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Intro to Scale Maille: Lotus Bracelet
Scale maille is an extension of chain maille. Using jump rings, scales are woven together in a staggered pattern to form sheets with a surface that resembles fish scales. Traditionally these sheets formed protective battle armor. Today, these sheets are often transformed into statement jewelry pieces such as cuffs and elaborate collars.
This class introduces students to scale maille weaving through the construction of the Lotus Bracelet using small anodized aluminum scales and jump rings in a chic champagne color. Students will receive a color handout documenting each step of the process so that they can recreate this design at home.
This class is intended for beginning scale maille students with no prior experience. Knowledge of the European 4-in-1 chain maille weave is helpful but not required.
Meet the instructor
Jewelry designer and author, Karen Karon, has been weaving maille for well over a decade. She teaches chain maille and scale maille classes and workshops at Metalwerx School for Jewelry and Metal Arts, at local venues, and also provides private chain maille/scale maille instruction. In addition, Karen is a certified PMC (Precious Metal Clay) artisan. Karen has written articles for Art Jewelry, Bead Style, Bead&Button and Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazines and is the author of Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop and Advanced Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop, both published by Interweave. Her jewelry can be purchased at Loveday in West Concord, MA.
See Karen’s work on her website (karenkaron.com) or visit her on Facebook and Instagram.
Materials & Tools
There is a $25 materials fee for this workshop that is payable upon registration. The materials kit incudes champagne anodized aluminum scales and jump rings, a clasp, and a full-color descriptive handout booklet.
Students should bring 2 pairs of pliers with smooth jaws. The instructor recommends that flat nose pliers are best suited for chain maille, but you can use what you feel most comfortable with – any combination of 2 chain nose, bent chain nose or flat nose pliers.
In addition to pliers, students should bring:
- Vision enhancement/magnification if necessary
- Beading mat (optional)
- Blue painters tape (optional, we'll have a couple rolls on hand to share)