Beaded Design with The Grid System by Jacqui Carey
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Marudai
Class Description: In this second part of Jacqui’s Creative Kumihimo grids, Jacqui explores how her grid system can be used to help plan how beads can be predictably arranged on a braid. Students will use the braid 8B in Jacqui’s Creative Kumihimo book, as a preliminary step towards designing for 16B (kongo)— which is a very popular beaded braid.
Students will learn how to predict the placement of beads on 8B by working through a series of examples, starting with the paper design and then translating them into small samples.
At the end of the day, students will have a beautiful sampler that could easily be transformed into a finished piece. The design will vary depending on student’s choices.
Student Equipment: Marudai with eight tama, counterbalance weights, chopstick and s- hook. Bring a selection of coloured pencils or pens that coordinate/represent your chosen beads.
Beaded warp – specification to follow.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Students need to have experience of working with 8 tama and beads. Students must have completed Jacqui’s introductory workshop about the grid system — either by enrolling in the Friday class or having attended the virtual workshop in 2022.
Jacqui is a maker, teacher, author and researcher of braids, having specialized in the subject since graduating from a BA (Hons) degree in woven textiles in 1985. Her work as a practicing craftsperson is known worldwide, and her knowledge shared through teaching and numerous publications.
While studying for her degree in textiles, Jacqui discovered that weaving and other related subjects — such as braiding — combined her love of mathematics and art. Through the study of complex weaving structures she was able to unravel the mysteries of kumihimo. While her work in this area stems from the traditional, it is the creative possibilities that inspire most of her braids. The joy of making braids is enhanced by exploring a wide range of materials and playing with structure, color and patterns.
Jacqui has written many important books in the field of kumihimo as well as other textile areas — from “Creative Kumihimo” where she introduced the grid system to help analyze braid structures, to “Beads and Braids” — the first and perhaps most comprehensive book on incorporating beads in braiding — to “The Book of Braids” where she introduced a new approach to creating kumihimo braids based on her analysis of the basic movements on the Marudai, to “Chinese Braid Embroidery” which documents this unique Chinese Miao textile tradition of using braids to create incredibly intricate designs used to embellish a variety of garments.
Visit Jacqui’s store at: https://www.careycompany.com/
Two Faced Square Braid on the Disc by Yuko Yoshida
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Disc
Yuko’s square braid created on the disc in this class has different patterns on the front and side. The floral pattern appears on the front and the dot pattern appears on the side giving you multiple necklace design opportunities.
Class Description: The square braid has different patterns on the front and side. The floral pattern appears on the front and the dot pattern appears on the side. Creating two necklaces of different lengths, you can enjoy four different atmospheres with combination of patterns. In the class, students will learn how to braid two-faced square braid and finish it into a necklace. In this class the braid will be made on a disc.
Kits: Kits cost $30. Kits will be purchased directly from the instructor at the In Person Gathering and MUST BE PAID FOR IN CASH. Kits will contain two colors of Japanese precut silk threads and magnetic clasps. Students can choose their own colors.
Student Equipment: Kumihimo disc, 12 EZ bobbins and a chopstick.
Experience Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: Students should be experienced and comfortable working with Japanese precut fibers.
Yuko Yoshida is a kumihimo artist and teacher. Kumihimo attracted her at first encounter in 2009. Since 2012, she studied with Makiko Tada. While mainly making Obijime for Kimono with traditional patterns, she also focuses on creative works. She favors Maru-dai, Taka-dai, and creating original braids by adding small changes to traditional techniques.
When asked about Yuko, Makiko responded “Yuko is a smart, creative braider who is very talented as is reflected in her beautiful work. She has developed incredible skills over many years of studying and practice. For that she has received the title of Takumi (master craft person) from Tokusaburo Hirosawa — who was in charge of kumihimo in Iga last year. Yuko also received her PhD from Kyoto Institute of Technology.”
