It's been a while...

I can tell you right now, I have a hard time doing almost anything on a regular basis. Well, except for jewelry design & creation! Now it's time to tell you about 2 events that I've participated in.

The first was back in August. The Texas Kumihimo Retreat was fabulous! The event was held at the Sheraton North Houston which turned out to be quite nice despite the poor reviews I read online. I arrived on Thursday evening for a reception/meet & greet gathering. Our hostess & creator of the event, Sonia Corbin-Davis, is a very gracious & talented Kumihimo & jewelry artist. We were greeted by her husband playing beautiful music on a keyboard & the smell of delicious food wafting through the room. I immediately felt at home. It was nice to be able to meet the instructors & fellow students in a relaxed setting.

The Kumihimo fun began on Friday. We chose our classes ahead of time. My first class was making a Kumihimo pen! It was so fun & also such a cool project. The nicest thing about this retreat is learning from experienced jewelry artists & then having time to work on the projects we were taught. I will be signing up for next year!

The second event was having my first booth at my church's annual bazaar. They have a Merchandise Mart where all manner of items are sold--purses & leather goods, pottery, handmade crafts, educational children's books...  Due to construction, some of we vendors were in a classroom whose door opened to a parking lot--away from the main event/action. After talking to a few people in my room, it sounded like no one sold many items. Including me.

But I don't consider it a bust! It was a great time to practice. It really was a lot of work but it made me get organized, price my jewelry, run through the procedure of packing, making a display, packing back up, etc. Now I will work on getting many pieces listed in my Etsy shop.

I will take some time to explore blogspot now to figure out how to post pictures & do other fun stuff so my blogs aren't so boring!

Wishing you health, happiness & lots of time to make jewelry❤️
Moogie

Sooo excited!

I heard there are Kumihimo groups on Facebook so I went hunting. Right away I found the best thing! There will be a Kumihimo retreat weekend in August in Houston. Who says dreams don't come true?! I signed up today. One of the instructors is Giovanna Imperia. She's presenting a master workshop all day Sunday. Anyone interested in more information can go to http://www.kumihimoretreat.com

All for now. Gotta get my beauty sleep.
Moogie

Wish List/shareing Gemstones!

As I look over the many beautiful gemstone beads, links & big hunks of gorgeous minerals at Lima Beads & other sites, I sit here wishing I had someone to go in with me to share a purchase. For instance, look up the laguna lace agate freeform slices. I would love 2-3 of them but not a full 16" strand! That goes for many other very expensive stones.
If anyone is interested in splitting an order, let me know. I can put them in my Etsy shop & you can get them there. You'd just have to tell me how many you'd like. Say for instance we both want the 12mm grade A blue lace agate beads. You'd like 4 & so would I. I can get 1/2 strand & figure out price per bead, then put them in the shop. You'd get what you want & I'd ship them to you. I understand that might take some trust on your part, as well as mine. I would probably give a week for purchase then open them up for general sale, unless you needed a bit more time.
So, what do you think of this plan? Anyone interested?!
Fyi, here's my wish list, which I'll add to as I see more goodies:
http://www.limabeads.com/African-Jade-Puff-Coin-15mm-P41144
http://www.limabeads.com/African-Jade-Thin-Pillow-20x15mm-P41145
http://www.limabeads.com/Pacific-Blue-Apatite-Freeform-Nugget-Drop-6_11x9_13mm-P13171
http://www.limabeads.com/Apatite-neon-Faceted-Rondelle-3mm-P31446
http://www.limabeads.com/Amethyst-Faceted-Round-10mm-P5370
http://www.limabeads.com/Amethyst-Faceted-Round-8mm-P2243
http://www.limabeads.com/Apple-Jasper-Puff-Coin-10mm-P591
http://www.limabeads.com/Australia-Sun-Jade-Flat-Oval-14_20x10_13mm-P25894
http://www.limabeads.com/Blue-Lace-Agate-A-Round-12mm-P32413
http://www.limabeads.com/Bronzite-Round-8mm-P1125
http://www.limabeads.com/Bronzite-Round-6mm-P1124
http://www.limabeads.com/Burma-Jade-Flat-Oval-10_18x9_13mm-P34036
http://www.limabeads.com/Brazil-Amazonite-A-Round-10_11mm-P42201
http://www.limabeads.com/Chrome-Diopside-Nugget-5_8x4_6mm-P40894
http://www.limabeads.com/Chrome-Diopside-Round-7_8mm-P25847
http://www.limabeads.com/China-Chrysocolla-Tumbled-Nugget-13_17x11_15mm-P41172
http://www.limabeads.com/Citrine-Tumbled-Nugget-8_12x7_10mm-P34640
http://www.limabeads.com/Rainbow-Fluorite-Faceted-Rondelle-6mm-P5363
http://www.limabeads.com/Rainbow-Fluorite-Chips-4_7x7_10mm-P42213
http://www.limabeads.com/Garnet-Faceted-Round-10mm-P18521
http://www.limabeads.com/Garnet-Round-12mm-P22890
http://www.limabeads.com/Imperial-Jasper-Horse-Eye-19x12mm-P2795
http://www.limabeads.com/Kyanite-A-Round-6_7mm-P42194
http://www.limabeads.com/Kyanite-Nugget-4_6mm-P36874
http://www.limabeads.com/Kyanite-Horse-Eye-20_30x9_15mm-P42756
http://www.limabeads.com/Kyanite-Thin-Pillow-12x8_9mm-P42453
http://www.limabeads.com/Kyanite-A-Round-4_5mm-P42195
http://www.limabeads.com/Labradorite-dark-Round-11_12mm-P42243
http://www.limabeads.com/Labradorite-Round-10_11mm-P42244
http://www.limabeads.com/Labradorite-AA-Round-8mm-P15922
http://www.limabeads.com/Labradorite-A-Round-4_5mm-P42239
http://www.limabeads.com/Labradorite-A-goldtone-Round-5_6mm-P42240
http://www.limabeads.com/Labradorite-Stick-Drops-3_6x10_15mm-P42451
http://www.limabeads.com/Laguna-Lace-Agate-Faceted-Round-8mm-P37579
http://www.limabeads.com/Laguna-Lace-Agate-Freeform-Slice-30_42x23_40mm-P37210

