Craft Notes is a collection of notes and reflections from our studio, where we share process insights and quiet observations around Japanese braiding and textile craft.
Kumihimo is a braided textile with a unique character, texture, and structure. Its flexibility and refined appearance make it an appealing material for many kinds… Read More »A Few Things to Know About Kumihimo Before Using It in Your Product
Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese braiding technique used to create decorative cords. The word “kumihimo” literally means “gathered threads,” referring to the process of braiding… Read More »What Is Kumihimo? Traditional Japanese Braiding vs Modern Craft Kumihimo
Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese braided cord.But tradition does not have to mean distance from daily life. The Studio Collection reimagines kumihimo for contemporary living… Read More »Modern Kumihimo Cord for Jewelry – 72 Durable Silk-Like Japanese Braided Colors
This page serves as a visual reference for understanding how color distribution affects a simple round kumihimo structure. Maru Yotsu-gumi is a traditional 4-strand round… Read More »3-Color Maru Yotsu-gumi: 4-Strand Round Kumihimo Layout & Marudai Setup Guide
Binding, Knots, and Interwoven Connection in Japanese Culture In Japanese, the verb musubu (結ぶ) means “to tie.” Yet the meaning of musubu in Japanese culture… Read More »Meaning of Musubu (結ぶ): The Japanese Concept of Binding, Knots, and Connection
Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Context Silk kumihimo was not originally created for weddings. It was braided for armor, for kimono, for objects that required both… Read More »Using Silk Kumihimo for Wedding Rituals
For many couples, exchanging rings feels expected.For others, it feels inherited rather than chosen. In traditional Shinto weddings, ring exchange was never the central act.… Read More »Alternative Wedding Rituals Without Ring Exchange: Meaningful Ways to Make Commitment Visible
Understanding the Difference Between Japan’s Traditional Ceremonial Cords In Japanese culture, cords are more than decorative materials.They carry meaning. Two of the most well-known traditional… Read More »Mizuhiki vs Kumihimo: What’s the Difference Between Japan’s Traditional Ceremonial Cords?
A Shinto Ceremony Practiced at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine When people think of wedding ceremonies, exchanging rings is often the first image that comes to mind.… Read More »A Red Thread Wedding Ritual in Japan
Understanding the Structure of a Japanese Shrine Wedding A Shinto wedding ceremony, known as shinzen shiki, is a traditional Japanese marriage ritual performed at a… Read More »How a Traditional Shinto Wedding Ceremony Works