What is kumihimo?

I'm sure most people have seen a kumihimo braid at some point and just not realized the exquisite piece of art they were looking at. Kumihimo braids called obijime are used to secure an obi around a kimono, and kumihimo braids are also used to ornament all kinds of objects, from fans to cellphones.

Traditionally, kumihimo braids are done on a marudai, which you can see here.

From Wikipedia

Using a marudai will produce a large variety of kumihimo braids, which you can see here. These ones were made using thread. Just look at those gorgeous patterns!

Also from Wikipedia

For our kumihimo workshop, we'll be using a bunch of coloured wire (copper and aluminum) and beads to create jewellery like below. No beads, sorry! I'm kind of a minimalist, but I'll definitely teach you how to incorporate beads into your kumihimo work. You can see three different types of braids below, all done on a kumihimo disc.

Those of you who might be feeling a bit fancy can also choose to make kumihimo jewellery using copper, silver, and gold-filled wire, as well as semi-precious gemstones -- all of which we're happy to offer at discounted prices. You can mix together different gauges (or sizes) of the same wire for a multi-layered monochromatic look or combine different types of wires to create a more colourful effect.

Unfortunately, we won't be using a marudai because 1) it's damn expensive and 2) not exactly easy to source. Instead, we'll be using a kumihimo disc, which looks like this:

The difference is that with a marudai, you can make thicker braids and use more strands of thread. However, you can still use create a lot of complex patterns, so don't worry, there's lots to do with the disc!

Anyway, I'm going to end this post with Chabi and Nutmeg demonstrating their kumihimo skills. If those two can do it, so can anyone!

Here we have Chabi getting her tools ready.

Chabi is now contemplating the disc.

Nutmeg is hard at work.

And this is why I can't have workshops at my flat.

If you're interested in learning kumihimo, please check out our current schedules and how to register here!

An Introduction to Wirework Jewellery

I have to confess that I didn't spend a lot of time on wirework jewellery before I apprenticed as a goldsmith in Italy. I've always liked crafts and making things, but this was in the Internet Dark Ages, before Pinterest and Tumblr and all of those other new-fangled sites, and I didn't know that I could start off making really complex jewellery without knowing how to solder or buy all kinds of tools. I was under the impression that wirework was mostly stringing beads and stones together with wire and that was it.

I guess it's kind of funny that I had to do the apprenticeship first before I discovered the versatility of wirework -- so many things you can actually do! 

Here are a couple of examples of simple wire wrapping over semi-precious gemstones using copper wire, sterling silver wire, and gold-filled wire.

These are fairly basic stuff, and in Wirework I, participants should be able to come away with enough knowledge to start making jewellery using the same techniques as above. Wirework II will get a bit more advanced, with complex link-making and wire-knitting. Below is an example of a knitted necklace with peridots using 14 karat gold-filled wire.

And this is an earring made with knitted coloured copper wire.

You don't have to do Wirework I in order to do Wirework II, but you do need to be familiar with the tools and basic wirework techniques in order to be able to keep up with the workshops. 

As for Wirework I, beginners who have never even picked up a single pair of pliers in their lives are absolutely welcome. Don't be intimidated, the workshops are focussed but relaxed, and you'll likely find yourself so addicted to making jewellery that you'll be wielding your pliers any chance you get. Who knows, you might run off to Italy and take up goldsmithing, too!

If our wirework classes sound like something you'd like to do, please check out our current schedules and how to register here!

Our Workshops!

Our jewellery-making courses are ideal for people who want to use their creative energy to design and make unique pieces for yourself, as gifts for others, or even for starting your own business. You'll learn something new each session and finish the courses feeling confident in your ability to harness your creativity to make beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewellery.

Workshops are held in English and Cantonese, and, if necessary, Putonghua. You also get a free drink courtesy of the super generous Crafties staff!


DISCOUNTS:

Yes, we also have discounts!

1) Students and seniors (it's never too late to start!) with a valid ID get 15% off.

2) Register with a friend, you get 10% off.

3) If you sign up for all three classes, you get 15% off.

By the way, you can't add up your discounts, sorry! All classes are maximum 10 people only, so register before the spaces fill up!


