Add An Awl To Your Tool Bag

by Marilyn Gardiner

We are always looking for great, new ideas and today, Marilyn gives us a wonderful tip why we should add an Awl to our Tool Bag!

What's an awl, you ask? Well my non-technical description says that it's round, and a bit longer and skinnier than a pen. The top section is for holding, and may be plastic or metal, The bottom inch or two is round, thin, pointed, and very sharp - like a long, metal toothpick..

Why would you want one - is your next obvious question.

Instructions

Chain mail

I use it to find the path for the next jump ring. An easy example is when learning the Byzantine weave.

1. To start, link 3 pairs of jump rings and add a wire handle.

2. Fold the end pair of rings, one to each side, and then tuck them down between your thumb and first finger.

3. Then separate the rings with blue dots, and push the folded-down rings (red dots) upwards.

4. The next 2 jump rings are going to pass through the opening marked with the blue X.

5. This is when an awl is helpful. Insert it through that space while you pick up the next ring with your pliers and get ready to add it.

Marilyn Gardiner's Add An Awl To Your Tool Bag - Chain mail, Tools For Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Chain Maille

Knotting

If you are adding a beaded section to your chain mail, you might be using fiber and knotting between each bead. If you insert an awl into the loose knot, you can easily slide the knot along until it is tight against the bead.

As a side note, to finish the ends of a beaded section, use a wire and thread protector. It ends in a metal loop, perfect for adding a connecting jump ring.

Photography

You are taking a photo of a piece of jewelry. You’re almost ready when you notice that a ring needs to be flipped in a different direction, or that you need to adjust the piece very slightly for a better shot.

If you use your fingers, you’ll likely make the problem worse. An awl will give you a very delicate touch, and is a wonderful tool.

More Ideas For Using an Awl

More ideas: carving wax, applying solder, working with metal clay.

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Straight Steel Pick

CVR-400.30

CVR-400.30
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $3.95
Gold Club Price: $2.96

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Category: Tools
Technique(s): Chain Making

Reviews

Marilyn Gardiner

I am a teacher who worked for many years as a teacher librarian and educational computer consultant. As part of my job I taught teachers and principals how to use computers in the classroom and I developed curriculum modules.I love jewelry, color, pattern, and design. It is thrilling to create something new that others love too. And I truly enjoy breaking down something complex into an easy-to-learn sequence that I can share with others, whether in print or in a classroom.

During the past 10 years I have energetically and enthusiastically developed my beading and chain mail skills and used my teaching background with adults to develop bead work and chain mail kits with step-by-step instructions that really work. I know that the kits have good quality instructions because of the positive feedback from students I teach and from customers who buy the kits at shows and from my online store.I regularly teach classes locally in Toronto ON, as well as occasionally in Mississauga, Barrie, Temple TX and San Antonio TX.I have been a vendor at bead shows in Toronto ON, Guelph ON, Montreal QC, Ottawa ON, Calgary AB, Halifax NS, Milwaukee WI, and Tucson AZ - and I teach a full slate of classes at these shows. My website has details.

In 2007 I was "Folk Artist in Residence - Beadwork" at the Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener ON. This involved setting up a series of lectures, seminars, and demonstrations throughout the year. There was also a good-sized gallery exhibit of beadwork that featured my work and included the contemporary and historical work of many others. The residency resulted in several articles in the local media.

I later completed a bead work commission for the museum, and some of my work is sold in the museum gift shop.I have published projects available online at Beading Times, Bead Bugle, All Free Jewelry, and The Beading Gem's Journal. Some of my kits are sold online through Beadfx. Kalmbach Publishing published my first book, Modern Chain Mail Jewelry, in 2015.Most of my time at present is directed to creating new chain mail projects.

I am currently working on several new designs that will be ready as kits and for teaching this fall. Each of these will have an Argentium sterling and a copper or Jeweler's Bronze version, and a couple will be silver filled 925/10. This will bring my chain mail kit total to more than 150. (My husband makes all our jump rings and packages the kits. Good man!)

Website: www.marilyngardiner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/GardinerDesign