Overview of Silk Braiding on the Marudai by Rosalie Neilson
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Marudai
Class Description: Bring your Marudai and eight Tama for a one-day immersion into braiding with silk. Technique discussions include attaching leader cords to Tama, tying various knots such as Lark’s Head and Cinch, attaching silk onto Tama, attaching weight bag to braid, using chopstick to stabilize braid when removing weight bag, and tying knot for the ending tassels. The instructor will provide each braider with two different colors of Japanese premium silk, showing how various placements of the colors on the Marudai affect the patterns in each braid structure. Braids in the study include a square braid (Maru Genji), a round braid (Edo Yatsu Gumi), a flat braid (Hira Kara Gumi), and two wide flat braids (Yatsu Se and Shige Uchi). In the case of Edo Yatsu Gumi, the movement of Tama can repeat once, twice, or three times to produce different textures in the round braid. There will be 25 different pattern variations for further study of the five braid structures.
Kits: Kit cost $40. Kits will be purchased directly from the instructor at the In Person Gathering. Kits will contain a 21-page coil bound booklet with braiding instructions and 8 elements of Japanese premium silk (4 elements color A and 4 elements color B).
Student Equipment: Marudai and 8 Tama (instructions for attaching leader cord will be sent via email). Bag with counter weight equal to 45% of 8 tama, example: Eight 100-gram tama (3.5 ounces each) weigh 28 ounces, 28 ounces x 45% = approximately 12.5 ounces. Chopstick, S-hook for attaching weight bag to braid and scissors.
Experience Level: Beginner
Rosalie Neilson has been making kumihimo braids for more than 35 years. In 1980, she visited a Tokyo kimono factory, became enamored with kumi braids, took a private class, and came home with a marudai, kakudai, and two instruction books written in Japanese. Throughout the years she has developed into a true master of the art with exquisite designs using both color and geometry.
“My love of color comes from being raised in Oregon. During the majority of the year, nature appears in shades of green, blue, and grey. In this softly lit environment of neutrals, bright colors stand out in sharp contrast.” And so they do in her braids.
Her love of color doesn’t stop there. She was intrigued by the number of ways a braider could use two colors with the Hira Kara Gumi braid and began exploring each one. In 1998, after 18 years of exploration with this braid structure, Rosalie, with the help of her mathematically inclined brother, documented and published the Thirty-Seven Interlacements of Hira Kara Gumi. This was followed by the Twenty-Four Interlacements of Edo-Yatsu Gumu. A third book Kongo Gumi – A Cacophony of Spots – Coisl – Zags – Lines was published in 2013 and documents all 1,157 variations of the 16-strand Edo-Yatsu using just two colors. These are true labors of passion and kumihimo love!
Visit Rosalie’s store at https://www.rosalieneilson.com/
Five Strand Braided Necklace with Stone Beads by Katherine Buenger
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Creating this necklace and matching bracelet does not require a marudai or disc.
Katherine will teach you a 5-strand braiding technique. Use tin thread, made from fine wire pewter and 4% silver wrapped around a fiber core, to braid semi-precious stone beads into a unique necklace with a silver plated clasp.
Class Description: Do you love braids and beads? Would you like to make unique jewelry pieces for yourself or friends? This class is for you! Learn a 5-strand braiding technique. Use tin thread, made from fine wire pewter and 4% silver wrapped around a fiber core, to braid semi-precious stone beads into a unique necklace with a silver plated clasp. Choice of beads include labradorite, jade, bloodstone, amethyst and others.
Class Materials: $40. All materials will be provided by the instructor and purchased at the In Person Gathering. Students do not need to supply anything. Materials will contain a choice of beads including matte jade, labradorite, amethyst, bloodstone and others in addition to the tin thread and clasp.
Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Katherine has a degree in studio art from Macalester College. She enjoys many fiber-related arts, including weaving, spinning, ply-split braiding, and braiding with Sami tin thread. Whether it is spinning the yellow pages, computer tape, or adding telephone wire to weavings and braids, she likes finding something different and fun to do with her art. She is not afraid to break the rules and try something new and encourages others to do the same. Katherine has taught Sami-inspired bracelets at The Weavers Guild of Minnesota, Midwest Weavers Conference, Minnesota Federation of Weavers and Spinners, and other venues in the Midwest. After teaching hundreds of students, she is still having fun sharing this Sami-inspired craft with others.
