement piece that won't overpower your outfit, but will command attention everywhere you wear it.   Pairs perfectly with that Power Business Suit, the darling little black dress on date night, or your favorite jeans and t-shirt for lazy weekends. 

Terrific for Fantasy Film or Event attire, SCA, LARP, Cos-Play or other Costume needs.

CUSTOM ORDERS ONLY
Your bracelet will be made to your specifications.  Please include wrist circumference when ordering. 1/4"-1/2" will be added to ensure a comfortable fit.  The bracelet will fit snugly and comfortably around your wrist.

Contact the shop for yours today.

R. Mojica of Blue Buddha Boutique originally titles this weave “Rondo a la Byzantine”; this lovely cuff uses 18g top-shelf jewelry grade natural aluminum for a bight and shiny finish.  It may also be made to specification with a contrast color of choice. 
This piece is a bit stiff and finished with a matching slide clasp. 
Please note: This piece takes up to three days to create.  Your bracelet will be made and shipped as quickly as possible.

Allure Aluminum Helm Weave Chain Maille Jewelry Set

This stunning necklace and earring set is substantial yet amazingly lightweight.  Natural bright silver aluminum makes a fabulous and strong statement piece while still being subtle and feminine.  Terrific for the office, Date Night, or that casual weekend get away.  The lacy design pairs easily with everything in your closet.  Comfortable for all day wear.

16g natural bright silver aluminum jump rings and matching base metal toggle clasp complete the necklace. The earrings are a short length in the samepattern and measure about 1-1/2" long from earlobe.  Ear wires are 22g Fish Hook Style surgical steel and should work for those with a metal sensitivity.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Custom orders welcome.  May be made in the Anodized Aluminum Color of your choice.  Contact the shop for details.

Castle Guardian Chain Maille Dragon Scale Aluminum Bracelet

Walk the lonely gables of the castle's roof and pet the gargoyles wearing this gorgeous and sensuous bracelet.  No Princess in Training or Damsel Not So In Distress should be without at least one lovely chain maille item in her jewelry box.  Light weight, and fun to wear this beautiful bracelet is the perfect accent for your favorite outfit.  Looks great with the Tailored Business Suit or that cute Little Black Dress for date night, pair with your favorite pair of jeans for a casual yet colorful statement.

Terrific for Fantasy Film or Event attire, SCA, LARP, Stage, or Screen Costume needs.

Love this pattern, want it in different colors?  We can do that.  Contact the shop with your design idea today and let us create that special piece just for you.  See our selection of Ready To Wear pieces in the shop, perhaps we have your favorite combination already.

Crafted from 18g Natural and Anodized jewelry grade aluminum, this piece is almost weightless and fun to wear.  Finished with a matching Slide Clasp.  Purple and iridescent Gunmetal rings play peek-a-boo beneath lovely high sheen natural (silver) aluminum rings.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope we have encouraged you to click through and see what else is on the virtual shelves.

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The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

In The Studio - Round Maille Photo Tutorial

Good Morning,

The week is winding down and it's time to do something fun.

Many that follow the blog may be aware that I was "invited" to submit the Chainmaille portions of my blog to an e-publisher for on line or on demanding publishing of a book.  Very much like a vanity press, but the content is taken directly from your blog instead of creating a new manuscript.

Instead of attempting to contain this blog to a book's content, a separate one is kept, "In Chains - Contemporary Chainmaille Designs" that will be the final submission for the publishers.  In hope of completing the weave instructions followed by eighteen (18) projects to make by the end of year as requested.

Today's Tutorial:  Learn to weave Round Maille

Some may recognize similarities to the Box or Queen's Chain Pattern (aka Inca Puno), however, this weave does not produce a box or square chain, it is round.

Weave Notes:  
This weave is done in multiples of three (3). 
* Silver, Green, Rose colored rings are used to indicate steps.
(We do not recommend Darice rings for a finished project, but for practice they are inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and Outer Diameter Sizes)
AR - This weave isn't terribly AR sensitive, however, it is possible to weave it too tightly or too loosely.  I would recommend an AR of 4.1.
You may weave this pattern in single or multiple colors.

There are two ways to weave Round Maille, one is the Fold and Fill Method, as in this tutorial, and the other is like zipping up a pre-made length of chain.  This weave belongs to the European Family of weaves / patterns.

