Bead Runway Kumihimo Technique Pattern Series Volume 1

by Cindy Grayson

Bead Runway™ Kumihimo Technique Pattern Series Volume 1 features technique-focused beaded Kumihimo jewelry pattern projects that aim to give you the tools and experience to eventually create elaborate Kumihimo patterns of your own using the beads of your choice! The Bead Runway™, an eight row bead layout board, was originally invented to assist hobbyists in designing graduating bead size Kumihimo patterns. Use your Bead Runway™ to learn a visual method of layout & design proven wildly successful in practice by hundreds of students. Jam packed with tips, tricks and how-to’s. In addition to having access to patterns of this uniquely designed jewelry, each project covers a different set of important techniques, braid structures, bead types and finishing options. Learn how to use different bead shapes and sizes as design solutions. Each technique is fully expanded on in theory, with further explanation on how to begin to alter the existing patterns to make them your own. Includes suggested tools, Kumihimo basics, supply lists, bead size ranges for each project, additional colorway options, three types of companion bracelet ideas for sets, an abundant appendix with various reference charts, glossary of coined terms and index. Previously, Grayson’s Bead Runway™ Technique Series teachings were only available to her students who took her 10 class series locally in Florida, at Beadfest Philly or at Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee. Due to popular demand, she has made it available in a book. Join the revolution in contemporary beaded Kumihimo pattern layout and design. Purchase includes VIP Kumista membership with access to interactive online community featuring video supplements, info blog, student Facebook sharing group, live webinar invites and discount promotions. Become empowered. Become KUMISTA! Amazon purchase includes the Book only. (Projects can still be completed without a Bead Runway™ and Companion bead kits, however available for purchase at www.MadeYouLookDesign.com and it is helpful in learning to make your own patterns.) As quoted by a student, “This changes everything!” (Book Updated 2/27/2019: P. 52 DewDrops Pattern Updated; P. 71 Cord Length Updated; P. 76 Cord Stat Update; P. 90 Caliper Defined; Contact the author for full details.)

93 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2018

Reviews

[Sue Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a professionally made foam 'Bead Runway' to be included in the book, as that's the impression given by both the blurb and the initial reviews. However, there was no 'Bead Runway' included in this, just some rather vague instructions on how to make one, which are confusing and unclear at best, and require you to buy extra materials to make it at additional cost, assuming that you can work out what you're supposed to do with them in the first place as there are no written instructions, just a couple of drawings. I wasted five frustrating hours with this book yesterday and I'm not a happy bunny! It has the feel and look of something written for children with a short attention span. Considering the book cost £26.00 (about $33.00) which is incredibly expensive for a paperback that's also difficult to follow, I feel a bit ripped off. I'll try reading it again, in the hopes of some clarification, but reserve the right to adjust my review and my rating. I did note, however, that the blurb on Amazon has been changed since I ordered it and now states the professionally produced 'Bead Runway' is not included and I feel even more ripped off. Without the actual 'Bead Runway', which was the whole point of getting it, this book is worth about half what I paid for it (or less).