One of the fun things about being a member of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society is the ability to participate in our educational classes.
On May 17, 2018 we had our very first "Kumihimo Braiding Class!" Sharlene Baker and Barb Elliott very graciously consented to teach a "beginner's" two-day class.
With the first class, everyone learned the process of Japanese braiding. They learned how to calculate the length of material that would be used for the finished length of their necklaces, how to tie the beginning knot, set up the pattern, attach the weights and, last but not least, how to take it off the disk, tie it off and attach the jewelry ends.
They were able to purchase the Kumihimo basic kits. It came with the material to begin their first necklace, instruction sheets, weights, Kumhimo disk, jewelry end caps and, above all, the guidance of two really great and patient instructors.
Both classes were to be only two hours long but, because it was so much fun, each class lasted much longer than that. Everyone made Sharlene and Barb promise that more classes would be taught and on different techniques on braiding and weaving.
Moral to this story, become a member of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society and join in on the fun!!
