The chain is just about complete for the first project! Ive decided to create a tapered chain pattern. Starting witth a single, single-double, and then a double-double. Then reversing the process towards the end.

Ze beginning of ze chains....

The beginning processes of the chain construction involves making hundreds of tiny jump rings. We used .999 fine silver 22 gauge wire and wrapped the wire around a dowel with the measurements of 5/16". Once a good amount of wire has been wrapped, you carefully slide the wire off the dowel. Using extremely sharp scissors, you cut the wire down the center of the circles created, making the jump rings. Instead of soldering the jump rings together, we fused the ends with butane torches on solderite pads (it was a difficult process to get used to, many jump rings melted). Then, you use needle nose pliers to stretch the jump rings and pinch them at the center to get your jump rings ready for the chain construction. The fused end should always be in the center of the jump ring.

I found this chair design, by Dohoon Kim, to be so inspiring. The complex, yet breathless movements of this 'tension bentwood chair' has allowed me to create many new design for my silver pieces. More specifically the first project of this semester. I have been able to find balance between this design and the more structured look of the double loop etruscan chain in my sketches.

Carbon Nanotubes for Fluorescence

This semester we are beginning to learn how to construct chains. Our first chain project is to construct the Etruscan double loop chain. When searching for a theme this semester i came upon the molecule structure for the carbon nanotubes. The formulas and patterns that can be created with said molecules is inspiring. I plan to develop my ideas from these patterns to construct a structured, but yet organic series of chains and jewelry that stay true to my style, but also give a more formed piece.