Hi all,
I saw something recently about an Indonesian chain making technique
called Tulang Naga. The women described it as ‘braided strands of
silver…’ but its appearance is similar to that of 'loop-in-loop’
chains. My mothers thali(a Tamil matrimonial necklace) has a
woven/braided chain but is far stiffer than these chains appear to
be. Does anyone know how these Tulang Naga chains are made? Are they
actually braided or is this a diversion from the secret of the art? I
would like to try my hand at making them so any tips/ideas would be
much appreciated.
Lavan
Lavan,
called Tulang Naga. The women described it as 'braided strands of
silver...' but its appearance is similar to that of 'loop-in-loop'
It looks more like Viking knit to me, but I may be wrong. Interested
to readothers’ thoughts.
Helen
UK
It’s the crochet chain Alam Revere has in his book. He teaches it
also in his classes. It is extremely easy and less hassle than doing
the viking knit. You only need a stylus, and cutter to cut lengths to
crochet and a pair of pliers to pull it taut. I know Vasken and
Rhonda know it. I use to do it on the Bart Train into the East bay,
and had audiences of people fascinated with what I was doing. I have
ropes of it hanging around that i will cut to length for a new
necklace. The last step after the final annealing is to run it like a
shining cloth over a shoe, over a steel bracelet mandrel. the more
you work it over the mandrel the more flexible it gets.
It is simple and fun to do. I can do at least 2 feet before drawing
down, while watching a movie. Find a copy of Alan’s goldsmithing
book, and have a go at it.
Aggie