Kumihimo braiding

Last weekend I went to a "free" demonstration on kumihimo braiding at the bead store. (It never ends up being free because I always buy stuff. I am a marketer's delight!) . My friend, Cheryl from Minnesota had shown me a bracelet she'd made using kumihimo braiding more than 2 years ago. I was intrigued enough to go to the demo because I loved the sound of the word, "kumihimo."

Anyway, there is a foam disk that makes the braiding so easy. I finished the braids while watching television. The pictures show how the ribbon/cording changes once it is braided. I need to go back to the bead store (sigh) to see how they are finished. These are great for hanging pendants from, especially since some people have allergies to metals. I love the texture created by the colors. If you use single color cords/ribbons, you can make patterns in the braid. I think Cheryl used beads throughout her braid. I'll have to ask her.