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 →
09/02/2018
05/26/2017
Virtual Class Coming Soon
I'm pleased to announce that I will be teaching a virtual class for the American Kumihimo Society. This class will be teaching the basics and variations of the Edo Yatsu braid, also known as the hollow braid. Edo Yatsu is my favorite braid and is a great structure where simple... Read more →
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 →
05/30/2016
S Twist and Z Twist Kongo Gumi
Kongo gumi, also known as the round braid, spiral braid, hard braid, or strong braid can be formed in two different directions. Each way gives you a similar looking braid, but the two braids are mirror images of each other. The two formations are called S twist or Z twist,... 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 →
01/10/2016
Preparing Imposter for disk braiding
Silk is the traditional material that kumihimo is made with in Japan, in bundles of thin thread that are either prepared by the braider or purchased in pre-cut lengths. As silk is not always an economical choice, a product made from rayon or nylon called Imposter or Biron is also... 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 →
05/07/2015
While I primarily design my own work, sometimes you want to take the easy method and do someone else's pattern. In this case it's Daggers and Dots by DMK Artisan Jewelry. My version is done in tones of green and with pellet beads as the "dots." A very substantial and... 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 →
01/09/2015
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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