This informative program covers a narrow field of jewelry making: chain mail. Following a brief history of the art form and a discussion of terminology, wire gauges, ring sizes, and tools, the presentation delves into great detail about how the links are made (by wrapping wire around a metal dowel called a mandrel, then slicing along the spiral to create open rings). Narrator Theresa Abelew demonstrates how to interconnect the pieces in various ways to create five popular weaves—European 4-in-1, boxchain, Byzantine chain, roundmail, and inverted roundmail—and then creates a bracelet using a hybrid technique called Turkish round. Abelew uses rings of different colors to help viewers understand what she's doing, but they're so small it can be difficult to see the arrangements, even in close-ups (the illustrations in the PDF file included on the DVD are easier to follow). Abelew's narration is authoritative but flat, with a few flubs here and there, and combined with a dreary studio background makes the long presentation of each technique—she shows the same operation multiple times—a tedious watch for all but the most ardent enthusiast. DVD extras include a segment on how to make your own rings. Optional. [Note: the companion title Soldering Made Simple is also newly available.] Aud: P. (F. Gardner)
Chain Mail Techniques: 5 Basic Weaves & More
(2010) 63 min. DVD: $19.95. Kalmbach Publishing (dist. by The AV Cafe). PPR. Volume 26, Issue 6
Chain Mail Techniques: 5 Basic Weaves & More
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