I am finding that I love chain way more than beading wire. I think it's classier, and I like to minimize the use of beads to just a few delicate, "pretty" ones. Anyone else like chain? And if so, where do you buy yours?

The more I look at chain, the more I like it.  I especially love the really big links.  I want to make a long necklace with a big link chain and, I don't know, maybe crystals.  I've just started brainstorming.  Now that I've been noticing, most beading places sell chain.  Just go to your favorite place and I'm sure they'll have chain.

Laura Z.

I am a senior and I teach seniors at our senior centers. Both I and my students love working with Michael's chains which is what we can afford. I've taught them how to make wrapped loops so they can use beads intermixed with the chains. There are so many ways to combine the chains and beads to have completely different looks. I like to make tassels and swags with the smaller chains. I usually use at least two different chains and sometimes three chains in one design. I don't throw away the odd pieces of chains because they can be used in my beaded designs.

I haven't used too much precious metal chains because they are too expensive.

Long chains with large links are very popular additions to the models wardrobes on QVC and HSN which are very good places to get ideas for jewelry design.  

I love chain!

But it's one of those products I like to see in person. Can't get the feel for it when looking online. Most my LBS carry some chain. I prefer sterling, but it's really getting expensive.

There is a bead store that had a booth at a recent show I went to that had more chain than I've ever seen in one place. But chain wasn't on my list or in my budget for that day's show. I'd like to check out their selection again in person, but haven't made the trip because it's over an hour drive.

HI!  Read your question... I sell sterling silver chain for $1 a gram, satisfaction guaranteed... if you would like to see the dozen or so I have available, from 1.6 grams a foot to 10 grams a foot, with full link measurements, please let me know.  I won't bug you if I don't hear from you, though... just thought you'd like to know. It's a great price w/no minimum purchase, postage a flat $1.50; many references available from beads and more yahoo group members (1,300!) a yahoo based bulk bead buying group!  hth Joyce in Tacoma jbintacmom at aol.com

Yes, I love chain! And I do wear jewelry made from chain. I agree with you that chain supports large beads better than wire. I switched to wire for most items that I sell because my clientèle prefers it. Some of my latest earrings combine chain and wire and have received favorable reviews. If you're making jewelry for yourself, make what suits you. Fads are for people who can't think for themselves.

To jbintacmom@aol.com Is this your right address brecause I would like to check out your chains but I can't seem to get this address to work...Thanks

That sounds nice, but it would be difficult because I live in Israel and I haven't put any of my jewelry on-line yet.

I have just recently began using more chain....it seems to offer more options to creativity. I agree with , I think it was Monica...I like to see, touch...the chain before I buy it, so I don't buy online. Also, second hand stores and a good jewelry cleaner....chain galore at a cheap price, and you can really find some fun stuff buying second hand (garage sales, estate sales etc.)

much luck,

Linda

Yes!  I love working with chain.  I have only been beading off and on for around six months now.  Because I'm fairly new at it, I choose inexpensive chain until my skills improve.  If I mess it up, I'm not out that much money!

Michael's is where I have gotten my chain and it's very reasonably priced for what I do.  They also have a decent collection to choose from compared to what I could find at my other local craft stores.  I keep my extra pieces, too, because I can make fun dangle earrings to match the necklaces.  Having a blast with using chain!