Kumihimo

     Not that long ago I learned about a craft called kumihimo.  The term kumihimo translates to "coming together of threads."  It is a form of Japanese braiding, originally done on a wooden apparatus called a marudai.  Real kumihimo artists still use the marudai, but the rest of us use a portable foam disk.  You can make all sorts of nifty items like jewelry, key chains, belts, or purse straps from satin cord, hemp, ribbon, embroidery thread, even contractor's twine.

Marudai

Foam Disk

      I was given the opportunity to teach kumihimo to children through a happy accident.  I was working on a braiding project while I waited for my friends to finish up their greeting cards at a rubber stamping class at Bordentown Library.  The children's librarian noticed what I was doing and asked a few questions.  The library was setting up a summer program featuring crafts from around the world.  A kumihimo project would fit the bill perfectly.  Suddenly, I was a crafts teacher.

     Getting supplies for our group was a little more complicated than a quick trip to Joann or Michael's since kumihimo is not well known in this area.  You might be able to find a foam disk in a lanyard making kit at Joann.  Joann also has a limited selection of satin cord, but their price is quite high.  Ordering off the internet is the way to go.  While you can get a foam disk on Amazon or Ebay, I have found a site with reasonable prices and great service called Weir Dolls and Crafts.

http://www.weirdollsandcrafts.com/kumihimo/kumihimo.html

The best selection and cheapest prices for satin cord (called rat tail cord) are at B. B. Crafts.

http://www.bbcrafts.com/others/2mm-satin-tail-cord-/

Take a look at some of the projects we've done in our classes.

    

   

     We keep it simple for the little ones.  Feast your eyes on these more grown up kimihimo projects.  I'd love to get a group of adults together to make some of these.