Braids of Takadai and Karakumidai
by Hiroko Ojima and Mutsuko Okamoto
This inspiring book showcases a beautiful collection of braids created on the Takadai and Karakumidai, along with a selection of braids made on the Kumihimo Disk and Plate. Although the text is written in Japanese, the braid names are provided in Romanized Japanese, and modern translation tools such as Google Translate make it easy to explore the accompanying descriptions.
The book includes 21 pickup braids, a variety of delicate openwork "Summer" braids, and examples worked with both traditional and non-traditional threads. Three braid drafts are provided for pickup braids depicting the Japanese characters for Raku (enjoy), Emi or Warau (smile), Yume (dream), Furusato (home), and Sora (sky).
Additional sections feature Kumihimo Disk and Plate samples designed by Makiko Tada, wide, narrow, and round Karakumi braids, striking lacy "snowflake" braids created on the Karakumidai, and photographs of beaded braids and braided jewelry. While this is primarily a gallery of inspiration rather than an instructional manual, it is an excellent resource for experienced braiders seeking new ideas and design possibilities.
Language: Japanese • Softcover • Full color • 60 pages • Published in Japan
