All In A Cord
The fascinating art of kumihimo, or Japanese braiding, has centuries of colourful history. Used long ago to connect the armor of the Samurai warriors as well as to fasten silk kimonos, this easy to learn technique has so many creative possibilities it's mindboggling.  Join found-object artist (and budding kumi-he-man) Keith Lo Bue as he introduces you to his newest passion in a whirlwind workshop that will have you in knots.

With only a few inexpensive and simple tools, you will learn a creative activity that you can do simply anywhere, at any time. On a airplane or train ride, waiting in a car, even in bed - it's an eminently portable, meditative process that yields exquisite braids for jewelry, journal closures, assemblage and a million other uses.

SUPPLY LIST:

Kumihimo Disk and Plate: We'll be working with the round foam disk and the square plate. Both can be ordered <here>. Note: I will have the plastic bobbins pictured on that page in the class for sale, but you're free to order them from Braidershand. while they are not necessary, it's neater, prevents the threads from tangling and allows you to make longer braids with the disk and plate.

Thread/yarn: This is a wide-open area. Pretty much any thread, yarn or cord can be used. I will have an assortment of material to purchase for use, but please bring some of your own, as I won't have large amounts with me. Some suggestions: for learning, best to have bright colors to highlight the patterns. Traditional kumihimo is made with silk cord, which is very expensive and hard to find. You can use cotton, linen, wool, satin ('rattail'), nylon or rayon thread in the class. Thinner weights of thread can be grouped to make thicker braids. A good, versatile thread to buy is: DMC Pearl Cotton - Size 3. It can be mail-ordered <here>. It comes in many great colors - you can download a color chart for the DMC size 3 thread <here> and <here>.

If you decide to use yarn, just be aware that the fuzzier the material, the harder it is to see pattern (though I'll bring a nice example of a fuzzy merino wool braid - it has it's own look).

A sharp, small pair of scissors.

Super glue: A great one can be found <here>.

OPTIONAL: End caps / clasps: Although you don't have to have them for the class, they will enable you to make finished bracelets/necklaces in the class. <Here>, <here>, <here> and <here> are some potential choices. There are also some individual kumihimo findings here, for those who have some jewelry experience: <here>.

OPTIONAL: Hanging clips <here>. You can do fine without them, but this set of 4 will come in handy.

OPTIONAL: Fishing Sinkers: A few 2 or 3 oz. round sinkers can be handy for the class. Get them at any fishing tackle shop. Any shape sinker is fine as long as it has a hanging loop and no sharp corners to snag on your thread. An example of a good one is <here>.

OPTIONAL: (for 2-day class only): jewelry pliers and wire: Wire of your choice (brass, silver, craft wire, steel, copper - no aluminum), about 16 to 20 gauge. Pliers should include: Round-nose, flat-nose pliers and wire cutter. These will allow you to make your own end caps for your braids.

 

Please email me with any questions you might have that this page didn't address.

See you there! Keith