Meeting Agenda
Byzantine Chain Maille Earrings
- Welcome - meet in the Family Activity Center (FAC)
- SJBS Updates
- Bead Education - Byzantine Chain Maille Earrings
- Door Prize drawing
- Wrap Up
History of Chain Maille
Chain maille is a flexible mesh of small metal rings linked together in patterns called weaves. The earliest chain maille armor is attributed to the Celts around 400 BCE. After battles with the Celts, the Roman Empire adopted chain maille
armor, and its use spread throughout Europe, Africa, the
Middle East, Asia and Japan. While pointed and edged
weapons were in use, chain maille was popular in most of the world. As the use of firearms increased, chain maille was less effective as armor, though its use continued through the
16th century in Europe and until the 18th century in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Chain maille as adornment began in the late 19th century with Victorian chain maille purses and accessories, and evolved into jewelry in the mid-20th century. Since then many new weaves were created. Using precious metals and gemstones, chain maille has become an elevated jewelry art.
Byzantine Chain Maille Earrings
Using donated jump rings in various colors, we will learn the Byzantine chain mail weave and make a lovely pair earrings
with charm dangles of your choice.
This is a great opportunity to practice chain maille skills for Kristina Chadwick's upcoming Caged Crystals class!
Supply List:
- Paperclip or Twist Tie to hold the initial jump rings
- Two pairs of Pliers with smooth jaws (Chain nose, flat nose, or bent nose)
- Earring Hooks (one pair)
- 2 charms or beads for earring dangles
- 2 Headpins if using beads as your dangles
- 32 jump rings in colors of your choice, 16 per earring (a variety of jump rings will be available, but if you are bringing your own, avoid jump rings smaller than 6mm, 18 gauge)
- Bead mat or bead board
Below are video tutorials to familiarize you with Byzantine
Chain Maille:
- Beadaholique: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7uqB5mk-Za8 (how to open/close jump rings)
- Aussie Maille: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jetu4LXd76U (Byzantine weave)
- Beadaholique: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3oxSvgcZRXY (Byzantine weave)
NOTE: this meeting is Hybrid, both in person and on Zoom.
