Kumihimo Classes at Bead Fest Lancaster, 2022 | Beading

Bead Fest has many offerings for jewelry and beading lovers alike, with over 115 workshops to choose from at the 2022 Lancaster event. The choices for classes seem nearly impossible to make with so many options, but if you are a lover of beading, I recommend one of the kumihimo classes. Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese art form for creating cords and braids. This technique is used by beaders to create eye-catching necklaces and bracelets.

Above: Sleeping Beauty Necklace from Yin Guang’s Bead Fest PA, 2022 class

There are two amazing instructors who will teach kumihimo workshops at Bead Fest: Maggie Thompson and Yin Guang.

About Maggie

Maggie Thompson began beading in the early 1990s and discovered her love of bead weaving, something she likes to incorporate in some of her Kumihimo designs. Maggie has a shop on Etsy, called MaggieTDesigns, where she sells kits, beads, and beading accessories that allow shoppers to create their own kumihimo pieces.

About Yin

Yin Guang has owned her store, Ancient Moon Beads Shop, located in Watertown, MA, for almost 30 years. She also has an Etsy shop, AncientMoonDesigns, where she sells kits that involve kumihimo and other braiding methods.

Tips for Your Kumihimo Projects

Master the Basics

For beginners, Maggie explains that you should “learn the basics before trying anything more advanced. Learn the basic 8-cord spiral (kongo gumi) braid and do enough projects until you feel confident. This includes learning the basic three moves to creating a braid, how to achieve a consistent tension, learning bead counts to get the proper braid length and how to finish off braids.” Download this free PDF for step-by-step instructions: Kumihimo 101.

Maggie Thompson’s Ruffles Kumi Bracelet Best Fest class

Add Beads to Kumihimo

If you are struggling with adding beads to your kumihimo project, worry not! Once you lift the cord you are working on out of its slot of the kumihimo disc, simply slide the first bead and slide it down the length of the cord. The bead should lay both between and under the cords to its right. Finish your move with the cord, then wrap it over the bead, holding it in place. The cord should not move from its position beneath the two cords to its right.

Lining It Up

Once you’ve added four beads, notice the “v’s” and “u’s” formed. The “v” pattern will be seen from the top and bottom, while the “u” pattern will be seen from left to right. Noticing these shapes will help you if you ever need to step away from your project before the braid is complete. If you do take a break, when you pick it back up, make sure the “v’s” and “u’s” are lined up at the top and bottom, and you’re set!

Kumihimo Inspiration

Let’s say you have mastered the basics of kumihimo, but you’re looking for design inspiration. When it comes to crafting at home, inspiration can be found anywhere. Maggie says that sometimes she can see a color or an object that sparks her imagination and starts her wheels start turning.

As a designer, she will create what she calls a “kindergarten sketch” after choosing a technique, beads and color palette. Her sketch then goes into her “conveyer belt” of other ideas which will go on hold until she is able to put that sketch into action. Take a break from your project to find your source of inspiration and once you get it back, begin again. Here are some Kumihimo Beading Projects to Try

Kumihimo Workshop Sneak Peeks

In addition to selling her kumihimo products in the Marketplace, Maggie will teach two kumihimo workshops during Bead Fest. You can learn to craft her Hathi Lariat Necklace and the Ruffles Kumi Bracelet. The Hathi Lariat Necklace is perfect for beginners with limited experience and allows you to create a beautiful piece easily, no clasp necessary!

Hathi Lariat Necklace from Maggie Thompson’s Bead Fest course — Maggie Thompson’s Hathi Lariat Necklace Bead Fest class

Maggie will also teach you to create her Ruffles Kumi Bracelet. Make sure you are comfortable with the basic 8-cord spiral kumihimo braid before signing up. By using the 8-cord spiral braid, you will be able to create a stunning bracelet before embellishing your piece with spiky button beads at the end.

Yin is teaching three intermediate kumihimo classes during Bead Fest. Braid a statement piece in Yin’s Beaded Kumihimo Lapis Necklace class. Students will use the kongo gumi technique and create beaded ropes that connect to the striking stone.

Yin Guang’s Beaded Kumihimo Lapis Necklace Bead Fest class — Project from the Beaded Kumihimo Lapis Necklace Bead Fest class with Yin Guang

Yin is also teaching a Beaded Kumi Sleeping Beauty Necklace class, which features one of Yin’s stunning turquoise focal pieces along with seed beads and wire-wrapped pearls to complete the design (shown at top of article).

Yin Guang’s Beaded Kumihimo Kesi Pearl Bracelet Bead Fest class — Yin Guang’s Beaded Kumi Keshi Pearl Bracelet Bead Fest class

Learn to braid beautiful keshi pearls together in this Yin’s Beaded Kumi Kesi Pearl Bracelet. This bracelet uses the two-drop kongo gumi technique and is finished with a ladybug bead and floral end caps.

Are you getting excited for Bead Fest? Make sure to check your class descriptions and bring the required supplies to be best prepared!