Kumihimo Flowers
With Makiko Tada
Saturday Sept. 26, 2026
8:30 – 11:30
Experience Level: All levels, experience braiding Anda Gumi on a square plate will be helpful but not required.
Class Description:
Create a flower corsage or decorative accent piece for wearable art. In this class, Makiko will introduce innovative new braiding fibers that can be shaped and manipulated to create dimensional, sculptural forms. Students will learn Anda Gumi on the disk along with the Leno braid technique, gaining skills that offer many creative possibilities.
Kit: $ 20
Price may vary depending on equipment and materials students choose. Instructor will bring Octo Plates, Square Plates, different types of braiding fibers.
Students should bring:
Square foam plate or Octoplate, Scissors
Sasanami Blossoms
With Masumi Tada
Saturday Sept. 26, 2026
8:30 – 11:30
Experience Level: All levels, experience braiding Anda Gumi on a square plate will be helpful but not required.
Class Description:
Create an elegant necklace featuring graceful curves with an open lacy effect. Masumi will explain how making subtle structural adjustments to the traditional Sasanami braid creates movement and negative space. Pre-class preparation instructions will be provided for everyone to arrive ready to start braiding. Students will use their own braiding fi
Project will not be completed in class.
Kit: $ 10
Price may vary depending on materials students choose. Instructor have available for purchase: Octo Plates, Square Plates, and different types of braiding fibers.
Students should bring:
Octo-plate or square plate (or purchase one in class), 24 plastic bobbins, 12 bundles (sections) of multi-strand braiding fibers (24 tama weight).
Infinite Potential - A workshop
With Yuko Yoshida
Saturday Sept. 26, 2026
8:30 - 11:30
Experience Level: Intermediate; students should be proficient braiding 16-tama braids.
Class Description: This class offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the artist herself. You will discover the design possibilities of kumihimo in this special presentation with master braider and author Yuko Yoshida. In her book Infinite Potential of Kumihimo, Yuko introduces dynamic new braid structures including Spirals, Leaf forms, and her stunning Flower Crown designs. As Yuko expresses, “Simply braiding kumihimo and braiding it beautifully are not exactly the same.”
This will be a lecture and demonstration experience rather than a hands-on workshop. Instead of braiding independently, students will observe Yuko as she explores the different braid variations, sharing design concepts, process insights, and how to braid them beautifully!
Bring your copy of Infinite Potential of Kumihimo for signing, or purchase one at the event for $25.
Kit: No student kit
Students should bring:
Notebook and pen/pencil. Optional: "UFO" projects from Yuko's book.
Temari Balls from A to Z
With Adrienne Gaskell
Saturday Sept 26, 2026
8:30 - 11:30
Experience Level: All levels
Class Description:
Discover the art of Japanese Temari ball making, from forming the traditional rice husk core to stitching the tiny, precise designs that define this beautiful craft. In this hands-on class, you will learn the essential techniques - from building and wrapping the core to creating the geometric embroidery patterns that bring Temari to life. Students will follow a traditional pattern while learning how to add decorative accents and color variations to create a unique, personal piece. Whether you are new to Temari or looking to refine your skills, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to continue creating Temari on your own.
Kit: $ 20
Includes rice husks, yarn, temari needle, colored ball point pins, and embellishing threads in a variety of color options.
Students should bring:
Scissors, magnifiers and task light recommended.
Chunky Beaded 7-cord Focal
With Kristen MacDowell
Saturday Sept 26, 2026
8:30 - 11:30
Experience Level: All levels
Class Description:
In this class, we will learn the 7-cord Fill-The-Gap technique. and braid a chunky 4"- 5" focal section with natural stone beads and a mix of glass beads in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Instructor will demonstrate how to wire wrap cone for a quick ready-to-wear finish as an alternative to glue-on caps. We will explore options on finishing the piece into a wearable necklace or bracelet.
Kit: $ 30 - $50 depending on kit chosen. A variety of colorways will be available.
Includes written instructions, pre-cut cord, all stones and beads, choice of cones and 7-cord template.
Students should bring:
Kumihimo disc, 7 bobbins, counterweight, big eye or collapsible needle, beading mat
Experience Level: All levels
Students should bring:
Kumihimo disc, 7 EZ Bobs, and weight bag or clip.
OR
Marudai, 7 tama, counterweight of 40% of tama weight, chopstick. (Must be proficient in setting up Marudai to braid.)
Optional: Jewelry quality chain nose pliers (2 pair is advised), round nose pliers and wire cutters. A limited number of tools will be available to borrow. Thread/cord burner.
Double Happiness
With Yin Guang
Saturday Sept 26, 2026
8:30 - 11:30
Experience Level: All levels
Class Description:
In this class, you’ll learn the 7-strand European braiding technique to create a stunning asymmetrical necklace. Using three colors of seed beads, you’ll braid them into spiral and color-blocked sections. This beaded 7-strand project will deepen your understanding of the basic structure and movement of the technique. The design is finished with a vintage porcelain bead featuring the Chinese character for Happiness from the instructor's personal collection.
Kit: $ 60
Includes all materials and components to complete necklace.
Students should bring:
Round kumihimo disc with 7-cord fill-the-gap template, ruler, and scissors.
Lightning Strike
With Carolyn Oliver Haushalter
Saturday Sept 26, 2026
8:30 - 11:30
Experience Level: All levels.
Class Description:
In Lightning Strike, you will combine an Edo Yatsu variation and a Naiki Gumi variation to make a striking necklace that will show off your kumihimo skills! This fun project will explain how to combine braids with different number of elements seamlessly,
Kit: $ 40
Includes: Full written instructions, Tencel 8/2 thread, Rikorumi Lame DK yarn, pewter end caps, pewter toggle clasp, Jump Rings
Students should bring:
Marudai
16 tama
45% counterweight
Scissors
Glue (E6000 or Two Part Epoxy preferred)
Pliers