The use of chain has been part of Man’s history since almost the beginning. The earliest known metal chain was made around 225 BC. This combination of a series of rings and links was connected to a bucket in order to draw water from a well. Even Leonardo da Vinci was interested in the properties of chain. Da Vinci left behind many drawings depicting the process of making steel chain.

From the simplest forms of rings and links, combined to intertwine vines and flowers for wreaths and circlets for the hair, to fine metal chain for jewelry, to chain made to hoist up an anchor on a big ship, this simple linking form has played a big role in the technology and evolution of Man.

My interests are partial to the use of ring and link connections and combinations used in jewelry making. I love the articulated properties of chain. A simple combination of a ring and a link has movement and flexibility that lends openness and softness to many of my jewelry designs. In this case, for my bracelet called “A Chain Reaction”, rectangular 3-D chain is created in Peyote Stitch then connected to each other with flat Peyote Stitch links. A stitch I call “Lattice Weave”, which is a combination of Netting and Right-Angle Weave, comes on board to assist with the making of the light and airy flowers that adorn the links. The closure for this bracelet is a snap connection that is hidden under a flower allowing the bracelet to end gracefully.

What Techniques Students Need To Know Before The Workshop

The skill level required: Intermediate. The student must be comfortable with Peyote Stitch in the round, even count, and flat. Lattice Weave will be taught in the workshop.

We will schedule refresher classes on tubular peyote 2-3 weeks before the workshop.

Materials Needed For the Workshop:
Participants may purchase a kit from the instructor, or can bring with them the supplies and tools listed below.
You may bring your own supplies, or these are also available for purchase at Be Dazzled Beads.

SUPPLY LIST
All supplies listed are approximate depending on the desired length of your bracelet.

20-30 grams of the main 11/0 color for making the rectangular chain. My sample has 5 rectangular chains and measured 7.5" from the beginning of the closure on one end to the tip of the closure on the other end. When closed, it measures about 6.75". It is best to plan on 3.25 grams per link.
1-2 grams of a matching 15/0 color, to the 11/0 listed above, for making the rectangular chain.
15-18 grams of the accent Delica Bead to be used for all of the links. My sample has 4 links plus the two closure connections and I used 13 grams.
2-3 grams of a matching 15/0 to the Delica bead color for edge-stitching the links
8-10 grams of a complimentary 15/0 to be used in making the flower petals
3-5 grams of a matching 11/0, to the 15/0 listed above, to be used in making the flower petals
2 grams of an accent 15/0 for the flower centers
2 grams of a matching 11/0, to the 15/0 listed above, for the flower centers
6-10 contrasting 3mm swarovski round pearls for the centers of the flowers
1 "size 1" metal snap for the closure
10-16 tooth picks for the armature in the rectangular chain. The round toothpicks work the best.
Pair of small cutters for the toothpicks.
Colored pencils or markers to color the toothpicks.
1 bobbin One-G or Nymo thread in a color that compliments your palette. You may need more than one color to make this happen, so plan accordingly.
Small sharp scissors
Beading needles: Size 12
Beading wax: optional but recommended when using thread.
Work surface of choice
Lighting and magnification. If you need it at home, you will need it in class!
[The classroom is well-lit, but you may want to supplement this by bringing an OTT-light or similar light. There are plenty of outlets.]

KITS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR IN THESE PALETTES:

Gold-Fuschia Palette

Blue-Green Palette

Green-Gold Palette

Grey Palette

About Cynthia Rutledge


www.cynthiarutledge.net

Artist’s Statement:

Cynthia is a contemporary artist and teacher focusing on beadwork as her medium. She specializes in peyote stitch and off-loom weaving techniques with an emphasis on developing sculptural unsupported shapes in beadwork. Her work has been exhibited in national and international shows and has appeared in Nicolette Stessin's Beaded Amulet Purses, Carol Taylor's Creative Bead Jewelry, and Carol Wilcox Wells' Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide to Classic Off-Loom Stitches.

"My attraction to 3-dimensional shapes has created a fascination for me throughout my life and has fueled my creative spirit. My choice of beadwork as a primary medium has followed that same fascination. As my beadwork has
evolved, my work seems to always lean towards the building of shapes and forms that are functional and wearable.

The choice to use beads as my medium was primarily influenced by my love of color. Beads reflect and absorb light, hold shape and dimension, and in so doing, offer chameleon-like qualities. It is not always the end result that
is the most important to me, however. The process of working with beads and thread is meditative and calming, which allows time for reflection. Engineering each piece is always a challenge that thrills me, as well as giving me the power to make the decisions that need to be made for each piece. The more I experience the wonderful qualities of beadwork, the more I realize my relationship with beads will always be one of learning, experiencing and sharing.

The decision to teach grew from my personal desire to share my love of beads and all the wonderful things that can be created with them. The commitment that I have to teaching stems from my desire to share the knowledge I have gained while developing my own skills in this medium. Ultimately, my mission is to help to keep this art form alive and well."

Cynthia Rutledge

P.S. The fantastic photos of my work were taken by Melinda Holden and Mark Rutledge.

Lunch Options:
The workshop will take a break for lunch. Within easy walking distance are these lunch places:
Applebees
The Yellow Porch
Sam & Zoes
Baja Burrito
Subway
Kebab Gyro Shop
Pizza Hut
Wendy's
Calypso Cafe
Mediterranean Cafe (short drive)
Cafe D' Pranza
Pfunky Griddle
Logans Steak House
Monell's
Jersey Mikes
Cheeseburger Charlies
Einstein Bagel

Lodging:
If you are coming from out of town, the closest motels are
La Quinta Inn (Sidco Drive near Harding Place and I-65)
Red Roof Inn (Sidco Drive near Hading Place and I-65)

There are additional motels 1 exit south on I-65 on Old Hickory Blvd in Brentwood.

See:
Location, Lodging,
Access by Car, Plane