Still on the Kumihimo - Maybe I need Professional Help

Erin:

Holy cow! Look at all those peridot brios!

That must have cost a fortune.

Erin -

The peridot briolettes were some of the most expensive beads I've ever bought.  I got them from a friend - they were the last two strands she had, and I had been lusting over them for a few years.  I never regretted purchasing them - but in the back of my mind, I was always worried about how I could use them.  The holes are so small, I couldn't do anything with them that required multiple passes - like a spiral or a weaving project, and I couldn't get a doubled strand of silk through.  So, this project was a triumph for me on two fronts.

Glad you like, and thank you (and everyone else) for your kind words.

Lita 

 Oh don't you just LOVE it when you finally figure out the PERFECT project for a beloved set of beads? And I'd say you couldn't have done better than THIS lovely creation. *sigh* I love Briolettes... probably my personal FAVORITE bead, but often a challange to use.

Lois

Lita...I know it is geared for the marudai and I have that covered.... the book suggested taping a cardboard disk to the top of a lamp shade frame...done that... also suggested making weights for your warps using film cannisters with something inside (my choice is nuts & bolts) and rubber bands on the edges to stop your threads coming off...done that too... I know the weight ratio between center & threads is approx. 3:1, so have already made my baggy to hold center weight....but I still intend to try and use my foam disk as much as possible and have been oiling the old brain box to keep it tricked up ready to face the obsticles...  Are you going to try beading any of the different braids...??  Show and tell if you do...

Lynn

 Lynn - I am definitely going to try different braids - in fact, Jacqui Carey has a book dedicated to braiding and beading.  It's out of print, and very expensive on Amazon.  A few of the braiding sites have it cheaper - so I may go that route.  I want to see if I can get it from my library first, though.

Lita

 I love seeing your kumihimo designs - keep 'em coming!  This neclace is really elegant, the drape is beautiful, I bet it's a real pleasure to wear.  All those peridot briolettes, it's sumptuous.

Hi Lita ~ I found this book on Jacqui Carey's website. I'm not sure if its the one you are looking for but its about half the cost of the same one on Amazon.  Its called "Beads & Braids"

http://careycompany.com/shop/osc/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=29&osCsid=81cecaebe9f53c1ca233c2158a580ea9

That is one classy piece of work!  WOW

Leasa

:)

Melinda - I have seen this on Jacqui's site.  Unfortunately, with shipping the book comes to nearly $70 US!  I'll probably order it from one of the Kumihimo/Weaving sites that have it for $49.95.  I'd like to get it via interlibrary loan first, to see if it's worth it.

Lita

 Lita, I have to tell you that your braiding is awesome. I love how you are keeping 'at it', which is why they are looking so fantastic. Each piece you braid you find how the next will turn out, depending on the beads you use. I love watching this transition with you!

How do you think 'crystal cubes' would work out, if braided? I purchased a KumiLoom when you first showed the grey pearl necklace...that was gorgeous too! I haven't started stringing anything to use it, yet, but you sure know how to inspire!

Erin

 Erin -

There's no reason why crystal cubes wouldn't look fantastic - but they may need to be paired with a different shape, since the cube shape won't naturally nestle with itself.

Can't wait to see your work.

Lita

 Oh, but just think how the topdrilled bicones would work!

 Man alive that is one HECK of a nice necklace!!!  And the materials...so lux!!!  I wish I could work with something as nice as that!!!!  Maybe someday...

LitaC:

 Erin -

There's no reason why crystal cubes wouldn't look fantastic - but they may need to be paired with a different shape, since the cube shape won't naturally nestle with itself.

Can't wait to see your work.

 Lita

I get what you mean....good point!

As for seeing my 'Kumi Braids'....whoa, there....not right a way...but in the near future. I think I should still see more of your work!!

Erin

Hey Lita,

I found this kumi kit on amazon. It has a disc, bobbins and instructions for $12. Is this everything I would need to get started?

Here's the link: its ridiculously long--hope it works.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DQV8NS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0971486662&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0QBTZNM00EMKJ45X35ED

Erin

Hello Again Lita ~ In case you are still looking, I found the book at Land Of Odds for $39.95 (with estimated shipping = $49+), though they do offer discounts according to the website for retail or wholesale.  http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Detail?no=29699