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Marudai
Join Aasia to explore and learn Kawari Hira Kara. The resulting flat kumihimo braid of fiber and beads creates a stunning necklace when joined with a stunning bead embroidery pendant.
Class Description: In learning how to make the Lacey Elegance Necklace you will first explore and learn Kawari Hira Kara. This flat kumihimo braid will have 8 strands of beads used as fiber and 8 strands of fiber. Braiding these sixteen elements together results in creating a stunning necklace.
Additionally, in an introduction to bead embroidery, you will learn the process of stitching around a cabochon glued onto a backing and how to embroider with a variety of seed beads and other beads. To complete the necklace there will be detailed discussion on how to finish the edge, create a bail and hang the pendant on the braid.
Kits: Kits cost $145 which includes shipping. Kits will be purchased directly from the instructor BEFORE the In Person Gathering as this class has homework. Kits will contain all of the fiber, beads, etc to make the necklace. There will be a total of three color ways and they will be shared in mid to late April, along with the bead list. After the three color ways are made available, email Aasia at aasia@aasia jewelry to purchase your kit. Kits must be ordered by June 24th and will be shipped by July 8th.
Student Equipment and Supplies: Marudai, 16 tama, counterweight, Bead Spinner and long needle to load beads, beading surface, measuring tape, scissors, cutting pliers, 8 lb Fireline, beading needles # 11 & # 12, Loctite Super Glue Ultra-liquid Control and portable Ott Light.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Must know how to do Kumihimo on marudai. Proficiency in loading beads using bead spinner will be helpful. No previous knowledge or experience in bead embroidery is required.
Homework: Students must load the beads prior to class to expedite the braiding process.
Aasia has always been interested in art from fused glass wall art pieces to stained glass, from pottery to painting murals on the walls. She has been drawn to color and texture since she added beads to her needle 15 years ago. Mastering the art of bead weaving has been achieved by many hours of practice and experimentation. She hand fabricates each of her pieces with great attention to detail. Every detail must be beautiful, unusual and of excellent quality. Aasia likes to incorporate many mediums into her pieces like Kumihimo, bead weaving, polymer and epoxy clay. She has presented many of her masterpieces at juried art festivals.
Dealer’s Choice by Giovanna Imperia
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Marudai, takadai, disc, square plate, or octoplate
Giovanna will share tips and tricks for braiding with wire. Explore everything you ever needed to know about wire and, using the equipment of your choice, create a wire braid sampler long enough to be transformed in a wearable piece.
Class Description: In this workshop students will have the opportunity of exploring the interesting properties of wire while learning to work with it on the braiding equipment of their choice. Students will learn how to measure a wire warp, how to set up their equipment and how to deal with some of the challenges presented by this material. In the process, a variety of tips and tricks will be presented and discussed.
Kits: Kits cost $35 – $45 depending on the equipment being used. Kits will be purchased directly from the instructor at the In Person Gathering. Kits will contain wire to be supplemented by the student’s own interesting yarn.
Student Equipment: Students can choose from:
- Marudai 8-16 tama in the weight of their choice
- Takadai 32-36 tama in the weight of their choice
- Foam disc 16+ EZ Bobs
- Square plate 12-16 EZ Bobs
- Octoplate 16+ EZ Bobs
Additionally, students will need: Appropriate counter weight in a bag for the Marudai, chopstick, S hook, warping pegs or C clamps, inexpensive scissors, extra weight: 2-5 gr fishing weight or washer
Student Supplies: Student’s own interesting yarn
Experience Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Students must know how to braid at least 8 strand braids on their equipment of choice.
Giovanna Imperia is the author of Kumihimo Wire Jewelry and many articles on braiding and weaving. Her work has been exhibited and is included in private and museum collections throughout the United States and internationally. Giovanna’s work focuses on the exploration of tactile and organic nature of fiber while pushing the boundaries of the expected definition of body adornment and 3D objects. This is accomplished by actively involving the user through the concept of “transformation” – the idea of actively engaging the user in shaping and transforming the art piece.
