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Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links
by Susan LeGuyader
Sometimes you can use what you have with just a bit of an alteration. This chain is transformed by spreading the links.
Instructions
I was in the studio today, finishing up a necklace that I've been working on for a week. I wanted to finish the necklace with a copper chain, since I have used copper throughout the design but I didn't have one that I liked but I did have a paperclip chain.
The paperclip did not work for the style I was going for in this necklace. I had to decide if I wanted to make a chain by hand, which would extend the making time on this necklace by HOURS! Or I could modify what I had. I chose to modify.
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain
Do not be afraid to modify or change your components. If you are going to do this with pre-made chain, check to see if it soldered or not. If it is soldered, then you can do just about anything you want with it.
My first order of business, to change the look of these links was to pinch one end. I held a link in flat nose pliers. Using another pair of pliers, I squeezed the end together. I now have the tip of the petal.
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain
To round the bottom of the link, I slid the link onto a narrow pair of round nose pliers. Then using my thumbnails, pushed the link down to round out the bottom of the link. If the chain had been a different metal, I would have used chain nose pliers to push the link down onto the round nose pliers.
With the link still on the round nose pliers, I squeezed the jaws together to further round out the link.
I was left with a very pretty petal like shape, instead of the original paper clip shape.
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain
Susan LeGuyader's Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Design, altering an existing chain

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
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
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Chain Making, Design

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