Coral Snake and Cheetah
(or is it a Leopard?)
Click for larger view
and braiding instructions

Braided silk cords have enjoyed a long history in Japan. During the Samurai era, some styles of armor required 1000 yards of silk cord to lace together the bands of lacquered metal. In traditional dress, a braided cord (obijime) is used with the kimono and obi, assuring that the obi knot stays securely tied. Today, designers are highlighting the beauty of braided silk cords in contemporary jewelry.

Kumihimo is a Japanese word for a braided cord: the verb kumu means to braid or to plait, and the noun himo is a cord.

Rosalie Neilson

Click here to see how core was stabilized and how braid was made