I hate being photographed or, worse, filmed. Although, I don’t mind it if I’m spinning with my fire troupe, because it’s easy to look cool while spinning fire (left) -- well, unless you burn off your hair or singe your eyelashes. And, yes, I have experienced both (and let me warn you: melted mascara is very difficult to remove). But I was recently catapulted out of my comfort zone by an opportunity to host a new Jewelry Classes on Demand video called “Chain Mail Techniques: 5 Basic Weaves & More” (available mid-April 2011). I’ll admit, my love of chain mail is one of my weaknesses. Ask me to demonstrate, talk, teach, or learn about chain mail -- not only am I in, but I’ll drag any willing (or even not-so-willing) participants with me.
Besides filming the video tutorial, in which I demonstrated five basic chain mail weaves (European 4-in-1, box chain, Byzantine chain, round mail, and inverted round mail), I recently had another opportunity to pass on the love of chain mail. My husband is a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and when his “little brother” asked a question about the dragon scale bracelet I was working on, I saw my opening. Shortly after our conversation, that 12-year-old boy was picking out jump rings and planning a box chain bracelet-and-necklace set for a Christmas present, even though he had never made any jewelry before. He was so proud and excited when he finished (as were we), that he didn’t even wait until Christmas to give that gorgeous silver-and-magenta set to his mom.
He’s a fast learner and eager to learn all the weaves I taught in the video, but he still really wants to learn dragon scale. So, we made a deal: If he will learn and memorize the five weaves from the video, beginning to end, then I will teach him dragon scale. To help segue both of us into developing strong metalworking skills, I've found the perfect chain mail project, “Dragon Scale.” It’s a chain mail cuff with a silver focal plate.
When I teach, I’m constantly reminded of how both I and my students feel liberated when we get out of our comfort zones. That artistic stretching is empowering for everyone, and Art Jewelry March 2011 issue explores some great real-life examples of this in their annual education issue. In “The Many Faces of the Modern Apprenticeship,” you can learn how master jewelers and apprentices have developed symbiotic relationships to enhance each other’s careers. And you can read about the impact silversmith Emil Kronquist had on the hundreds of metalsmiths he taught. But you don't have to be part of a formal apprenticeship to be inspired or inspire others. Your catalyst could be that one teacher, article, video, book, piece of jewelry or unsuspecting 12-year-old boy with a question.
