I’m delighted to be teaching my Anda-gumi beaded bracelet class at Bead & Button 2017. This bracelet is something I developed over a 2 year period. It’s based on a fiber version by the same name by Makiko Tada, my amazing Japanese Kumihimo sensei (teacher).
The Anda-gumi braid began life on the Takadai, a Japanese braiding frame used to make narrow bands. Takadai braids are often used as obijime (ties for Kimono), straps and bands, and in modern times, even neckties. A fiber artist, Jenny Parry, has made some incredible art pieces on the Takadai using traditional methods and non-traditional fiber.
Here’s a picture I took in Iga, Japan, in 2016, of Mr. Hirosawa, one of Japan’s foremost Kumihimo artists, working on a takadai in is studio.
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- Hirasawa-sensi at the takadai
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- Close up of working the braid
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- The pattern in the braid
One of my classes is sold out, but there are 5 seats left on Saturday, June 10th. If you’d like more information or (hopefully) to sign up, please click here to go the Bead & Button website. Happy Braiding!