2025 Registration

Member Registration starts at 7:00 am on November 17, 2024

Registration for all others starts at 7:00 am on December 1, 2024

Kumihimo Marudai Braiding Demystified – SOLD OUT

Skill Level

Beginner

Required Skills:

  • No previous experience required
  • Some experience handling long lengths of fiber is helpful

Class Length

  • 2.5 Days
  • Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Sunday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Description

In this class, students will become proficient in making Kumihimo braids using traditional Japanese equipment (marudai). This class will focus on the six Basic Moves used to create most kumihimo braids. Most people are surprised when they learn that there are just a few finite number of Basic Moves (interlacements) used in kumihimo. With each of the moves, students will be introduced to new braid structures as well as compound braids. This workshop will be taught exclusively on traditional Japanese equipment (marudai). No previous experience is necessary and marudai equipment may be rented from the instructor with advance notification.

Instruction will include how to read and translate Kumihimo braid diagrams which will open up a world of braiding possibilities. Kumihimo authors and instructors often use their own vocabulary and diagrams; understanding the key elements will take the mystery out of the many different styles.

During the workshop, the instructor will emphasize proper braiding techniques for each braid structure and how to seamlessly transition between structures.

Fees

Registration Fee $425 Members; $500 Non-members
Materials Fee $45

Materials Fee includes: Japanese kumihimo silk, tama leaders, illustrated instructions with directions for 10 different braid structures including round, square, and flat braids.

Students to Bring

  • Marudai equipment including:
  • Wooden marudai
  • 8 weighted tama and 50% counter weight
  • Marudai equipment may be rented from instructor for an additional $15 material fee, with notification at least 4 weeks prior to the start of class.
  • Writing materials
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors

Instructor Bio

Adrienne Gaskell

Adrienne Gaskell is an award winning jewelry artist who has embraced the ancient Japanese fiber art of kumihimo braiding. By incorporating gemstones, pearls, and beads with traditional fibers she has brought this technique into the realm of modern jewelry design. Her work has been featured in Lark Books, as well as numerous magazines and competitions. She exhibits her award-winning jewelry at juried art shows and select galleries across the country. She is the founder and past president of the American Kumihimo Society and teaches kumihimo workshops in the United States and Japan.

Gallery

These pictures offer examples of the workshop content or experience.