Kumihimo...The Japanese Art of Braiding

I've always been fascinated by braiding and plaiting.  Recently I discovered kumihimo...the Japanese art of braiding.  Long ago, samurai warriors would use this technique with silk cord to braid armour to protect themselves in battle.

The addition of beads to the braid is challenging but the end result is lovely.  I've been using up my seedbead stash with some kumihimo bracelets and coordinating them with some of my handmade lampwork beads.

Here are a couple of examples:

 Amber Lampwork Kumihimo Bracelet

Turquoise & Orange Kumihimo Bracelet

 

I'm looking forward to making more of these...the braiding is quite a meditative activity and nice to do after a long day at work.  I have a Celadon Green and black double-wrap bracelet I'm working on right now...it's coming along nicely.

 

If you have any questions about kumihimo or have a request for a custom order, please contact me.