Giovanna is President of the American Kumihimo Society.
Serendipity Necklace by Adrienne Gaskell
Saturday, August 26, 9:30 – 5:00
Marudai or Disc
In this class you will learn how to create a multi-pattern beaded necklace incorporating Adrienne’s special techniques, focal beads and a clever peyote stitch beaded magnetic clasp.
Class Description: Students will learn many beaded braid patterns using an 8-strand Kongoh braid. This project was inspired to replicate bead crochet patterns that have clear separations – straight lines – that emphasize the patterns. Students will learn how to design their own patterns using Adrienne’s easy grid planner. Learn can choose to make a RAW beaded Polyhedron bead or use a black focal bead in its place. A clever peyote stitch beaded magnetic clasp pulls the beautiful necklace together.
Optional Homework: If desired, students can request to be mailed supplies and instructions for the polyhedron bead and the peyote clasp pieces.
Kits: Kit cost $95. Kits will be purchased directly from the instructor at the In Person Gathering. Kits will contain Toho seed beads, Aiko and Demi Round beads. Czech 4mm druk beads, focal beads, #11 beading needle, beading thread, braiding cords, big-eye needle, glue-in magnetic clasp, and double faced bead tape.
Student Equipment: Either a foam disc with 8 plastic bobbins or a marudai, with 8 weighted tama and 25% counter weight. Bead mat, scissors, measuring tape, task light*, magnifiers* (*optional but recommended)
Experience Level: Intermediate
Adrienne Gaskell’s innovations explore the ancient Japanese art of kumihimo. Her jewelry incorporates gemstones, pearls, and beads and has been featured in “Showcase 500 Art Necklaces” by Lark Books, Bead&Button’s Bead Dreams competition, and the Toho Design Challenge. She exhibits at juried art shows and galleries across the county. Her teaching resume includes Braids 2012 in Manchester England, Braids 2016 in Tacoma, WA, Bead & Button show since 2006, Japanese Kumihimo Society and Toho Bead Company in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima Japan. Adrienne’s popular DVDs, Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai, and More Beaded Kumihimo on the Marudai were the first instructional videos for braiding with beads on the marudai.
Class Description: When the threads of the Kongo Gumi are unevenly arranged the braid shape looks like connected round balls. Per Makiko “I named this braid Baroque Kongoh because it looks like a necklace of large baroque pearls. The concept can be found in Jacqui Carey’s book, but this baroque kongoh is a little different. It’s not a big difference, but with just a few tricks, we can create interesting shapes”.
Kits: Kit cost $72. Kits will be purchased directly from the instructor at the In Person Gathering and MUST BE PAID FOR IN CASH. Kits will contain two packages of Japanese precut metallic threads. Students can choose their own colors.
Student Equipment: Marudai, 16 tama with cotton leader threads, 50 grams of counterweight and a chopstick. Also, painter’s tape and two wide, non-slip headbands (or 2 in. wide vet wrap tape).
Experience Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Students should be experienced braiding and setting up a marudai. They should also be comfortable braiding 16 tama braids.Students should be experienced braiding and setting up a marudai with and comfortable braiding 16 tama braids.
Japan’s Makiko Tada is largely responsible for the growing international interest in the art of Kumihimo braiding. She creates designs from both traditional patterns and from her own original designs and is an expert on the long history of kumihimo. After restoring ancient national treasure braids from the Kyoto National Museum, she dedicated them to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Hayatama Shrine.
Makiko Tada conducts research and lectures in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia and authored the seven-volume “Comprehensive Treatise of Braids”. While completing her Doctorate of Engineering at Kyoto Institute of Technology she received funding from the Japanese government to invent a new braiding machine for composite materials. This machine will be vital for making components for the construction and aerospace industries.
Dr. Makiko Tada’s 40 years of research, artistry, authorship, and invention assure the art of Kumihimo braiding will touch and enrich many lives across the world.