The Online Learning Center (OLC) was designed to further the AKS mission and provide quality online learning experiences for AKS members. eCourses are offered through the AKS Website. Courses will benefit all levels, from Grasshopper to Zen Master.

Instructor-Led eCourses, On-Demand eCourses and eStudy Groups are free to all members who have a current Paid AKS Membership

AKS eCourses

It may take up to 48 hours before you have access to the eCourse that you’ve registered for.

Creative Kumihimo
Instructor: Carolyn Haushalter
A study of 18 braids from Jacqui Carey’s book ‘Creative Kumihimo’. Students who were not able to participate in Carolyn’s eStudy Group now have the opportunity to take the eCourse as independent study On-Demand course. This will allow for students to work at their own pace when time permits. There is no set time or date to ‘meet’ for class. The class forum is where you can post photos and see what other students have made. Carolyn will occasionally check in to the forum to answer questions and see your progress.
Prerequisite: Access to Jacqui Carey’s book Creative Kumihimo and marudai experience is required.
Course Material Available: October 1st – December 31st, 2018

CBB – Fundamentals & More
Instructor: Adrienne Gaskell
CBB (Continuous Beaded Braids) are braids that are made with strands of beads in place of fiber strands. This eCourse is marudai based and will guide students through an in depth study of CBB as well what is unique for the marudai when making these types of braids. Each unit will explore different aspects of the process as well as different braid structures.
Prerequisite: Students will need marudai equipment, however, marudai experience is not required.
Course material available: July 25, 2018 through January 25, 2019

The Star of the Show – The Braid or the Beads
Instructor: Shirley Berlin
Date: November 2018

Color Demystified
Instructor: Maureen Shankey
Date: November 2018

Thick & Thin
Instructor: Shirley Berlin
Date TBD

From Disc to Dai
Instructor: Carol Benner
Date TBD

eStudy Groups

Comprehensive Treatise of Braids I: Maru-dai Braids by Makiko Tada
Leader: Adrienne Gaskell
This eStudy Group will progressive through the book learning a variety of braids starting with a simple 4 strand braid and gradually working up to 24 strand braids. Adrienne will also cover how to understand the book notations and how they relate to Western marudai equipment.
Prerequisite: Participants must have a copy of the book and Maru-dai equipment. This is a Marudai only course, students should be familiar with basic marudai use and set-up.
Date: January 2019