Necklace Beaded Kumihimo Mixed Metals - 3/18/26

March 18, 2026--I recently finished another Kumihimo beaded necklace kit designed by Rebecca Combs of Design and Adorn.  I love how it came it and look forward to wearing it with my neutrals.

Necklace Beaded Kumihimo Mixed Metals

Necklace and Bracelet Beaded Ombre - 3/12/26

March 26, 2026--I just finished another beaded necklace and bracelet set, Ombre, by Rebeca Ann Combs of Design & Adorn. I love how the colors transition from deep navy blue to speckled gold.

The pieces were created using a Kumihimo disk with eight lengths of beaded cord, and the instructions were clear, well written, and easy to follow. Through this project, I learned how to cover a metal magnetic end cap using peyote‑stitched Delica beads—a small detail that adds a beautiful, professional finish and was surprisingly easy to do.

Necklace and Bracelet Beaded Ombre

Kumihimo Disk Setup

Necklace Beaded Dreaming of Venice - 2/12/26

 February 12, 2026--Here's another beaded necklace I worked up designed by Design and Adorn called Dreaming of Venice.  I ordered the full kit which included an excellent set of instructions, beads, pendant, string, needle, Tierra Cast toggle clasp and endcaps, jump rings, etc.  This necklace is done using a Kumihimo disk which I love--it makes for a very portable project since the beads are pre-strung, and each string is rolled up on a bobbin (8 of them).   I love the "ombre" color movement from light, silvery blue on the sides to black with gold interspersed in the center.    In fact, the hardest thing about this necklace was the exact count required for stringing up the beads.  Once that's done, it's easy to move forward on the disk.

The last time I worked up one of these Kumihimo necklaces, I learned how to easily fix errors, so was able to do this while working with the light blue, silvery beads.  Once I started placing black beads, I see now that I missed a few.  Fortunately, the spots with the missing beads are not visible, so I'm not going to stress about it.  

Bracelet and Necklace Kumihimo Beading Amethyst-Topaz - Updated 8/7/24

August 7, 2024--Now the necklace has a matching bracelet.  Love how the multi-colored beads shine and shimmer.  This time, instead of using wire to secure the end caps, I'm trying the E6000 glue.  So far so good.

Bracelet Kumihimo Beading Amethyst-Topaz

July 21, 2024--I was finally able to gather up all the "hardware" needed to finish this necklace.  Firstly, I had to purchase a caliper in order to know how wide and how deep the end caps needed to be.  Then to find end caps in a dark bronze color I wanted along with matching crimp beads and wire.  Amazon to the rescue--I was able to purchase these bits and pieces (called "findings" by beading stores) in varieties of sizes and colors.  So today I put it all together and here's a photo of the results (BTW, it looks gorgeous with just about all of my tops).

Necklace Kumihimo Beading Finished

Necklace Kumihimo Beading End Caps and Clasp

June 30, 2024--I wanted to learn another method of beading and came across Jill Wiseman's DVD entitled "Kumihimo with Beads" which explained everything I wanted to learn.  She covered how to set up the Kumihimo disc, how to place beads on the cords (and how many to use), how to weave the cords, how to finish the project using various clasps, wires, crimps, end capes, etc.   

Most important for me was how to fix a mistake (missing a bead, for example) by reversing the steps until you get to the spot that needs repair, then how to figure out where to start again.  I found myself using her repair technique more than once and the results were perfect.   

I've finished beading the necklace and am waiting on orders for the finishing items (end caps, wire, clasp, etc.).   Here's the necklace ready for the finishing hardware.  It's 29" long and I can fold a knot in the front to shorten the length if desired.  The Amethyst Topaz size 8 beads using a medium gold cord were purchased from The Twisted Bead in Annapolis, MD.  

I'm now going to look for more ideas of using various sizes and types of beads on my Kumihimo disc.

