A while ago I posted some colourful kumihimo braids. Then someone commented how they would like to see a wire version. Here it is! Done in 28g sterling silver with just 8 single strands. For this I used the square braid pattern; to me it is preferable over the round braid which I think is more attractive in different colours.
If you want to try it go easy on your hands! I braided a whole metre of this in one day which was very foolish, given the gauge of wire I used. For the following three days my hands were so swollen and sore that I could only do something very easy, like coiling wire on a mandrel and no use of tools!
As I was told later by someone much more experienced than myself I should have used 30g wire or finer. Well, we live and learn! As it turned out the necklace turned out just the way I wanted and never mind the pain.
BUT: I would not do it again!
I love this! It would look terrific in mixed metals too, maybe silver and copper.
ReplyDeletesounds like a lot of work - but it's worth the effort - what a great look! how hard is kumihimo to learn?
ReplyDeleteWow, it's amazing! I can just imagine the condition of your hands after :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a kumi- addict! Every time I go shopping for beads I find kumi possibilities! Great creations, Al!
ReplyDeleteI tried to post a comment earlier but I guess it didn't work. I think your necklace is beautiful. I've just started with kumihimo and I'm wondering how you finished your necklace. I know cord is pretty straight forward, but wire is different. I'm also thinking about trying flexible beading wire, but I'm not sure how I'd go about finishing that one and adding a clasp. I think this is so interesting and beautiful!
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