It's Time To Kumihimo!

I was lucky enough to have lived in Japan for three years back in the late 60's-early 70's. My father was in the Air Force and stationed at Tachikawa AFB, and we lived in a Family Housing Annex named Kanto Maura. I attended Chofu Middle & High School when I was in 7th-10th grade, and I made some pretty good friends there. We had a blast going shopping on the Ginza and riding the trains all over Tokyo. We ate at the local restaurants and my favorite Japanese dishes were Gyoza , Fried Rice, Yakatori, and Yakasoba. I guess Sushi was available but not all that popular with the Americans, so it didn't interest me. I even had a good paying weekend job teaching Japanese pre-schoolers how to speak English. That was lots of fun and the kids were so cute! 1000 yen bought a lot of happiness for a teenager back then, and I loved to shop for anything Japanese! Bought my very first pair of Panty-Hose in Tokyo! We didn't have them in the states in the 60's as far as I know! I made it to the World's Fair in Osaka when I was in 9th grade. Osaka was a beautiful city and the fair was fantastic. All in all, I have the best memories of living in Japan. The people were kind and very tolerant of silly, giggling American teenage girls! I'd love to go back and visit Tokyo but I know that it has grown and changed a lot in the last 40 years!

So it doesn't surprise me to discover two amazing crafting skills from Japan! Japanese Style Amigurumi Crochet and Kumihimo Braided Jewelry! Both are so darn clever and fun! It takes a little while to get the hang of the circular crochet patterns of Amigurumi but once you do, you're hooked! ;~) LOL! And Kumihimo is also based on a circular concept as well and involves a round disk that you turn in a circle as you move your cords to create a braid. I've made two bracelets so far and I've ordered more supplies so that I can practice and perfect my technique! I hope to list some of my creations in my Etsy and Artfire shops very soon!
I loved living in Japan and I'm very happy to add two totally rewarding and entertaining new skills to my crafting journal! If you haven't Kumihimo-ed yet, give it a try!