Top 5 Chain Mail Books In My Library

by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Tip for March 16th 2016

Top 5 Chain Mail Books in My Library

by Marilyn Gardiner

We all love to learn new tips and techniques, whether its in a class, on a DVD or from a book. Today we share with you Marilyn Gardiners 5 Top Chain Mail books in her library.

Marilyn Says:

When I teach chain mail classes I always talk about resources as part of my class introduction. I mention key internet resources, and do a brief book talk about some of my favorites. I want students to have ideas about where to look next for more information when they leave my class.

Here are the top 5 books I recommend (not in any particular order):

Basic & Advanced Chain Maille, by Lauren Andersen.

This book is sponsored by Artistic Wire is very inexpensive, and is carried by many bead stores. The step-by-step photos are excellent, and there are 8 different weaves.

Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop, by Karen Karon.

The book is organized into seven families of weaves, and each section has an excellent project. In addition to the valuable information about each weave family, the introduction has excellent information about chain mail, and there is a final chapter on finishing chain mail jewelry,

But, for me, best of all is the reference section at the back of the book. It has many charts of AWG and SWG wire gauges, ring sizes, and Aspect Ratio numbers. Plus there are measurement charts for Metric to Imperial. This is a book that I keep handy when I’m working.

There is a second book by Karon called Advanced Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop (and yes, it too has those charts at the back).

Classic Chain Mail Jewelry, by Sue Ripsch.

Sue’s approach to chain mail is more similar to “my” kind of jewellery than most other books: it’s elegant and very wearable. Excellent instructions.

Her second book, Classic Chain Mail Jewelry With a Twist, incorporates twisted wire jump rings. Her newest book is Chain Mail Elegance: Jewelry Projects with Crystals, Pearls, and More.

Chained, by Rebecca Mojica.

Excellent, very large, step-by-step photos explain in detail how to make each project. Very useful instructions and photos for the novice about opening and closing jump rings—plus much more in the introductory section. Many of the projects feature colored jump rings. A great book for chain mail beginners.

Modern Chain Mail Jewelry, by Marilyn Gardiner.

Of course I’m including my book in my top 5!  I love chic jewelry, either straightforward chains, or pieces that feature exquisite art glass, gemstone, crystal, and metal beads. I also enjoy choosing the perfect clasp to enhance each project.

I’ve included a reference section at the back of the book with the instructions for every chain mail weave that is used in the book’s projects. I’m hoping that this feature will earn it a permanent spot on maillers’ book shelves.

Happy Wrapping!

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One Comment

1. 

   Merle

   March 22, 2016 at 4:54 am

   would like to know the price of these books. I am not spotting that information.