Green Elegance

by Cathy Larsen
(Toms River, NJ)

Kumihimo Jewelry in Iris Green

Kumihimo is the ancient art of Japanese braiding. Using Czech faceted beads, and seed beads, Kumihimo creates unusual yet beautiful bracelets and necklaces.

Incorporating any other types of beads, you can create some very unusual designs. I find this to be so relaxing and once you set up your disk, the braiding goes smoothly.

This one is created with Iris green Czech faceted beads and Iris green and gold seed beads.

I completed the pieces with gold plated findings.

Thank you.

Cathy Larsen
Jewelry Creations by Cathy

Comments for
Green Elegance

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Great colors
by: Rena

Very sleek and elegant - and I really like the bead colors you chose here!

Thank you for the interesting info on Kumihimo - it sounds like fun to create luscious, long strands with this technique.

Very Pretty
by: Michelle

This is so pretty and look like it would be very comfortable to wear, too.

Also, from someone who doesn't use/work in seed beads, it looks complex and very advanced. :)

Thank you
by: Cathy

Thank you for your nice comments. I appreciate your feedback. Once you "thread" your beads and set up the disk, it is quite easy..and it goes fast. Google Becky Patellis. I use one of her patterns I found in a bead magazine.

A question
by: Anonymous

I haven't tried this yet and have a question: do you string the seed beads first and then weave, or add the beads as you go? Your necklace is beautiful and I watched a youtube video--looks like I could do it! Gorgeous!

love this technique
by: Donna

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pieces. I've recently finished my first attempt at this technique and love the result. I'm trying other beads for different affects. Should be fun! I wasn't sure how putting the beads on before weaving would work, but it's very smooth and the repetitive movements are quite therapeutic. I am having trouble finding the bead cap/cones to finish the ends, though. Any suggestions?

answers
by: Cathy

To Anonymous: I string the beads first, then weave them on the disk. I use S-Lon cord for most beads, but have used fireline for beads with smaller holes.

To Donna: Try jewelrysupply.com for the cones/caps. They have a nice supply of them in different sizes and styles.

Thank you both for the lovely comments! :-)

Glad you are pleased
by: Becky Patellis

I have so enjoyed Kumihimo, as have all my students. Cathy, yours looks great. Glad you contacted me for more information. Any time, any one.

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