|
Note: this is a preliminary list based on class recommendations, web searching, etc.. I haven’t had a chance to gain any first hand knowledge with most of these sources. If you do, let me know -- positive or otherwise -- and I’ll adjust this list accordingly.
Kumihimo Resources
www.braidershand.com. As quoted on their site, “makers of quality Japanese style kumihimo equipment: marudai, takadai, and tama. Purveyors of books, kumihimo silk, biron and metallic threads for braiding.
www.braidsociety.org. Additional resources via web sites of its members, teaches, and suppliers.
www.braidweaver.com. Additional resources – artists, teachers, interest groups, suppliers.
www.careycompany.com. Jacqui Carey’s site. In addition to being one of the prominent authors of books on Kumihimo, Jacqui also offers related materials on this site. During class, Jacqui Carey’s Beginner’s Guide to Braiding – the Craft of Kumihimo was recommended. Follow-up books include Beads & Braids as well as Creative Kumihimo. The latter apparently gets into the less traditional aspects of Kumihimo. I found that all of these were available on www.amazon.com. Is there more to say on this one?
www.dacsbeads.com. Alethia Donathan’s site. Alethia was the instructor for my first kumihimo class, and offers some materials on her site. Also, something to look forward to in 2006 – Alethia will be releasing a DVD on Kumihimo braiding.
www.lacis.com. biron, silk
www.mtnloom.com. marudais, silk
www.rodrickowen.com . Rodrick Owen’s site. Another of the prominent authors of books on Kumihimo. One relating to kumihimo braiding on a marudai is Braids – 250 Patterns from Japan, Peru and Beyond. I didn’t find this on Amazon, but Rodrick’s site points to www.braidershands.com. as a resource for this book. Our instructor indicated that Rodrick visits the US for periodic workshops, but there’s little planned for 2005 on his site. Maybe next year will be better.
www.weavershand.com. As advertised – an information page for weavers. Check out the Kumihimo galleries as well as instruction, source and braider’s web sites
Metal Resources
Mary Hettsmansperger. Currently, Mary doesn’t seem to have a site – but in early 2006, she will be releasing a book – Fabulous Woven Jewelry. It’s being released by Lark books, and is listed on www.amazon.com.
www.faeringdesigninc.com/fst-rve.html . Resource for copper roves and more (thanks to Donna of BlackBerry Beads!)
www.leelabeads.com/ . Lisa Kelly’s site. She carries the stamp sets and metal dapping blocks mentioned above as well as many other items!
www.mcmaster.com. A site for everything industrial – including bare copper wire, copper sheets and copper foil as well as mesh, and stainless steel. This is the site that Mary recommended to the class.
www.ottofrei.com/. In looking for tools that others were out of, I found them here. Very responsive over the phone.
www.royalwoodltd.com. A site for waxed linen. Mary recommends using the 4 play for multi strand necklaces, and 7 strand for a single strand. Half-hitch works well.
urbanmaille.com/default.asp. This site offers chain link kits as well as jump rings and finished pieces. Based on the discussions in classes about this one, it’s one of the best.
|
|
