The cost of kits is going up. Partly due to the value of the US dollar in international markets and partly due to the price of gas. We've tried to keep the cost of kits down by coming up with some alternates to Swarovski crystals. But sometimes you want to make something special...or you want it in your favorite color. For that reason I'm also adding some special Swarovski crystals to the website. My new favorite is the 2mm round which sparkles so sweetly and really adds to an ornament. Who'd have guessed something so small could add so much. I also have rivoli's in standard and custom colors. Octagons, biolettes and baroques. Most are in custom coatings which are phenomenal! Pictures will never do them justice.
For those who want to special order: You love the design but it has to be in purple...or blue...or both! Special order kits are available for $15.00 (above and beyond the price of the original kit). Call me and we'll take care of your special request.
Trying to save money? Consider the multi-book special. When you buy more than one book you can save. But you have to order a special to get the special price. See "Book Specials" under categories on the left of this page. The Regency Collection is not part of any special and won't be until the next book is released.
Happy Beading Everyone! I hope you like the new book!
A Kumihimo Christmas! For all our braiders we have this beautiful wreath braided wreath kit. It's fun to do using braiding patterns you already know or a new one we've included with the kit. Each wreath is 4.5" round and the kit includes everything you need to make 2! $34.95
You will need a Kumihimo To Go disk and 8 bobbins to make the wreath (not included).
Necklace Book: For all those people who asked "How did you make that?" the answer is now here! This book provides step by step photographs showing you how to make the braid and turn it into a beautiful necklace. It includes directions for 10 necklaces, including braiding with beads. For those who love the kumihimo disk and really want to put it through it's paces, this book is for you. Those of you who have enjoyed the Kumihimo To Go kit will love this book! It is written in easy to understand English and has projects for all skill levels and all ages. $21.95.
Don't forget, I stand behind everything I sell. If you have any questions, just go to the Contact Us portion of this website (see left column) and ask. I will respond.
What is Kumihimo To Go? Kumihimo To Go is an inexpensive introduction to japanese braiding. The kit includes everything you need to make your first necklace. A kumihimo disc, bobbins, cord, end caps and clasp....and those all important instructions in English!. This is braiding by the numbers. Step by step photographs teach you the simple moves that create a uniform round braid. And best of all, you can take it anywhere!
On a plane, at the office, in a car, on the phone, while you wait, watching television. Anywhere!
The disc is light and the patterns are repetitive so they are easy to remember.
Kumihimo To Go
is an easy way to show off focal beads. Rather than stress over the
many stringing components needed to show off that special bead, try
making a perfectly color coordinated cord using inexpensive fibers. But
don't limit yourself to yarns, make a leather bracelet for a man using
strips of suede. How about custom tie-backs for curtains or shade
pulls? Handles for purses or bags? Headbands? Edging for quilts and
clothing? Embellishment for stamped cards and hand crafted books?
The disc and bobbins are reusable so that you can make an unlimited number of items.
Radically different looks can be had just by changing the type of cord
used. Try chenille yarn or embroidery floss. Check out the Kumihimo Gallery to
see what is possible using the Kumihimo to Go kit. There are additional
instructions available for other braid shapes and patterns.
Traditionally Kumihimo braids were made using a marudai which is a
wooden stool with a hole in the center. Today's marudais are generally
crafted in beautiful woods and can be very expensive. The bobbins, also
made out of wood, are filled with lead to very exact weights...and
again, very expensive. A marudai and 8 bobbins might run as high as
$250.00. Yikes! And while they are beautiful, they are also big and
heavy. Certainly not something you can take on a plane or tuck in a
purse. That
is why Kumihimo To Go is so great! You have the joy of making something
truly beautiful without breaking the bank or your back!
Happy Braiding!
