My Handwork Studio ~ A Fashion and Needle Arts Community for Kids!

Kumihimo, Japanese Braiding by The Shore

This year we all learned Kumihimo, the art of Japanese braid making.  It is a very simple craft that results in a beautiful outcome that completely addicts the kids and puts them in a Kumihimo trance for hours.  No need for TV, though I did find them all hiding in my room watching the first season of Project Runway and braiding (I think to fully appreciate that statement you have to understand there are 8 kids; 3 boys and 5 girls from 10-14 years old...I was a little surprised by the boys). 

Anyway, back to Kumihimo.  I would highly suggest seeking out a book of this beautiful craft,  it won't replace your video systems, but it is perfect for a long car ride or long lazy days at the beach.  There are a couple books I can recommend.  The first is "You Can Weave, Projects for Young Weavers" by Kathleen Monaghan and Hermon Joyner, A Davis Publication.  We sell it in our store.  Beside the Kumihimo, there are lots of other great weaving projects and we teach from this book often.  The only down side is it teaches only one braid pattern in Kumihimo.

For more advanced braiding I recommend Braids: 250 patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond, by Rodrick Owen and published by Interweave Press.  You can get this on Amazon.

I encourage you to try this lovely craft.  It is truly one of those simple pleasures that enhances your life....if only for an afternoon down the shore.