TO REGISTER:

Please send us your name and contact information, along with the course you'd like to join.

1) Via e-mail: jubilatehk(at)gmail.com

2) Via phone (you can text or call): (852) 9192 3729


DETAILS:

Please contact us (not the Crafties!) for payment details. We accept cash, bank-in deposit, and cheques.

All fees must be paid to confirm your place in the workshops. The fees are refundable ONLY UP TO 7 DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE WORKSHOPS.

If you cannot attend the workshops, you may transfer to someone else or you can use your fee towards another upcoming workshop. Don't worry, we'll work something out!

We will not take your payment if the workshops are full.


Kumihimo workshops: 4 sessions

Kumihimo is the beautiful Japanese art of braiding. (I've written a short introduction here where you can see a couple of pictures of kumihimo work.) Although kumihimo is usually done with thread, we'll be using coloured wire and beads to interpret braiding techniques, starting from simple to complex.

If you're looking for a versatile jewellery-making technique that gets you creating things fast, then this workshop is ideal for you!

Includes a basic package of coloured wire, beads, clasps and other jewellery findings, and a kumihimo disc.

You can also choose to upgrade to our discounted semi-precious gemstones and copper, sterling silver, or gold wire for extra-special jewellery!



Wirework I: 4 sessions

Wirework is one of the essential basics of jewellery-making. You'll learn the core techniques of making links and wire-wrapping to create your own unique pieces. Here's a brief introduction and some pictures of different types of basic wirework.

These aren't just step-by-step tutorials, but a real grounding in techniques that you can apply to your own designs. Once you've mastered the basics, you'll be creating your own jewellery in no time!

Includes a basic package of copper wire and semi-precious gemstones.

More gemstones and sterling silver or gold wire are available at our discounted prices! You can bring your own tools or buy a set of pliers from us for HKD200.

Tool set: round-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, cutters, 3 sizes of brass jump ring mandrels.

Optional: barrette needle file #2 (you can buy this from us for only $120)

Wirework II: 4 sessions

For more advanced learners! This series of workshops will explore more challenging link-making techniques to add extra complexity to your designs.

Includes a basic package of copper wire and semi-precious gemstones. More gemstones and sterling silver or gold wire are available at our discounted prices!

Masterclass: Wax carving

Carving wax? What's that got to do with jewellery-making? In fact, many of the jewellery you see in stores today start off as wax models that are eventually cast into precious metals. If you've done wirework and are ready for the next step, then wax carving is for you!

I'm not too sure about how to organize this group, but if you have a design you want to create for a special occasion (or for whatever reason, of course), please contact me and we can sort something out. If enough people are interested, I'll start a workshop group and we can all save money!


Masterclass: Hand Engraving

One of the oldest traditions in metalwork and sadly dying out. I apprenticed in Italy to one of the last masters of his generation, who has engraved for royalty and presidents, and I would love to pass on skills that I gained. Here are a couple of samples of my old engravings back when I was just getting started to give you an idea.

Hand engraving is definitely challenging to learn, but you'll end up with a rare and unique skill that you can apply to the ornamental decoration of almost anything metal, from printing plates to silver cigar boxes to belts to even weapons. We'll have to set up a schedule of workshops, but a lot of the work is simply practicing on your own! Contact me, I'd love to welcome another engraver into the fold!

Disclaimer (have to put this in):
All participants enrolled in activities do so at their own risk and we or the Crafties are not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to students or their guests as a result of participating in these activities. 

Welcome to Jubilate Jewellery-Making Workshops!

Finally, the workshops are ready to go!

For the past few years, I've been putting off my jewellery-making workshops partly because I couldn't find a venue that I liked. I thought about doing them at my flat, but there isn't enough space, and my two cats would probably end up demolishing all of the materials.

Behold the faces of destruction:

But finally, I found out about the Crafties, and it's just the nicest location you've ever seen. It's spacious and filled with all kinds of equipment and friendly people, so I thought it was finally time to get this ish started!

So, on this blog, you'll find updates on what's going on, such as workshop schedules (which you can see on the right-side column over there -->, as well as on regular posts), information about jewellery-making techniques, plus samples of students' work and more!