Thursday, December 8, 2016

LEARN BEADED KUMIHIMO ON THE MARUDAI (DVD)

MORE BEADED KUMIJIMO ON THE MARUDAI (DVD)

With Adrienne Gaskell
Kalmbach Publishing Company

I had been eagerly awaiting receipt of these two DVDs after I learned of their availability.  My experience was solely with making the wonderful Kumihimo braids on the Marudai, but had never incorporated beads into their silky structures.  Now, I had no excuse for not determining the braid pattern, measuring out my cords, filling same with my favorite beads, wrapping the tama, adjusting the counter weight, and just following the wonderful visual and extremely well-articulated directions on these two DVDs.

Adrienne Gaskell is a wonderful instructor.  She conducts workshops all over the country for people interested in learning all of the intricacies of this wonderful creative art happening.  The viewer is taught all of the steps to create these beautiful beaded braided  cords on these two recently published DVDs.  If one cannot take a workshop with Adrienne, these DVDs provide a one-on-one experience of “how to” bead kumihimo.  We are taken through the planning stages regarding measuring and determining length of each cord for bead braiding  necklaces and bracelets.  How long to cut cord?  She gives us a very definitive answer.  Can be particularly frustrating when necklace cord ends up the wrong length.

We are instructed how to create several visual clues on the marudai to keep us on track and important information about documentation, winding tama, movement of hands across the mirror, threads, beads, counterweight, needles, etc.  DVDs also provides a lively discussion of the use of a bead spinning tool which is an indispensable aid for the kumihimo bead weaver.

I would highly recommend both of these DVDs.  In fact my new RCA compact DVD player is just the right tool for them.

Razine Wenneker   



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

PILOT FRIXION BALL PEN (Gel Roller)

Are you a crossword, word game, Sudoku, dot-to-dot, word puzzle, or any other type of paper/pen game player?  If so, you will love the Pilot Frixion ball erasable gel roller pens.  They come in an assortment of colors and tips. Make a mistake – no problem, like magic, the erasable top comes to one’s rescue.  I recently worked a dot-to-dot book on a four hour flight to California.  Didn’t mind the cramped seats, poor ventilation, and coughing and sneezing surrounding my space.  Had my favorite Pilot Frixion Ball Gel Roller erasable pen and I was able to enjoy my trip with this wonderful instrument?

Word of caution though, don’t sign any checks with this pen for over $1.00.

Razine Wenneker     



HOW TO MAKE 50 FABULOUS KUMIHIMO BRAIDS

Beth Kemp

Barron’s Educational Series


This beginner’s guide to making flat braids includes a Kumihimo square disk.  The book is a unique reference source on a subject that has captured the creative imagination of worldwide weavers.  I too was introduced to this exciting “gathering of threads” technique many years ago and have collected a substantial assortment of books and videos on this subject.

Beth Kemp’s book offers the braider all of the information necessary to lead them on this explorative journey.  Each chapter describes step by step visual and written instructions on how to proceed with the construction of the various braids.  All materials are listed and basic techniques are presented in beautiful illustrations and easy to follow instructions. 
                      
I was particularly captivated by the spectacular “Sunset Splendor” necklace.  But, one can always start with the simple “Friendship” bracelet project and proceed from there. 

I would highly recommend this book as a “fabulous” introduction of creative Kumihimo braiding possibilities.


Razine Wenneker