Following on from my blog about the bicone bead shape and how to use it I am now going to take a look at the cabochon. The flat-backed cabochon is a great shape for jewellery makers because it can be used successfully in so many ways and using a variety of different mediums. Up to now, kumihimo has not been …
Working with these summery colours is the next best thing to being away on holiday! Amazonite, pearls and pyrite form the basis of this kit and I have just posted the details of the design I demonstrated on Wednesday on Jewellery Maker, as well as brief instructions for the other designs. I hope people are finding these instructions helpful, …
When the postman arrived with the kit for these designs I nearly dropped it because of the unexpected weight of a huge collection of stunning labradorite cabochons! This stone really comes into its own when cut in the cabochon shape because you get not only the amazing play of colour through the stone, but you are able to see wonderful patterns. …
I have been working on a brand new series of hybrid designs, incorporating the best elements of bead embroidery, soutache and, of course, kumihimo! This is the first tutorial to be published. I feel that this design is reassuringly classic with an added twist of kumihimo. For some lovers of braiding this may be a step too far! However, …
One of the exciting aspects about being a guest designer on Jewellery Maker is having the opportunity to work with genuine gemstones. Each stone is totally unique and adds the sort of individuality to a piece of jewellery which is just not possible with mass produced beads. Sometimes it can be really challenging to find a way to make them …
I am just back from Redditch. It is not only pretty much the centre of England, but to many people it is also the centre of jewellery making. It is the home of Jewellery Maker TV and it is where I spent the afternoon, demonstrating kumihimo jewellery making techniques. This was my fourth full four hour show and I definitely …
Larger beads are often thought to be unsuitable for beaded kumihimo, so I wanted to design a bracelet to make really good use of beautiful gemstones or pearls of around 6mm. I am very pleased with the way this design turned out because I feel it is very versatile. The crosses can be made to stand out and dominate the …
Click here to find the last few designs I have posted onto this site. These received a lot of praise on the show on 24.6.14 and anyone who saw the show will know that Vicky, the lovely presenter, was very taken with the necklace and that it looked fabulous on her. The huge pearl drops and the ultra sparkly pyrite …
The carved rose quartz flowers are lovely to work with and could be used in many different ways in kumihimo. I would have liked a couple of extra strands to try out lots of other ideas! Click here to find the instructions for the designs shown using these gorgeous little flowers.
The next set of instructions has been loaded. These are the earrings worn by the presenter, Vicky, during the show and the matching necklace. I particularly like the clean, simple line of the necklace and I would love to make it up in different colours. Only one strand of gemstones has been used to make this necklace, as well as …
