Class Date/Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Class Location Address: New Mexico Bead Company 4111 Louisiana Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM
Instructor Kerrie Rogers:
I have worked extensively with color, texture, and pattern. I explored these elements while obtaining a MS in Textile Design and later as a designer of woven fabric for home and offices, automotive components, and tufted carpets for commercial use. Recently, I combined the knowledge gained from my BA in Art History and work at an Art Museum in Massachusetts with my experience in design by developing curricula to teach art classes, mostly in Mixed Media, in Tennessee. I have taught various age groups, from children to adults. Around 2020, while living in Memphis, I attended an introductory Kumihimo class and became interested in this Japanese braiding technique that is portable, quick to create, and rewarding. There are numerous combinations of bead colors and shapes, as well as various cords, yarns, threads, and patterns to explore.
Class Description:
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braiding technique which means gathered threads. Historically, silk cords were woven together in this technique to create braided cords for weapons, armor, apparel and artifacts. In this class, we will create an 8-warp beaded bracelet using a Kumihimo disk, cord and Miyuki seed bead.
This is a beginner class that will include how to calculate cord length and number of beads to use, how to set-up the cords on a disk, string beads on the cord, how to braid using the disk, remove the braid from the disk, bind the ends and attach endcaps.
Cost $45 ($25 for Instruction and $20 for kit)
Instructor Provided Materials:
- 5mm Stainless Steel Endcaps with 1” chain extender
- 24 feet of S-Lon cord cut into 8 pieces.
- Miyuki Japanese Glass Seed Beads in size 6/0 and 8/0, divided into 8 packets. enough to complete one bracelet. At least three colorways will be offered on a first come, first selection basis.
- 2.5” Big Eye Needle
- Small Binding Needle and thread
- .18oz tube of E6000 adhesive
- Printed Instructions
Students should bring or purchase from the instructor on the day of the class.
- Bring 8 No-tangle Thread Bobbins - OR BUY 8 Bob-EEZ Weighted, No-tangle Bobbins for $9 from Instructor in Class
- Bring a Round (6" Diameter) Kumihimo Disk a with at least a 1” center hole - OR BUY a 32 Slot Beadsmith Double Density (.75” thick) Round (6" Diameter) Kumihimo Disk with a 1.375" Center Hole for $6 from Instructor in Class.
Students should also bring.
- Beading mat or board
- Scissors
- Portable Light, if available.
- Magnification if needed.
This class is limited to 8 students. A waitlist is set up.
