Tuesday 26 April 2016

My first beaded Kumihimo jewellery - as seen on TV!

 You may remember that I started trying kumihimo ( a Japanese braiding technique) to use in my jewellery making.  I managed an eight strand braid in satin cord and was happy with that, but I really wanted to be able to add gemstones into the braid.

I bought this DVD from Jewellery Maker and watched it several times.  One of the projects featured was a Lariat style braided necklace, which you can see on the cover above and I knew I had to try it.  The thing I liked most was that it didn't use any findings (clasps, jump rings etc.).  

I gave myself a bit more of a challenge by using gemstone chips, which were a bit more tricky to thread on the the S-Lon thread I was using.  (This thread is my favourite at the moment).  I used clear nail varnish to create a 'needle' at the end of the threads and the chips went onto the thread much more easily. 
Braiding is a meditative process which I really enjoy and it can be picked up and put down as you wish.  So, having used some of my favourite colours and gemstones (sky blue apatite, neon blue apatite, amazonite and tanzanite), I decided to send a photo to Jewellery Maker Wall of Fame.  This is where JM features jewellery made by viewers from mainly JM supplies and they will show a selection on the morning shows. Everyone who enters (whether their photo is shown or not) is entered into a draw (which takes place on a Wednesday) to win £100 of credit or £50 of credit with JM.  That would be rather nice...
 I sent a photo in and forgot about it,  I was half watching the programme on Saturday when what should I see, but my necklace being featured! ( I managed to get the images from the JM bit on youtube - the shows are uploaded).  (I'm not being sponsored by JM - I am a customer and have been for at least four years).
 Here is my necklace's moment of fame!
 Here's a close up.  I was very excited, as you can imagine.  I am working on some more of these necklaces using 6mm gemstones.  I think I may be getting obsessed...

10 comments:

  1. How great that your necklace was featured! It looks great, so intricate!

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I was very surprised (and pleased)to see my necklace there! It is time consuming to make, but the end result is worth it!
      Best wishes

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  2. Wow it looks fab no wonder they featured it, well done you. Maria xx

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    1. Thanks, Maria. I was really pleased with the way it turned out, even though threading the chips was rather time consuming and a little frustrating! It was worth it in the end.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. What a super necklace - the gemstones are so pretty, well worth your perseverance! How fantastic for you to see it featured on the show! So exciting!
    Well done! Barbara xx

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    1. Thanks, Barbara. For my first beaded kumihimo piece, I was really pleased with it. I was ridiculously excited to see my necklace on the TV (although I didn't win the raffle. Still, there's always next time!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Wow - is the necklace ever beautiful! Well done - love the color!!!
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Kim. They are some of my favourite colours and I have worn this necklace at work several times recently. I am working on more colours now!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Well done, it looks fab no wonder they featured it.
    jewelers tools

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    1. Thank you. It turned out pretty well and I made several others in purple, pinks and blues/greens.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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