I’m learning something new – Viking Knit - tedious, time consuming and sometimes painful. I have cuts on my fingers from the wire and a little blood on my dowel, so what. It’s worth it.
I’ve always loved the look of Viking Knit designs (as much as I love the look of chainmaille). so I decided to give it a try. I’ve made three or four chains so far, some in copper, some in bronze, some with both copper and bronze. Some are made with 24 gauge and one with 26 gauge wire.
It all started because I made another wire bird’s nest. This time I wanted it to be a pendant and not a necklace. So what to hang the pendant from?
In my search for fine gauge wire, I discovered I already had some 24 gauge bronze wire I had purchase some time ago from WickWireJeweley. It was beautiful! A soft bronze color, slightly pink, not as red as copper nor as yellow as brass. A little stiffer than copper, it is not difficult to work with, especially in the finer gauges. It also oxidizes beautifully.
Here are my chains and bird’s nest.
Learning to weave
Bronze wire and copper chain
Long chain
The new bird’s nest
Beautiful Bronze wire
I ordered more bronze wire in 26, 18 and 16 gauge.
I love VK, I learned to make it about two years ago and have done many different things with you. You are doing great. I would imagine that 24g a could be quite a challenge. Mostly I have worked with 26ga in both copper and sterling. Do you mind if I ask where you get your bronze. It is really pretty. Next you can do the double stitch.
Thanks, Donna. I like the heavier look of the 24 gauge but read in a book that 26GA was ideal so I tried that. It is much easier to work but so much lighter in weight. I’ll try the double knit for a bracelet soon. I buy my bronze from WickWireJewelry on Artfire – link above.
You are braver than I am. I still haven’t done the vk. Mostly, because I don’t have a lot of patience. I don’t do a lot of weaving or coiling for the same reason. I do want to make the vk, though. Hopefully, mine will be as nice as yours. That’s a very lovely necklace and I love the bronze.
Thanks Tela. I’m always trying something new, restless I guess. I have to give the VK a little break, my fingers are hurting from the little cuts. I do love the color of the bronze. It’s prettier in person.
Simply beautiful, Zoraida! You gals who work with wire are amazing to me!
Thanks Diane. Wire work is an addiction! You can do almost anything with it, the possiblilites are endless.
Also love viking knit. Learned it in a class with Tracey Stanley about 6 years ago. It is time consuming but relaxing also. Your piece looks great!
Thanks Dianna. VK is relaxing. It reminds me of crochet work, which I used to do a lot of and loved that too. I’m just beginning with this. I think it will be a nice way to hang my pendants. I’ll play with making bracelets in between bead & wire necklaces and everything else. So much to do and learn.
I agree, wire working is an addiction. Your work as usual is awesome and so perfectly detailed. Maybe one day I’ll venture into the VN. But, patience is not one of my stronger suits. I also love bronze. The bronze wire to me is just beautiful! Thanks for sharing….
Hi Linda, great hearing from you! Yes, patience is required with VK, and frequent breaks or it could get sloppy.
Your artistry is amazing. I’ve done very little jewelry making, mostly just linen thread with beads, but I can appreciate the work that goes into it.
Beautiful work! I used to knit, can’t imagine doing it with wire…. I cut myself all the time just sculpting
Thank you doudoubirds, I do cut myself on the wire all the time.
Beautiful! I’ve been wanting to try the viking knit. I bought some wire a few months back to give it a try, but haven’t got around to it yet. I really love it with your bird nest.
Thanks Linda! VK is easier than I thought. I love it but have to take breaks between projects sometimes. My hands hurt from wirework. You’ll enjoy it.
Wow. You are an exquisite artist. I’ll be sure to pass this on to my friends and social networks! That bird’s nest is so pretty.
Thank you Lauren! Bird’s nests are one of my favorite little creations – probably because I love birds so much. Right now there are Chickadees nesting in a birdhouse I painted right up against the house!