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Life has a terrible habit of getting in the way of things. I've finally had a chance to make some more progress on the charity project.

I figured out a way to attach the chain maille segment to the sterling silver plate. My main concern way being able to attach it in such a way that the seam was completely clean, to reflect the perfect edge of the water in the original image.

I've started by punching a series of holes along the edge of the silver. I'm not going to cut it until I'm sure of the final shape.

Since the first time I join it won't be the last, I used colored craft wire to get a better sense of how the chain maille will sit against the plate. Much like stitching, I wound the wire back and forth, pulling tightly to create a strong edge.

Here's a back view. My current concerns are:

• The craft wire is much more soft and flexible, so will it compare to the feel of sterling 28 or 26 wire.
• 28g will hide nicely in the weave of the chain, but will it be strong enough.
• Once more beads are added to the edge, will there be room for the securing wire.

I'll have to pull the silver wire very tight to keep the back from scratching once it's a complete necklace.

With the silver plate temporarily attached, I could adjust the length of the chain maille segment and work out how to join the necklace part of the necklace. I generally prefer to attach things purely with more jump rings, but in this case one of these dandy 5 to 1 components did a much better job. It also acts as the perfect hinge so the chain can move properly. I've also settled on this clasp. It's not quite as clean-looking as I'd like, but the chain connect really nicely, and and it fits in well with the texture. I tried a smaller box clasp, but it seemed overpowered.

Next, I'm going to mark out the final shape of the silver plate with a pencil, and then, when I'm feeling brave enough, I'll start to cut and file it. The metal is about 1mm thick, or roughly 19mm so it's going to take a lot of time and finger blisters to file down.

More soon.

Auction dates will occur some time around the end of August. Help me raise money to cure depression through NARSAD by spreading the word.