Three Cats and a Dog Design Studios hosted chain expert John Fetvedt, of North Carolina, for a chain making workshop the first Tuesday in January. John is an expert on a range of chains and chain maille, and is also a super teacher! He teaches regularly at William Holland School, the Bead and Button Show, and numerous other places. Bringing John in was my big Christmas present for partner – my daughter Mary Elizabeth – who is a chain maille enthusiast – to put it mildly!
We had to move the workshop to my house, as the pipes at my studio/gallery burst. The joys of cold weather! There were only three of us for the workshop, but that worked out really well as it gave John plenty of time to help the two of us who were new to chain maille, and plenty of time for him to help Mary Elizabeth speed along. The workshop ran from 10 – 4, and John was wonderfully organized with pre-made packets for a huge range of projects that let you learn that style of chain. Each packet contained color coded jump rings the correct size for the project, and came with an instruction sheet, also color coded. It was very clear and easy to read. Following it accurately was another story entirely for myself and the other “newbie”. I completed 5 samples, the other participant completed three, I believe…….. and Mary Elizabeth completed 10 including one so difficult John did not have a pre-made packet for it!
Mary Elizabeth had a blast! My husband had given us funny looks, thinking this was an incredibly odd Christmas present – then he got home just as we finished, and saw her radiant face – and finally “got” the worth of the present!
If you are interested in chains, or chain maille, John’s website is wonderfully helpful: http://www.bijoux-de-terre.com/ He has great pictures, tips, etc. John sells chain making supplies, and other supplies and tools for jewelry makers of all sorts. I highly recommend him if you are interested in learning some very nice chains to add to your repertoire.
Here are some photos of us working:
John Fetvedt demonstrating for Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth working on a sample
Student using one of John's sample packages
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I was fortunate enough to take one of John’s classes at the NC State Art Center. He is a wonderful instructor; thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
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