Review on Chained: Unleash Your Creativity by Crafting Stunning Chain Mail Jewelry, Ring by Ring by Wendy Rodriguez

My sister-in-law introduced me to chain mail jewelry. I was immediately hooked, but I needed a book of projects. Although there are hundreds of tutorials on the internet, their main purpose is to learn how to weave and not to create finished projects. Chained not only provides easy instructions and teaches you the basics of weaving, but also learns how to create great projects as you go. Pros: The book doesn't jump straight into projects, instead starting with the basics of ring making, sizing, and how to properly open and close rings. This is invaluable for creating jewelry that looks professional, not homemade. The methods I was taught also corrected some of the bad habits I had formed in the beginning. All designs have listings for both precious metal ring size requirements and base metal sizes. This means you can create an inexpensive version of any project before ruining precious metal rings, which can be quite expensive. Also, many designs look so good in base metal versions that I would never make a precious metal version. Reviewed by: Chained, Rebecca Mojica The pictures and instructions are VERY clear and concise. Photos of completed projects attract attention, and instructions for the project do not fail. Each project is graded from beginner to advanced. Most projects are beginner or intermediate level. In addition, each project is estimated according to the time it takes to complete. For example, A Beautiful Necklace is an entry-level project but epic in duration. This sets realistic expectations about how much time you'll need to devote to each project. If you choose to shop at the author's Blue Buddha Boutique, there are kits for each of the projects shown so you can make one like the one shown in the book. But because the bills of materials are there and complete and clear, you can buy consumables anywhere quality rings are sold. The book is only a week old. Bottom Line: Buy this book and start affordable projects today. Let books like Chainmail Jewelry: Modern from Classical Techniques for those with deep pockets and those who want expensive jewelry. Buy this book (chained) and start making great, inexpensive things that are becoming more accessible. Jewelry that is both beautiful and fun.