If we put an order in before midnight this Monday, Memorial Day, we can get 25% off if over $100.
So, let me know!
🌈 Moogie

Kumihimo Chat

I thought I'd share a bit of what I've discovered on the subject of Kumihimo.

It's fun! It's easier than it looks. It takes lots of beads to make a fully beaded Kumihimo necklace.

There is plenty of information on the Internet about Kumihimo.  If you want to make the most basic 8-strand kumi braid, all it takes is a kumi disk & some cord/yarn/ribbon or whatever material you want to use & 8 bobbins to wind the cords so you avoid a tangled mess.

Kumihimo, which I refer to as kumi, is an ancient Japanese technique for braiding, originally used to secure clothing.  With the invention of the foam disk, the braids are made and used for beautiful jewelry creations, things like pet collars & leashes & other creative uses.

What I want to do now is tell you what you might need to get started on a simple beaded kumihimo braid.  I can not possibly write all there is to know about making a kumihimo braid here.  Please check out the videos and instructions elsewhere on the Net. I'm including a few spots to check out.

If you are more of a visual learner, check out YouTube for some great videos to see how it's done.  Personally I love CSL Designs-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGPRi_lFPh8jpVUEfPG6-g She focuses on Kumihimo, wire work, wire weaving, macrame and more.  She's a very good teacher (& I love her accent!).

As for books, I have bought a few and my favorite so far is Kumihimo Basics & Beyond by Rebecca Ann Combs.  She includes the basics in an easy to understand way, along with pictures. Starting with the basic braid using cording only, she moves into beaded strands, adding pendants, making patterns, using different kinds of beads such as different shapes of drops.  She's also a good teacher and has a nice sense of humor :)

There is a "thing" called kumihimo math.  Yep, don't freak out.  It's simple math!  Use it to determine the length of cording you'll need to use to make a bracelet or necklace.  For example, if you want a bracelet whose total length is 7.5 inches, you first must choose your findings.  There are charts online that tell you the diameter of your finished strand using your chosen cording. If you use 1.5 mm satin cord & you make a basic 8-strand braid, your end result will be 7mm round.  Find the chart here:  http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/charts/b90m

When you get this measurement, you can choose your end caps that you glue onto the ends of your finished braid.  You'll also need 2 jump rings and a clasp.  You line those up and measure the length, subtract from 7.5 and that's how long your finished braid should be. Include the bits that get glued into the end caps. So, let's say you need a 6" braid.  You have 8 strands to cut for your braid.  Take 6 and multiply by 3 = 18".  That's how long EACH of the 8 strands should be.  But instead of cutting 8 strands of 18" each, you can cut 4 twice as long (36"). Find the middle & using a 6" scrap of cord, tie them together with an overhand knot & fold them in half to make the 8 strands.  Less cutting and measuring this way.  It also allows you to start with a neater end. Put the folded part with the scrap of cord down the center hole of the disk.  You can attach a weight (such as an inexpensive fishing weight) to this scrap cord, which helps with keeping an even tension as you braid.  You are now ready to attach the 8 strands to the disk; 2 strands top, 2 bottom and 2 to each side.  Where do you insert them?  On most disks there are dots north, south, east and west, or top, bottom and each side.  You put one cord in the slot to each side of the dots. Using the numbers around the disk, insert strands into a slot on either side of the dots with a cord in top slots #32 and #1 and bottom slots #17 and #16 and in right side slots #8 and #9 and left side slots #24 and #25.

