Are you surprised to find yourself here? Were you expecting a no-frills black-background site? The world has changed out from under you (sorry about that), but it’s actually better. Welcome to the new and improved Spiderchain!
I’ve reworked a bunch of stuff to make it easier for you to find what you need, and easily select between options.
- The chart of recommended sizes now includes pictures.
- Jump rings are now easier to select, and you’ll see a picture of the size you’re about to order.
- I’m still selling all the same goodies, plus some fun new additions: every wire gauge from 22ga through 10ga; huge, thin rings; more metal options for designs by Rebeca Mojica and Scott Plumlee; an eclectic assortment of limited editions; and so on…
- Did I mention pictures?
- And the new blog?
- And, and, and…
If you’re looking for something in particular, try the nifty new search box in the upper right. If you still can’t find what you were looking for, feel free to send me an email.
Happy chainmailling!
-Spider
Your new web site is 100% better than your previous version, Spider! Congratulations on a beautiful, ‘clean’ site!
Thank you!
*beam*
Hi Spider,
Your new site is beautiful! I wanted to say thank you for all of your wonderful information and resources. You’ve been a great inspiration to me and my chainmailling endeavors! I know I can come here for help if I need it. So thanks for being awesome! 😀
It does help that I have the world’s most awesome customers… 😉
I’m glad the information on my old, clunky site was helpful for you. Hopefully the new site will be even better!
I’m new to chainmail and since I have found your site it has become addicting. I do have one question. I purchased the student kit in brass and have made almost all the examples in your Weaving Silver – Vol 1. I would appreciate any advice you may have on keeping the brass looking shiney. The bracelets I’ve made have all turn dark. Have you any suggestons?
Thaking you in advance for your reccomendations.
Ann Laughlin
Brass and copper both lo-oo-ove to tarnish! I polish brass chains in my tumbler with stainless steel media and some vinegar in the water. After ~10 minutes they gleam. If you don’t have a tumbler, you could try brass polish (or ketchup!) on a toothbrush. But really? The tumbler works so well that I’d encourage you to get one.
You can read more about tumblers in my blog post on the subject:
https://www.spiderchain.com/using-tumblers/
Unfortunately, I haven’t found a great way to keep the tarnish from coming back again. There are assorted “anti tarnish coatings” available – mostly liquids for dipping. Some of my customers like them, but I’ve never been quite happy with the results I get. These coatings work well for a single, stiff piece of metal. But chains? My experience is that where the rings rub together, the coating doesn’t work as well. Then again, some of my customers really do love the coatings, so maybe I’m just doing it wrong or am too picky. Off the top of my head, I know that “Midas” makes an anti-tarnish dip. I’m sure there are others.
I hope that helps!
Welcome to the chainmail addiction!!
*smile*
Can we still just order jump rings by the Troy ounce? If so, I did not find a place to do that. Help!
Yes! You can order by the ounce, and also by the quarter ounce for precious metals (silver, niobium, and the three colors of goldfill).
In the “Shop” area of the site there’s a “Jump Rings” page that lists the eight different jump ring materials. The fastest way to get there is to use the dropdown menu at the top – the “Shop” menu will drop a list of options, and “Jump Rings” is the top option. Hover on “Jump Rings” and your material options will appear.
Let me know if you’re still confused – I’m happy to be your native guide.
*smile*