Kumihimo Combinations

This softcover book was an awful purchase, and thank goodness for Amazon's generous return policy. It's so lightweight that I don't envision any copy surviving for a long time. Since I often take my beading outside with me, this was an unhappy discovery when it arrived. Although it says it's for all levels of experience, I think beginners might struggle with much of what's in it. The instructions for the very few (four plus the basic round) braids are okay -- kumi isn't exactly rocket science, after all. Those without much experience, though, may find it hard to jump right into braiding with beads if this book is their starting point. Further, the bead featured on the cover, with its reverse spiral, can be a very difficult one to master, not that you'd know it from the instructions. It has nothing to do with kumihimo and will be a frustration, I'm sure, for those without a good deal of beading experience. The instructions for the pendant, which includes setting a rivoli in the center, are even more lackluster. Additionally, I would have liked a list of resources used by name with suggestions on where to find them, and with specifics spelled out. Telling me to use "metallic thread - thick" isn't helpful, since "thick" is a relative term. Tell me the weight and size used in the example, so I can judge what I have on hand or what I'm purchasing against it.Overall, between the way-too-high cover price, the lack of anything new in the small number of braids shown, and the weak instructions about additional methods given, I found the book to be a disappointment. It was returned to Amazon for a refund.

My husband got this for my birthday gift. I really love all the different creations and different sized beads that can be used in so many different ways. We lived in Okinawa for 4 years and Kumihimo is a different Asian craft that is so beautiful, and ideas from this booklet can be used for many different ways.

soft cover book, with lot's of inspiring ideas

I like most of the designs-interesting color schemes

Not my favorite of Karen's books, but interesting non the less.

Good tutorials. I expected a bigger book.

Excellent techniques for combining my favorite beading methods.

Not as expected