Leaf Braids — Advanced
With Yuko Yoshida 

Friday Sept. 25, 2026
9:30 – 5:30  w/lunch 12:30 – 2:30

Experience Level:  Advanced. Pre-requisite: Yuko’s Leaf Braids — Basic

Class Description:
“Konoha (leaf)” is essentially a technique of Taka-dai using two layers. Konoha with maru-dai is based on the technique of Konoha with taka-dai and arranged bobbin layout and their movement into maru-dai. Konoha braids are very cute braids consisting of a series of small leaves. In this class, the students will learn how to make an advanced Konoha braid using 24 tama. The finished braid will be made into a necklace. The students will also get clues how to make variations of Konoha.

* This class is intended for those who have experience braiding the basic Leaf braid. For those who have not braided the basic Leaf braid before, please work on the basic.

Kit: $ 30. Price may vary depending on materials chosen

Students should bring:
Marudai with 24 weighted tama, counterweight, chopstick

Beaded Braids Fusion
With Adrienne Gaskell

Friday Sept 25, 2026
9:30 – 5:30  w/lunch 12:30 – 2:30

Experience Level: Intermediate. Proficient braiding Drop-bead Kongō on the disk or marudai, and bead spinner skills.

Class Description:
Step into the fascinating world of Beaded Braids Fusion, where two distinct beaded kumihimo techniques come together in one striking design. In this class, you’ll learn how to seamlessly combine Drop-Bead Kongō and Beads as Fiber (CBB) into a single, elegant necklace. By blending these two approaches, you’ll discover exciting new design possibilities – from subtle textural transitions to dramatic bead patterns. We’ll explore how different bead types, placements, and color combinations influence the final look of the braid. The instructor will share several of her own works to inspire your creativity and demonstrate the many variations possible with this technique, including incorporating focal beads.

Kit: $ 45
Includes seed beads, glass pearls, crystals, braiding cords, core material, and clasp; all the materials needed to create the black and turquoise necklace as shown in the class photo.

Students should bring:
Marudai, 8 weighted tama, 40% counter weight, chopstick  OR  Disk, 8 weighted bobbins, 45g counter weight, disk stand:
Yamazaki Multi-function Kitchen Stand available at Amazon: $22. Click picture to order.

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Loki Braids
With Shirley Berlin

Friday Sept 25, 2026
9:30 – 5:30  w/lunch 12:30 – 2:30

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Class Description:
“Loki” braids: Shape-shifting braids based on Maru-genji
You know the one – the two hands up, two hands down, North/South then East/West – braid. This “square” braid is one of the first we learn to braid on the Marudai. In this class we’ll see that by borrowing a couple of moves from other structures, the resulting braids lend themselves to shape-shifting – flat, octagonal, twisting and weird. There are more than 50 braids in the literature that explore this idea, but we will concentrate on about 6 of the most dramatic.

Simple changes for multiple color patterns can be made on a disc without re-adjusting moves. For shape-shifting, braiding on a Marudai will be easier.

Kit: $ 20
Includes Instructions, Foam discs, Large selection of yarns. You will take home enough yarn to make a project from your favorite class braid.

Students should bring:
Optional: Marudai w/ 16 Tama.  Rentals will be available @ $10
Basic kumihimo tools

Braided Cube Beads Necklace
With Yin Gaung

Friday Sept 25, 2026
9:30 – 5:30  w/lunch 12:30 – 2:30

Experience Level:
Intermediate to Advanced

Class Description:
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create a beautiful cube-bead braid for a central focal section using variations of the Kusari Kaku and curled techniques. We’ll walk step by step through arranging the cords unevenly to achieve Yuko Yoshida’s signature curved shape. You’ll also learn how to change the direction of the curve to expand your design possibilities, as well as how to introduce thin threads into the braid to string beads and continue braiding—allowing you to add beads seamlessly during the braiding sequence.

Kit: $ 55
Includes all materials and components to complete necklace.

Students should bring:
Kumihimo disc, measuring tape, scissors.

Loop the Loop
With Rosalie Neilson

Friday Sept 25, 2026
9:30 – 5:30  w/lunch 12:30 – 2:30

Experience Level: Intermediate

Class Description:
Two braid structures are the basis of this kumihimo study: 8-element Edo Yatsu Gumi and 16-element Naiki. Using two different colors of silk, braiders will investigate the different effects when a flat 16-element Naiki braid divides into two round, 8-element Yatsu Gumi cords. When the cords are the same lengths, they form small openings between them after they are rejoined into the Naiki interlacement. When the cords are different lengths, they form loops or picots which can appear on the same edge or zig-zag from side to side.

Kit: $ 20
Coil bound printed book

Students should bring:
Marudai, 16 Tama with leaders, Weight bag with 45% counter weight
Pre-packaged Silk or Imposter Silk – 8 elements Color A, 8 elements Color (16 total)
If winding a warp, 8 elements each of two colors.  Suggested length – 100” – 108”
Chopstick, S-hook for hanging weight bag, Scissors, Tape Measure

Orchid Lei Necklace
With Randy Spicocchi

Friday Sept 25, 2026
9:30 – 5:30  w/lunch 12:30 – 2:30

Experience Level: Confident beginner, proficient setting up and braiding Beaded Kongō on a disk or marudai, bead stringing proficiency helpful.

Class Description:
Students will be guided through a counted Beaded Kongō-gumi pattern that combines rose petal beads with seed beads to create a dramatic Hawaiian Island inspired necklace.

Students will learn an efficient process for precisely stringing the beads on their bead mat and securing the beaded cords on bobbins. We will then move to the disk or marudai and bring your necklace to life. Many participants will complete their necklace during class; however, marudai students should bring a disk so the braid can be easily secured for transport if needed.

Kit: $ 80
Includes:
• Bead cord for a 18 to 23 inch beaded necklace lei.
• Fiber to string Beads for a 18-23” necklace lei.
• Beads for use in Counted Pattern, several colors and bead choices available
•  7 x 8mm Rose Petal beads various colors
• 8/0 and 11/0 seed beads in one or two colors depending on your desired look
• Acrylic or metallic end caps
• Detailed Instructions with color photos of project in progress and finished examples

Students should bring:
• Marudai, Weighted Tama, OR Kumihimo 6 in. Disk
•Counter Weight
• Bead Mat
• Bead Scoop
• Big-Eye Needle
• 8 Plastic Bobbins non-weighted. (numbered 1-8)
• Split Key Ring
• Beading Awl
• Magnification and task light (recommended)