Making Chain Links: how do I make oval rings?

by Sheila Meador.
(Charlotte, North Carolina USA)

I’ve enjoyed sitting on my porch in the morning and evening making bead chain lately. I cut the wire in small pieces and loop one end.

Purple glass bead chain

Then I run it through a beautiful glass or lampwork bead and make another loop. I have a storage container full and have made a few 36-54″ necklaces already.

Sea bead chain

I would like to incorporate wire links, large jump rings and connector links. My local stores don’t offer many choices on connectors or large-link chain. I want to try making some in different shapes like oval or diamond shaped.

I call it porch work 🙂

I bought a spool of twisted wire and might try that.

Flaming bead chain

Do I need to buy half-hard wire?

Do I need to use a mandrel to shape an oval link?

Any suggestions on making these?

Sheila Meador