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Beginning Kumihimo Techniques
Kumihimo, the ancient Japanese art of braiding, is gaining popularity
worldwide for use in jewelry. Traditional Kumihimo ropes are made from strands of silk, but with the abundance of new and
creative fibers, yarns and ribbons on the market you can create ropes that have just about any look, feel, and color. Nanette
and Shirley have been making Kumihimo ropes for their Poppy Passion floral sliders and Embellished Leaf pendants, as well
as other jewelry pieces and they teach these techniques using a 10-inch diameter marudai.
In this class, you will learn how to create two different braids, first
using a pattern that produces a round braid and then using a pattern for a flat braid. You will also learn basic wire work
skills for finishing the round braid. Fiber packs and finishing kits will be available for purchase in the class. You may
bring your own fibers if you wish but it is recommended that you use our fiber packs, created specifically to help you easily
learn the braid patterns. In order to create a rope with an obvious pattern, the fibers must be a mix of highly contrasting
colors and the weight of the fibers must be appropriate for the ropes. Lots of options will be discussed in class, so do bring
any “idea” materials with you.
At right are some examples of what you will create in this class.
Poppy Passion Slider
Create this spectacular slider to wear on a cord or chain - and on a Kumihimo
rope, it is absolutely divine! Nanette’s flowers and Shirley’s leaves caused a stampede when they were first introduced
at the Bead & Button show, and now you can learn to make this wonderful focal piece in a class with the designers.
In
this jewelry-making class, you will learn peyote stitch, beaded fringe, and other embellishing techniques. The class
fee includes all materials required for the focal piece as well as a full color set of instructions.
At right are
some examples of what you will create in this class. The rope is not included in this class. If you would like to learn how
to create a Kumihimo rope to go with your slider, join us for the Beginning Kumihimo Techniques class!
Embellished Leaf Pendant
Back in the 60's and 70's, macrame was seen everywhere. Now
it has made a comeback in the form of micro-macrame using nylon bead cord. But we won't be making plant hangers
in this class! You will learn how to turn one of Shirley's focal leaf beads into a glorious pendant by making a macrame bail,
then embellishing it with Czech glass beads, freshwater pearls, Austrian crystals and seed beads. These embellished
leaf pendants look wonderful on Kumihimo cords - come join us for our Beginning Kumihimo Techniques class and you'll be able
to make your own cord to coordinate with your pendant!
Fiddleheads and Flowers Necklace
Create a lovely floral necklace using a unique design element –
hand-dyed silk ribbon-wrapped “fiddlehead” curls, and embellished with handmade art glass flowers by Nanette and
other floral elements. Amazingly luscious and lightweight to wear. This necklace also includes a front closure toggle that
we will make in class. If you can use a needle and thread – you can make this gorgeous necklace that all your friends
will envy!
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