Braiding with Beads 2: Braiding Solutions for the Kumihimo Disk

I was really looking forward to receiving this book as I "thought" myself to be above the beginner stage when it came to the beaded Kumihimo technique. While the designs are absolutely beautiful, I am a visual learner and need more than just the finished product picture and some text to accompany it. I'm sure the author meant to be a little "vague" with her instructions to allow for experimentation and creativity by the individual designer, I need something spelled out more before I start ad libbing with the design. I did find the calculation chart at the beginning of the book quite helpful and her writing style is good. There's a tip about putting multiple strands on a big eye needed to string beads simultaneously, but doesn't show how this is accomplished via a few pictures - it was just a couple of sentences. Would be a great hint, but I need more. Great designs, though, for the more advanced intermediate Kumihimo addict who may understand what she is talking about simply from her text.

I just received my copy and I am VERY PLEASED with it. Up until now, I have stuck to the basic round braid (all I ever learned), but armed with Karen's book, I have tried new patterns and they have turned out great! Money is tight so I love that I can always count on her books to show me how to make something unique. I love the embellished braid--it has given me all sorts of ideas. Plus I like all the helpful hints and tricks too--they are practical and easy to follow. Her instructions are clear and the pictures really show what to expect. I also like that it is not a big fancy hardback book where the pages are pretty but pointless. I have bought those and have sent them back. This book really shows you how to do things and point out ways to make it your own. It gives me inspiration. Thanks Karen!

I think the previous reviewer missed the point of the book. While the book has a lot of pretty designs for the beginner, I think the book is more about the braider who wants to design on their own. There is really clever stuff in this book. I love being able to change color mid braid. This is something I've never seen in another book. I've always wondered how to handle beads with small holes and she solves the problem easily. The scarf pattern may not be for everyone, but the flat braid that it is based on is genius. This is going to be my go to Christmas gift book. I love to braid and Karen hasn't let me down yet. New braiding patterns and how to make the basic round look unique. What more could you want?

No doubt, the author knew what she was talking about, but for me, much less detail would have been better. I've been beading for awhile, maybe that was why I was somewhat bored with so much detail. For sure, I learned what she taught, but I think I could have learned the same amount in a shorter time, The book was well written, except for the abundance of detail. It was as if, we were old friends, sitting side by side, enjoying conversation along with her teaching me to do Kumihimo with beads..

There are Diverse and clear examples that give a broad range of ideas. The photos were very helpful too. Recommend.

This pamphlet, I can't really call it a book, is much too expensive for the actual amount of instruction included in it. It says it is 36 pages long but the front and back covers are counted as pages. The inside front cover and table of contents take up 2 more pages. Then there are 6 pages of very basic instruction on how to braid. I didn't expect something this basic in a Book 2. Book 1 of the series yes, book 2, no. The following 28 pages consist of 16 pages of instruction, 11 pages of full page pictures and the back cover. So, for me, the pamphlet cost $18 and contained only 16 pages of actual instruction. I have seen some of these techniques for free on the internet. I would not recommend this very pricey pamphlet and will not buy any other pamphlets by this author. I was quite impressed with the book by Rebecca Ann Combs titled Kumihimo Basics and Beyond. For the same price, you get a very thorough, high quality book (95 pages and that does not include the covers in the page count).

I had hoped for a few more designs and directions on different items to make. The ones that were included in the book were a winner though. I did make the one on the cover and it is a very attractive piece and I get a lot of compliments.

Digital copy, immediately sent. Good suggestions on projects new to me and how to handle challenges. I recommend it if you are an intermediate beader and have done kumihimo before. It's the next step up.

Bought this as I am trying to make jewellery and sell for charity, have to the Bead Smith to make them have tried to make them before but allwys got in a tangle but this way is much easier to use. Another craft for me to get my head and dexterity hand round.

Just as the other books on kumihimo by this author, works well on kindle and I was not disappointed.

Instructions very clear. I have already completed two projects. Thanks