Bespoke Chains for Beginners

So, you have created a beautiful pendant, now what? Slap a commercial chain on it and call it a

day. I think not!! If you have taken the time on a special piece, let’s not miss an opportunity to

continue the design or make a statement by adding a bespoke chain. It doesn’t have to be

complicated. And extending the look with a custom chain can elevate the project as a whole.

This class focuses on making chains using simple links and some creative cold connections. We

will run through how to set yourself up for creating consistent links and doing production work.

Then the fun begins exploring shapes, scale, and the rhythm of patterns. Yes, there are many

books and classes on chains, but not like this!! I make it fun and accessible for you to make

chains and extend your creative voice.

While this class was developed for polymer clay artists, it really applies to anyone. So, if you

have not ventured into making your own chains and want to get started with some basics, join

me! I will get you started with a few simple links, creative cold connections and as an aside

show you how I incorporate polymer clay.

This class will take place on two consecutive Wednesdays, November 6 and 13. 

Skill Level: Beginner

Fee: Members $150, Non Members $200

Location: TBA

Tools and Materials

Standard jewelry pliers – flatnose, roundnose, chainnose, flush cutters

Beadalon Mighty crimping pliers

Bail making pliers (if you have them) various sizes

Jeweler’s saw, saw blades (2/0), burlife

Bench pin

Bench block/pad

Chasing hammer

Nylon or rawhide hammer

Hand files or burr cup for flexshaft

Various dowels – metal or wood – ¼ to ½ inch

Note: for this class I recommend working in a non-precious wire so that you practice and play

freely!!

Bare Copper round wire – dead soft – 16 and 18 gauges

Beadalon Artistic Wire Large Crimp Tubes – bare copper finish – one 55 pc pack

Double barrel crimping sleeves (from Amazon I am showing two options either one works)

 Agool – 300 pc assortment (0.8 to 1.8mm)

 HiSeas – 100 pc pack in 1.0 mm (18 gauge wire) and 1.2 mm sizes (16 gauge wire)

Optional – Patina

Tumbler - If you can find a Lortrone tumbler reasonably priced go for it. Otherwise, a good

priced option is a Chicago brand tumbler from Harbor Freight. A double barrel tumbler from

them is about $70. Cool Tools (cooltool.us) and Wire Jewelry (wirejewelry.com) also have

tumblers that are reasonably priced.

Steel Shot - Steel shot (mixed shape-about 1 lb) can be purchased from any jewelry supplier like

Rio Grande.

Patina - I have used both Cool Tools Liver of sulpher gel (www.cooltools.us) as well as Midas

liver of sulphur XL gel from Rio Grande (www.riogrande.com) to get a good black or dark patina

on copper. My preference is the Midas and it needs to be stirred every time you are using it!!

Contact Person: Roni Bader-Tables, roni@rbtdesigns.com

(305) 898-5754

Artist Statement 2024

“My playful curiosity drives my work. When I assess the possibilities, ignore convention, apply

techniques from different mediums, and utilize unusual materials is when I have the most

fun. I hope the playfulness is passed along to the wearer and brings them a little smile.

Lynn believes that the magic happens in the making—giving time to a creative practice; letting

yourself become immersed in the process; sawing, sewing, forming, cutting, hammering, breaking,

snapping, rolling, and bending. As you lean into the process, you notice the changes along the way,

in your work and in yourself. She loves to share this experience through her many workshops.

Polymer clay is the main material that is used in Lynn’s art jewelry. It has magical properties that

allow it to play well with other materials. Her approach is to develop simple elements using mark

making, textures, and sgraffito techniques, then she combines and layers them to provide a depth of

interest and tactile quality that she so enjoys.

Lynn Yuhr is a self-taught artist. She has a Masters degree in geology and spent 30 years being

trained by mother nature. Observing and interpreting nature and the impacts from man-made

structures was a way of life. The intersection of these observations (natural and man-made) is what

has stuck with her and where she loves to play with her art jewelry.