Kumihimo Artist of the Month

Susan Basch - Kingston, New York
 

I met Susan on our Japan trip and was immediately inspired by her Kumihimo works of art. Her braids are beautiful. EXQUISITE!!

Taken from her website, SusanBaschStudio.com, is Susan's statement about her Kumihimo endeavors. 

 

The braids vary in size, pattern and structure. They can be round, flat or square. They can be woven around a core or hollow. The number of bobbins I use ranges from four to sixteen. The way in which these tama are moved determines the structure and shape of the finished braid. The colors used determine the pattern. The possibilities are extraordinary, exciting and endless. 

I use fine silk threads along with other yarns in many different colors, textures and thicknesses to explore the possibilities of Kumihimo. It is a meditative, rhythmic practice that honors a well-respected ancient tradition dating from the 4th to 6th century AD. Japanese braiding illustrates a basic principal of Japanese craft that unites function with beauty. Much of the tradition of Kumihimo was passed down orally, but fragment remains indicate that braids have been used for many purposes, including the trimming and tying of Buddhist scrolls, embellishment of ceremonial garments and lacing together of Samurai armor plates.
 

In my exploration and practice, I create braids to be worn as necklaces. Designing braids using color, texture and pattern inspires me to continue this creative pursuit and I find the act of producing each braid satisfying both in the physical action as well as the aesthetic result.

Even though I consider each individual braid to be a work of art on its own, I often group several different braids together to create necklaces for my Toursade Collection. I have studied jewelry making and gemology and use these skills to design and hand-fabricate pendants, beads and clasps to compliment my braided necklaces. I use 20k and 22k gold that I alloy myself along with fine silver, gemstones and cultured pearls. Many times I add these elements to the braids as I'm working them. 
 

My goal is to make well executed, wearable pieces that unify these materials with balance, harmony and elegance."

 

Inspiration of the Month

 

So, here's what's great about this! My mom has been the force behind a huge group effort to collectively make hundreds of "Pocket Pals" to put into the Christmas stockings of many children not as fortunate as some, but equally deserving. She inspired members of her "Saturday Knitting Group", the Green Valley Fiber Guild and the ladies at her church to knit at least one Pocket Pal each. In 5 weeks time, 153 Pocket Pals have come to life (and still counting). That means that alot of kids will receive a good luck "Pocket Pal" for Christmas. 

I think that is very special! I made one with Kumihimo arms and legs!

December Kit of the Month - Beaded Pip Cluster Necklace 

Creating with Kumihimo....on the Disk and Plate

I like to experiment with different braids. I like the challenge and I like trying new things. The braid to the right is called the "Looped Zigzag" and it is inspired by Makiko Tada. It can be found in her book, "Comprehensive Treatise of Braids VI: Kumihimo Disk and Plate". This is a "must-have" book for your Kumihimo library. I love it. I refer to this book over and over again and many years later I am still finding new things to adapt to my braiding. 

Another great book , written by Makiko Tada, is "Comprehensive Treatise of Braids VII: Kumihimo Disk and Plate 2". The braid (bottom right) is an example of switching colors along the length of the braid.  You can see the solid blocks of color, spiral sections as well as a section with reverse "S" and "Z" spirals.

Both braids are examples of braiding around a core and the different things you can do with that core!

Makiko Tada - "Switching Colors with Core Threads"

Books for these braids (and more) are available in my Kumihimo Bookstore (click links):

and
Comprehensive Treatise of Braids VII: Kumihimo Disk & Plate 2    $42

Kumihimo Tip of the Month #27

Add spiral bindings to your  craft books, cook books, etc. This is a great tip if you don't already do this. I learned this from my friend, Paula Rachuy. At a workshop, she showed up with all her Kumihimo Books bound with spirals instead of the regular book binding. The spiral binding allows you to open the book and have the pages lie flat. How many times have you been trying to follow the instructions or diagram and the book won't lie flat? It's a pain in the neck. Paula gathered up all of our books and took them to our local copy shop and had then bound with spirals. It was not expensive and it makes worlds of difference!

 

 FREE SHIPPING for the Holidays!

Free Shipping til the end of the year on all orders $10 and more.  Shipping fees will be refunded through PayPal when shipping label is created. 

(Sorry,  does not apply to international orders). 

Gift and Stocking Stuffer Ideas