Chain and Scale Maille Spiral Earrings

Chain maille and scale maille have been around for over a thousand years.  These techniques were originally used to create garments worn for protection by ancient warriors in battle. Modern approaches use these classical patterns of cold-connected jump rings for sculpture and jewelry. Learn how to transform some of these classic patterns of connected rings into striking pieces of jewelry.  This workshop focuses on teaching students how to work with jump rings and scales to create two pairs of spiral earrings.  The scale maille earrings will be made of lightweight anodized aluminum.  The chain maille earrings will be made using sterling silver jump rings and gold-filled beads. Students will learn how to weave scale maille in linear formations.  Students will also learn the basic European 4-in-1 weave.  Although these weaves are beginner level weaves, the jump rings, beads and scales we will be using are quite small, and therefore require students to have prior chain maille experience.  Students will receive a color handout documenting each step in the construction of the projects presented.