Necklace Kumihimo Beads Completed

Necklace Kumihimo Beads on Cords with alligator weight for tension control

Necklace Kumihimo Set Up on Disc

DVD Video Screen Shot

Heart My Patriotic - Updated 11/5/22

November 5, 2022--Finished this heart into an ornament using a 3 color, 6 ribbon Kumihimo braid as cording around the edge.   Note to self--be sure to maintain the cord twist when pulling it tightly around the corner of the heart.

See prior blog entries (posted below) for more information about the heart.

Heart My Patriotic Finished Front

Heart My Patriotic Finished Back

I tried something different in the finishing process--instead of using my glue gun to piece the front and back together, I used a new glue pictured below.  It enabled me to take the time needed to move the front and back pieces together in perfect alignment, then hold them with clips.  After less than an hour of drying, it was ready for the cording to be placed around the heart with my glue gun.

This was a game changer for me because my back is usually a smidge larger than the front (done on purpose so the cording sits a little forward on the ornament).  When I used a glue gun to put them together, I didn't have time to make adjustments because the glue would dry so fast, so something wouldn't be right on one side or the other.  This Tacky Glue gave me time to move things around a bit for a perfect balance all around before the front and back dried securely in place.

May 7, 2022--This patriotic heart worked up quickly, especially since the groundwork had already been done by Vicki T (silver outline and horizontal separation line).  The stitches were fun and as always with Nancy Cucci's designs, the beading makes it all pop.  

My Patriotic Heart Completed

April 29, 2022--In 2020, I purchased this project from the estate of an old friend and co-member of the Northern Virginia ANG Chapter.  She and I were seminar roomies for a couple of years, and I miss her dearly.   

This heart, designed by Nancy Cucci, is called My Patriotic Heart and is just the kind of piece I like to work on.  Nancy's instructions are very detailed and easy to follow.  Below is a photo of what my friend had stitched while taking this at an ANG seminar class years ago.  It'll be a pleasure to finish it for her.

My Patriotic Heart Partially Stitched by VT

Stacked Rectangles - Updated 9/29/22

September 29, 2022--Won 2nd Place Ribbon for Canvaswork/Needlepoint category at Rehoboth Beach Museum's 10th Annual Needlework Exhibition in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  So pleased.

April 22, 2022--Last January I mailed this bright and colorful project to Rittenhouse Needlepoint in Philadelphia for them to finish into an acrylic serving tray and got it back a few weeks ago.  I love it.  I made the Kumihimo cording with 4 colors of ribbon (dark blue, turquoise, burgundy and gold) and it complements the rectangles beautifully.  

If I so desire, I can slide the Stacked Rectangles out of the tray bottom and insert a similarly sized project.  

Stacked Rectangles Finished Side View

Stacked Rectangles Finished Top View

May 6, 2020--Have now completed the stitching on this really cool pilot stitch project designed by Susan Hoekstra for the now canceled ANG Seminar (note this may be available as a future online class).  I would like to place it in an acrylic serving tray, thinking all these electric colors and shiny threads will look great on my outdoor furniture (and better yet holding a bottle or two of wine and glasses).

Later I'll write about my experience on locating a tray and what I need to do to prepare the piece for insertion, or if they want to do it themselves, etc.

Stacked Rectangles Completed

April 22, 2020--Earlier this month I began pilot stitching a project designed by Susan Hoekstra called Stacked Rectangles in advance of the ANG Seminar which may, or may not be held in Tucson, AZ in August.

Originally this was going to be a two day June pilot class taught to participants of the ANG New Jersey Needle Artists chapter, but because of the virus, the class was canceled.  So Susan mailed the kits to 6 of us pilot stitchers to begin immediately, and so far I am thoroughly enjoying the process of putting these challenging, yet fun, stitches on canvas.

Below is a status photo as of April 16th.  The metallic threads make each section pop.  I chose the Rocky Coast colorway with lots of turquoise, gold, navy blue and root beer colors.  My plan is to complete the stitching by month end.  Only eight more days to go.

Stacked Rectangles Status as of April 16, 2020

PS... Susan Hoekstra has approved the posting of this blog.