I realize if you have no background with kumi, these instructions may not make much sense.  Sorry! You can find simple instructions with pictures here:
http://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/tutorials/c647

Now comes the tricky part--what size beads to use with 1.5 mm satin cord.  First, it will make stringing your beads much easier if you prepare the cord like this:  cut the end of each cord on the diagonal & coat about 1/2 inch with clear nail polish.  I use Hard As Nails. Or you could use Fray Check.  Let this dry thoroughly and you have what's called a self-needle.  As for the size beads to use, since I usually use 1mm satin cord, I tested a 1.5mm.  6/0 seed beads did not fit.  Actually I can't think of any usual or regular bead with a hole big enough, unless you want to use 3/0 seed beads.  I think you'd have to search for "2mm hole bead" or something like this.  I have done that in the past on different bead store web sites.  I have found various metal beads and occasional glass beads with a 2-3mm size hole.  If you search "large hole bead", you'll usually get a list of those beads used for the popular Pandora-style bracelets.  Those would be too large for Kumi.  There is a way around this hole size problem however.  You can string your beads on an appropriate thread such as size D C-lon, S-lon, Nymo, etc. in the same color as your cording and place the beaded thread right next to the cord in one slot.  So you would be using 2 strands in one slot (the 1.5mm satin cord and the beaded thread) and moving them around the disk together.  I haven't tried this but it should work!

Next, how many beads does one need and do you string them on every cord?  That depends on the pattern you are making.  Let's say you want to make a simple red braid using just the one color bead on all 8 strands.  In order for the finished braid to look full but not overcrowded, the beads would have to be on the small side.  8/0 seed beads should work in this application.  If you like using a bit larger bead, you can string the 6/0 seed beads or 3-4mm druks or firepolished beads on 4 of the 8 strands.  Choose strands that are opposite from one another for a uniform look.  For example, you string 6/0 on both top or North strands and on both bottom or South strands.  OR you can choose to bead both strands on each side/East-West--the braid will look the same either way, with beads nicely spaced in a circle around the finished braid.  How many beads per strand?  I got tired of counting out hundreds of beads so now I try starting with 3-4 inches of beads on a strand, use what I need and put away the rest if there are too many.  Or you can add to each strand if you run short.

Another essential piece of equipment is called a bobbin. EZ-bob is a brand & it comes in different sizes.  It's a plastic round piece that flips open, you wind the beaded cord (or cord only) onto the bobbin and flip it shut. Find an example here:  http://store.jewelsinfiber.com/kumi.html
By the way, the store owner of Jewels In Fiber,  Marion Hunziker-Larsen, is an artist & teacher and offers great prices on the cording and supplies in her store.

OK!  You have your kumi disk set up and you're ready to start.  I first learned from the CSL Design YouTube video so I begin on the left top, slot 32.  Take the cord from slot 32, take it out of the slot and move it straight down to the first open bottom left slot--18.  Take the bottom right cord from slot 16 and move that cord to top slot 2.  Then turn the entire disk 1/4 turn. You can turn clockwise or counterclockwise, it doesn't matter as long as you consistently turn the same direction each time. So now you have the next set of cords at the top. Top left to bottom left, bottom right to top right, 1/4 turn.  That's it.  Repeat, repeat, repeat...  When you are braiding with beads, first braid without beads for about 1/2 inch or so.  This little nub will fit into the end cap finding.  When you are ready for beads, take the cord out out of the slot, move one bead from that cord & let it slide down to the center hole area, tuck it under the cross strand (or perpendicular strand), and continue on to put the cord into it's slot at the bottom. Now make your quarter turn. It's important to make sure the bead is tucked under so that it lies on the outside of the finished braid. I have found I need to loosen my strand to give certain beads enough slack to stay tucked, such as the 5mm triangle beads I'm working with now.

Since this is turning into a novel, I shall stop :)  I'm ready for any questions.  Take some time to look at some resources, give it a try and see what part you may need clarification about. 

Until next time, HAPPY BEADING!
Moogie

What are you thinking...

...about those new acrylic pieces on one of my fav bead shops--Lima Beads?  I have to admit. They are not something I would design with. I'm not a snob about acrylic or really nice plastic-type beads. I have a stash of colorful acrylics. But those are huge & I haven't warmed up to making huge, chunky jewelry. So you guys can have my share & post some pics of your creations. Who knows? Maybe your work will change my mind! But I think not...

Welcome Limabuddies & Chicks!

Yes, here it is! This is our place. The Limabuddies united. The Chickies reunited!

By the way, I found Lima after the chicks were formed. I had no idea what the "chicknames" were all about. Thank you for the history lesson, puppychick & CAS!

This is an introductory post to go over a few requests & dare I say, rules?

My vision statement:
To blab & gush about gems & jewels, to support & encourage one another in our art, to freely share our expertise including tutorials if you like, and to expand our friendships & create new ones.

This is not a platform to sell our wares. I'll assume we all create jewelry or would like to do so. I don't want to buy your stuff & you don't want to buy mine. (But if you do, please visit my Etsy shop--JGBRainbowDesigns!). Yes, I'll be happy to share links to your commercial sites. Just no sales pitch here...

I will try my best to stay on top of the blog. But I do have a life that includes jewelry design & construction. Oh, and a wonderful husband! And two adult daughters who no longer live at home yet have access to my time & love whenever they desire💖

This is my first blog so be gentle!

Now let's go!