Jan Buday - Glass Jewelry Artist - Japanese Kumihimo Classes

The current class schedule is available on my weblog.

Kumihimo 101
Students will learn how to set up the marudai and tama (bobbins), a basic round and flat braid and the kumi kata or braid form. They will learn a basic round braid, maru-yotsu, in this session, also a square braid called kusari-kaku-yatsu.

Kumihimo 102
Students will learn variations of basic braids and how to read the notations found in many Japanese instruction books. These variations will include adding beads as you braid. This will also include how to add texture to braids.

Kumihimo classes are taught in 2-hour sessions. Private lessons are $35 per hour including materials. Classes of 4 or more students are discounted.
Please contact me for additional information. I can usually plan around a client's schedule.

Japanese Kumihimo Braids pictured are numbered on image.

Jan Buday of Karei working on a marudai with bobbins flying

Tsuri-ito-Edo-Yatsu in silk - Traditional
Anda-gumi-zig-zag in metallic thread - Traditional
Oimatsu-gumi (Old Pine Tree) in silk - Traditional
Contemporary "braid within a braid" in silk and metallic thread
Ishibumi (A Step Stone) in silk - Traditional
Edo-Yatsu in silk - Traditional
Tsuri-ito-Edo-Yatsu in silk - Traditional

Kumihimo beginner's Marudai

Marudai 1 - Marudai 2 - Marudai 3

The braid stand, pictured left, was designed for the student that is interested in learning the "kumi-kata", or braid form, using two hands. Unlike the flat foam or plastic discs that uses one-handed movements, the number faced marudai enables students to learn the traditional movements associated with Japanese braid making. When used in conjunction with Rodrick Owen's book on braids, the student is well on their way for independent learning.

Our number-faced marudai are sold for $60 plus shipping and handling.