Heart Jeweled - Updated 3/7/22

March 7, 2022--Well, I guess I'm more of a perfectionist than originally thought.  I really hated how the Kumihimo cord looked (see 2/22/22 entry below), so I took it off, braided up a new one on my Kumihimo disk, and placed it on the heart.  Much happier and I hope you agree that it was worth doing (the new cord has a much tighter twist).  The back, however, is still a mess.  I did try to separate the front from the back to redo the back fabric, pad it a bit, etc., but couldn't get them apart, so the original backing stays.

Heart Jeweled Finished Front Heart Jeweled Finished Back

February 22, 2022--Self-finished this beautiful, beaded heart today using a 12-strand Kumihimo cord.  I like the results for the most part, but realized my cord started to lose its tight twist, so the cord on the right side of the heart is a bit looser than the left side.  I'll need to watch out for this in the future.  If I were a died in the wool perfectionist, I would have redone the cord, but alas, I'm not.  Also, this heart will hang in my dressing closet for me to enjoy, so except for this blog and a brief showing at my local ANG chapter meeting, no one else will ever see it.  The fabric on the back is just OK and I forgot to add a bit of poly padding to it, AND, it came out crooked.  Oh well, like I said, it's for my enjoyment only and I'll never look at the back.  La de da.

Heart Jeweled Finished Front

Heart Jeweled Finished Back

12-Strand Kumihimo Braid

October 30, 2019--Stitching is done, and this beautiful heart is ready to be finished into an ornament.  I have a very special Kumihimo braid in mind for this.

Heart Jeweled Finished

October 13, 2019--At last I've got a moment to add a blog post.  This project is called Jeweled Heart and is designed by Nancy Cucci.  I had an opportunity to purchase the kit from Nancy, through a friend (thanks Roseanne J.) while she was at the ANG Seminar in Houston, TX last August.  I'm a big fan of all things Nancy Cucci and jumped at the opportunity to stitch this piece.

Here's my progress to date (and it really sparkles):

Heart Jeweled as of 10/13/19

My Vintage Heart - Updated 3/27/21

March 27, 2021--Finished this beautiful heart into an ornament and love how it came out.  Lots of sparkly bling.  Project information can be found below copied from prior blogs.

My Vintage Heart Finished Front

My Vintage Heart Finished Back

My Vintage Heart Kumihimo Cord

My Vintage Heart Kumihimo Cord Setup

December 6, 2020--The bling has been added and wow--it's beautiful.    Purchasing Nancy Cucci's designs and kits with beads is always a lot of fun.  There's a nice surprise at the end when all the beads are attached--shine, texture, dimension, etc.   This project did not disappoint.  

My Vintage Heart Completed

My Vintage Heart Completed Side View 1

My Vintage Heart Completed Side View 2

November 30, 2020--The stitching is done and all sections ready for embellishment with the beautiful (and many vintage) beads Nancy included in the kit.  I love how beads add so much "wow" factor and can't wait to see what this will look like all dressed up.  Stay tuned.

My Vintage Heart Before Beading

November 17, 2020--When ANG's CyberPointers Chapter offered up this heart by Nancy Cucci last June with lessons to begin in November, I signed up immediately.  Her hearts are so beautiful with wonderful bead embellishments, and this heart doesn't disappoint (click on Collections to the right to see other projects designed by Nancy Cucci that I've stitched to date).   I love how she added antique beads to the kit that were accumulated by her over the years.

Here's a photo of the completed outline done in Tent Stitch.  Now the fun begins.

My Vintage Heart Outlined

Still Here - 10/7/19

October 7, 2019--Wow, it's been nearly a month since my last post, and I still don't have anything to share--yet.  Lots of fun craziness here in Delaware and I'm working on a Kumihimo project for the CyberPointers Chapter of ANG.   The presentation date has been changed to January, 2020, and I hope you'll be able to access the class.

In the meantime, I am currently working on two projects--one which will be finished soon and the other is half-way done.  Will post about them shortly.

Hope you're Fall is beautiful.  We're having great weather here.