Miyuki has released a new beading thread called Dura-Line. This 100% polyethylene thread is being marketed as an alternative to Fireline, Nanofil, and other Dyneema/gel spun polyethelene fibers. Polyethylene is the most common form of plastic on the planet, making everything from shopping bags to Kevlar thread. The advantage of... Read more →
Beading
09/02/2018
06/24/2016
American Flag Bracelet Pattern
Just in time for your Fourth of July celebrations, I'm publishing the first of what I hope will be a series of "snapshot" tutorials. An advanced beginner braider should be able to follow the diagram and notes to create the braid shown in the photo. I am interested in any... Read more →
05/20/2016
I've been published!
I'm pleased to announce that I am now a published kumihimo author! A tutorial I devised for creating a beaded Edo Yatsu (aka hollow braid) has been included in the Kalmbach Publishing Kumihimo Fiber and Bead Jewelry Special. It's now available on news stands, at your local bead store, and... Read more →
12/26/2015
Mixing Bead Manufacturers
One of the questions that seems to be coming up in forums lately is what happens when you use beads from different manufacturers. It's one of those things that I never think about, because I like the differences in texture that mixing manufacturers can give you. Others want their beaded... Read more →
04/10/2015
Product Review: Kumihimo Handle
First, I'd like to apologize for not posting in such a long time. Sometimes life just gets in the way of your hobbies! But I'm back now with a review of a new and controversial kumihimo product, the kumihimo handle. Developed by a man hoping to help his arthritic wife,... Read more →
12/27/2014
All About Nylon Beading Cord: S-Lon, Superlon, C-Lon
What is S-Lon, Superlon, C-Lon? S-Lon, Superlon, and C-Lon are brand names for the same product, a plied and bonded nylon string that is very popular for use in kumihimo and other jewelry braiding. S-Lon and Superlon are the brand names used by The Beadsmith/Helby bead distributors, and C-Lon is... Read more →
09/22/2014
Matching Cord and Beads in Kumihimo Braiding
Some of the most common questions I get from my students and see in on-line forums are about why a fully beaded kongo gumi/round braid doesn't work out as expected by the maker. While there are many reasons this can occur, the main issue is usually some sort of mismatch... Read more →
07/09/2014
Beads for Braiders Info-torial #3: Size 11/0 seed beads
Eight element kongo gumi/round braids with beads are one of things that are drawing people to the art of kumihimo. Because it is quick to learn and has a world of possibilities, people who don't have a background in either fiber or beading arts are finding themselves drawn to braiding.... Read more →
05/25/2014
Beads for Braiders Info-torial #2: Size 6/0 seed beads
Eight element kongo gumi/round braids with beads are one of things that are drawing people to the art of kumihimo. Because it is quick to learn and has a world of possibilities, people who don’t have a background in either fiber or beading arts are finding themselves drawn to braiding.... Read more →
03/26/2014
Buttonhole your braid
Of all the ways you can use to finish your braid for jewelry applications, a button and buttonhole is probably among the most elegant. It doesn't require glue and can be done with virtually any button so you don't have to worry about metal allergies. There's a wide world of... Read more →
Beaded Kumihimo
- This gallery shows some of my favorite beaded kumihimo pieces. Most of them are made with the kongo gumi/round braid structure on a foam disk and were made from 2007 to the present.
Unbeaded braids
- This gallery shows some of my favorite kumihimo pieces without beads. They feature a variety of braid structures made on a foam disk and were created from 2006 to the present.
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