Olena Bugrimenko's Twisted Chainmaille Bracelet and Earrings

Twisted Chainmaille Bracelet and Earrings

by Olena Bugrimenko

Category: Chain Maille
Technique(s): Chain Making, Making Loops
Skill Level: Beginner

Materials

16-gauge 8mm ID fancy round Gold filled jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 26.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

18-gauge 7mm ID round Gold filled jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 52.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

16-gauge 6mm ID fancy round Gold filled jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 22.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

20mm Donut beads

Lesson Quantity: 5.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

4mm Light Topaz 5301 Bi-Cone Swarovski Crystal Beads - Pack of 10

A13-21A

Lesson Quantity: 10.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $1.57
Gold Club Price: $1.18

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Gold Filled Clasp Filigree Round Large 12.5mm - Pack of 1

J3-64

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $17.02
Gold Club Price: $12.77

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Gold Filled Eyepins 22GA 2 inch - Pack of 10

J8-23

Lesson Quantity: 5.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.60
Gold Club Price: $7.20

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Gold Filled Ball Earring 4mm w/Ring - Pack of 2

J19-21

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.32
Gold Club Price: $4.74

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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Plier

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Flat Nose Wire Plier

G2-506

G2-506
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Round Nose Wire Plier

G2-507

G2-507
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Jump Ring Opener/Holder - Pack of 1

G10-39

G10-39
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $3.47
Gold Club Price: $2.60

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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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12 Inch Stainless Steel Ruler

G7-30

G7-30
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.97
Gold Club Price: $2.23

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Instructions

Step 1

To make the bracelet, open two 8mm fancy round and four 7mm round jump rings. Add three 8mm closed fancy jump rings and six 7mm closed round jump rings; lay them out as shown.

Step 2

Use these rings to create a 3-in-3 chain, 5 segments long. This means that 3 rings are connected to three more, and three more and so on.

* Using the photo layout below, from left to right, begin by placing a twist-tie through the first row of closed jump rings, to hold them together while you work.

* Now insert the bottom 7mm open jump ring through all 3 of the closed rings in row one as well as the bottom 7mm closed ring in the third row. Close the open 7mm jump ring firmly.

* Repeat the above procedure using the middle open fancy jump ring in the second row, adding the 3 closed rings from row 1 and the closed fancy jump ring in row 3. Firmly close the 8mm fancy jump ring.

* Next, use the last 7mm open jump ring in the second row to repeat the procedure, sliding it through the first 3 closed rings and adding the closed 7mm ring from the third row before closing it firmly.

You have just completed 2 segments of a 3-in-3 chain. Using the remaining rings, continue the 3-in-3 chain, adding 2 more segments for a total of 5 (or, 3-in-3 x 5).

Step 3

For a 7 ½" bracelet, make four more segments of the 3-in-3 x 5 weave and set them aside.
Tip: for smaller bracelets, reduce the number of 3-in-3 chain links from 5 to 3.

Step 4

Take one 2" eyepin and slide it through ONE hole of the shell donut, followed by one 4mm Swarovski crystal, two 6mm closed twisted rings, and another 4mm Swarovski crystal. Then slide the eyepin through the other hole of the donut bead. Use the remaining eyepin wire to make a simple loop. Follow the same procedure to make two more donut bead connectors.

Step 5

Put the bracelet together: Using a 6mm open twisted jump ring, insert it through all 3 jump rings on one side of a chain segment and one eye of a donut connector bead. Close the 6mm fancy jump ring firmly.

Step 6

Continue using 6mm fancy jump rings to connect chain segments and donut bead connectors until the bracelet length is finished. Add either a lobster claw clasp with a jump ring closure, a toggle, or your favorite clasp.
Tip: Add onto the chain segments on each side, by using either a 3-in-3 or a 2-in-2 weave, until the chain is long enough to be a necklace!

Step 7

Bonus: To make matching earrings, make two 3-in-3 chain lengths each 3 segments long. Instead of using an eyepin for the donut connector, use a headpin. Hang the headpin charm from one end of the chain segment, using a 6mm fancy jump ring. Connect each earring to an ear wire with another 6mm fancy jump ring.

Reviews

Olena Bugrimenko

If you love chain maille then you'll enjoy patterns and classes with Wire-Sculpture Faculty, chain maille artist Lena Bugrimenko!

I was born in the wonderful city of Kharkov, Ukraine. Like any girl, I loved jewelry- not only wearing it but even holding jewelry made me happy. (Back then, I had no idea that one day I would make jewelry myself!) I graduated from the Polytechnic University, majoring in chemical engineering, and began working in my field.

In 1999, my life changed a lot! My husband, daughter and I moved to the USA. It was a new start and a new life, so I decided to do something new too. I began making my own jewelry!

In the beginning, I made jewelry using seed beads; beautiful, yes, but it wasn't enough. Then I discovered the art of making Chain Maille, and now it is one of my favorite techniques. I love combining this technique with beads, gems, and wire. Sometimes the result is unexpected and very beautiful, and a unique, new design is created!

In 2009 I won the 1st Place Gold Medal award with my piece titled "Glorious Summer Necklace" in FMG's Swarovski category. In 2010 I took the Bronze Medal award with my piece titled "Wedding Necklace" in FMG's wirework and chain category. My designs have been used by Fire Mountain Gems both as a back cover advertisement and in their catalogs.

I have been published in a book, Mixed Media Jewelry Techniques, a collaboration with Lana May, Dale "Cougar" Armstrong, and eight other talented jewelry artists.

Lena and her family enjoy living in southern New Hampshire. She can often be found teaching.