Material
21 *10mm 14 gauge Aluminum Jump Rings (5mm ID) by Darice.
Pliers - 2 pairs (Flat nose)
Paperclips, or Markers of some  type (twist ties, scrap wire...)

On your marks.  Get set.  Go.

Pre-Close 6 jump rings
Open 15 jump rings 

1. Create a 5 link unit of 2 x 1 Chain (2-1-2-1-2)
     

2. Open 1 ring and slide it through the last pair of rings.







and the first pair of rings,  
close the ring.  

This creates a triangle.

3.  Flip the piece over so it looks like this.  The Single rings are now on the out side and double rings lie towards the center.  You may also pull the single rings outwards and arrange them to reveal the inner triangle as well.






 
4.  Attach paper clips or 
markers to the bottom set of rings.  The ones that lie directly on the work surface.  This marks the beginning of the chain and gives you something to hold while working the first few sets of rings.

5. Gently push the top rings 
into the center forming a 
tent.  These are rings
1, 2 and 3, in any order 
you choose.

6.  Open 1 ring and  slide
it through jump rings 
1 and 2.  Close the ring.








7.  Open 1 ring and slide 
it through jump rings
2 and 3.  Close the ring.









 
8.  Open 1 Ring and slide
it through jump rings 
3 and 1.  Close the ring.

These new rings are now rings
1, 2 and 3 
 





9.  Open 1 ring, slide it through
rings 1 and 2.  Close the ring.








 
10. Open 1 ring, slide it through
rings 2 and 3.  Close the ring.
 







11.  Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 3 and 1. Close the ring. 
You now have a piece of chain that looks like this.

12.  Fold the rings just added back against the chain, or allow the rings to fall or flop to the sides of the chain. Separate the rings to reveal the inner triangle.  

These are now rings 1, 2 and 3.





13. Fill the center of the chain. "Tent" the exposed inside rings.
 Open 1 ring, slide it through 
rings 1 and 2.  Close the ring. 

 Rings 1 and 2 in the correct position.

 Rings 1 and 2, side view.  Add jump ring through the "eye" of both rings.

 New ring is added to rings 1 and 2.

 New ring added to rings 1 and 2, side view.




 










14. Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 2 and 3.  Close the ring.







 




15.  Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 3 and 1.  
Close the ring.







 

16.  Repeat steps 9 through 15 until the chain reaches the desired length.


As you continue with the length of chain you will see a pattern start emerge.

Side View

Top View

Top Down View

If it looks like a weird little fish, you're doing it right.

3/4 Profile, Left

3/4 Profile, Right

 To finish you length of chain.

1.  Slide one open ring through jump rings 1 and 2. 
2.  Slide one open ring through jump rings 2 and 3 or 3 and 1.
3.  Slide one open ring through the last 2 jump rings just added and attach either part of your clasp.
4. Remove the markers and repeat on the other end.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We love feed back, please feel free to leave your question or comment.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.   
  
 

In My Studio - A Weave and Whatnots

Good Morning,

As the end of the year nears, the blog will be winding down as well.  A gentle reminder The Alchemists Vessel will be closed for the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

If you read Monday's blog post, you saw the sample of the Large size Dragonscale Bracelet I have been working on.  I love this weave, beautiful and deceptive in its intricacy, once you have the basic pattern down it is a fairly simple and very fun weave.

I thought I would show off the finished product.  This is mine, I made it for me.

Dragonscale in Aluminum, silver, aqua and purple rings.  Although made from aluminum, this piece does have some weight, about 188 to 200 rings complete the piece.

Finished with a bar clasp that came with the rings, in a just smidge too short size, it still works wonderfully.

Surprising supple for its interlocking pattern, it feels absolutely amazing when worn.  Smooth and silky, it slithers across the skin, sensual and serpentine.  Strong, sturdy and a sensational conversation starter, perfect for a subtle pop of color at the office, or to brighten up that favorite pair of jeans, date night, girls day out, this will go with everything in your closet!  Fits any fashion style, Rocker, Goth, Biker, Steam-punk, Hipster; and as an added bonus girly-girls can have them made in pink!  Bracelets will be available in pre-made color combinations or custom colors of the customer's choice.  These take a while to weave, unless a pre-made piece is selected expect at least a week turn around time, to create, package and ship your bracelet to you.

