Description
Carolyn Oliver Haushalter has created her very own Japanese-style kumihimo braid. Shima Gumi is a flat braid structure that is perfect for embellishing with daggars, pip beads and metallic threads. Carolyn will teach three variations of the braid a 12-element gradient style necklace that emphasizes the flat and straight nature of the braid structure; an 8-element glamorous and elegant necklace with daggers and metallic yarn; and, a 12-element bracelet that features pip beads.
Carolyn will encourage experimentation in design by discussing her own creative process including how she designed this braid. Anyone with an interest in design and braiding innovation will benet from this workshop.
All 3 variations can be made on the marudai or foam disk.
Instructor: Carolyn Oliver Haushalter

Carolyn Oliver Haushalter has been making jewelry for two decades. In 2006 she discovered kumihimo and it became her favorite technique and obsession. Her favorite braids combine traditional techniques with modern materials. Three years later she began teaching, working with students from all over the world to share her love of the art. Her classes for improving your marudai skills and taking a new approach to classic kumihimo books are available through The American Kumihimo Society, www.amksoc.org. She has taught classes for the 2018 and 2020 American Kumihimo Society Gatherings and the 2021 and 2022 Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival, as well as bead stores and societies. She is the event coordinator and former co-chair of Pittsburgh’s Premier Bead Society: OCBPA.
Saturday, June 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Eastern
Class Format:
This class consists of one two hour session presented via Zoom. Students will be able to ask questions using the Zoom chat function. This class will be recorded, edited and posted in the class information. Posting the video generally takes between 48 and 72 hours.
Basic Equipment and Materials (a more specific supply list will be provided to those registered for the class):
- Marudai or 32 slot round kumihimo disk
- 8 or 12 tama of the same weight for the marudai or 8 or 12 plastic bobbins for disk
- 60% total tama counterweight for marudai or 30 gram/1 ounce counterweight for disk
- Fray Check or clear nail polish
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- E6000 or 2 part epoxy
- Toothpicks
Dagger Necklace
- 40 inch strands Katia Galaxy yarn, copper, or alternative fiber
- 40 inch strands C-Lon or S-Lon beading cord in size Tex 210/0.5mm/regular size
- 4mm beads (fire polish glass in sample, but any other size or material can be used)
- 5x16mm dagger beads
- Clasp
Gradient Necklace
- 40 inch strands sock weight yarn or alternative fiber 4 colors for the center that progress from dark to light
- 60 inch strands sock weight yarn or alternative fiber, in a darker color than the center
- Clasp
Pip Bracelet
- 20 inch strands Katia Galaxy yarn, silver
- 20 inch strands 1mm Chinese knotting cord
- 40 inch strands C-Lon or S-Lon beading cord in size Tex 135/0.4mm/fine weight
- 7x5mm Pip beads
- Clasp
Experience Level:
This is an advanced beginner/intermediate braiding project. Additionally, students should be comfortable with loading beads on cords. Marudai students should know how to set up their tama and counterweight.