Slinky, shiny, stunning and mine!

How to order a Dragonscale Bracelet: Anodized and Natural (Silver) Aluminum only.  

1. Choose your colors -   Select two to three colors for your bracelet from the chart below.

2. Measure your wrist, allow the tape measure or string about a 1/4" or finger width slack.  An average bracelet measures 7-1/4" and should fit most wrists.  Include your wrist circumference in inches, for a secure and custom fit.

3. Decide on a color scheme, how do you want your colors placed, or choose "Free Reign" and allow The Alchemists Vessel to arrange your colors for you.

Pre-made color combinations or custom request bracelets are $50.00.
Wristwatches $55.00
Wristband replacement / change out $40.00

Mini Dragon Scale, due to the size and number of rings it takes to weave this pattern (300 or more) in a smaller version, custom orders will be required.  
Bracelets - $65.00

*Precious Metal is available upon request, serious inquires only, please.  May be made in the materials listed, any alteration or substitution will be discussed on a per order basis.  A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before any Precious Metal custom order beings.

Large: 
Sterling Silver:  $500.00
Sterling Silver / Niobium Blend: $375.00

Mini: 
Sterling Silver: $350.00
Sterling Silver and Niobium Rings: $360.00
Silver and Gold Filled: $475.00

Two color, alternating rows with silver aluminum outer rings.

The Chart below shows three color combinations, "Samug", "Keir's Dragon" and "Sample", the sample is the palette for the bracelet shown above.  Keir's Dragon also has a pattern incorporated into it, the colors represent the smaller colored rings only.

Each line of color represents two or three jump rings as they are placed in the weave.  Reading the scheme for "Smaug" we see, two gold rings, three orange rings, two yellow rings, and three Red rings, the pattern skips and changes colors around for a different sequence every two rows.

*Jump Ring Color Chart copy and pasted from the internet.



Please feel free to leave a comment, suggestion or question.  You can always e-mail us or check us out at any of the links below and inquire about your very own dragonscale bracelet.

Handmade Artists
Facebook 
Etsy
The Alchemists Vessel

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Friday Random Jump Ring Surprise

Happy Friday,

I might as well tell you now, there is no surprise, well maybe some of you will be surprised.  I don't know.

I am at a loss for subject matter today, and as I sit here and stare at the blank screen, mocking me, and urging me to type something, I got nothing.

As many of you know I am just mad about Maille, Chainmaille that is.  Spelled properly, Chain Mail is the process of connecting metal rings to each other to create clothing or other items, commonly referred to as Armor.  Although Chain Mail is the accepted spelling many Maillers use the spelling maille, as do I, to separate the terms from the mail you receive at home or "Chain Letters".  Some are attempting to have the word changed to "Maille" in the dictionary.

So what does that have to do with anything?  Absolutely nothing, just a neat piece of information.

Some of you are aware that I am in the process of attempting to fulfill an invitation / request to create an on-line or e-book about Maille, "In Chains".  In my research and trying out different weaves, I made a mistake in a pattern, and thought it looked kind of neat. I continued playing with the position of the rings until I came up with a short length of chain seven units long with individual links that resemble an eye or lace.

Nicknamed "Odin's Eye", until I can come up with something better, this weave is from the European 4-in-1 family.  The "Helm" weave, of which Odin's Eye is a variation, consists of two outer rings connected to each other, supporting an orbital or floating ring that is sandwiched between them.  This weave is thought to originate in Scandinavia.  This sample below is Mini or Micro Maille, with an AR of 4.8 and 2.9 for large and small rings, I cannot manage to get the same twist to occur with larger scale rings.

"Odin's Eye"

This variation turns the pattern inside out, with the floating rings connected and capturing the inside chain with smaller rings on the outside and twisted, knotted, or mobiused through each other, creating an X or crossed shape at the edges.  This gives each individual unit the appearance of an eye.  Created from hand-spun and antiqued Copper wire.

"Odin's Eye" a Helm Weave variation

 

There are similar patterns to this one, and after a little more research I will be submitting this to M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans International League) as a weave variation for their gallery.

"Odin's Eye" - Twist may be formed to left or right

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.