I love fabrics. Handmade ones, of course, but also commercially printed ones, especially those designed by the  best. William Morris is a particular favourite from the Arts and Crafts Movement, but also modern day fabrics by Liberty of London. How I would love to make a dress from Liberty fabric, but there is a price for the design and deservedly so. These are works of art.

Back in the suburbs of London I had a William Morris room. A tiny room right at the top of the house with wallpaper and curtains in the same Morris design. From the small window you could see over the roof tops and catch a glimpse of the Thames, just sufficient to see the tall ships as they came to town. A great little room inside and out!

If you've never designed fabric for yourself do try spoonflower.com. It is fun and there are plenty of other artists to follow.

Kumihimo in Necklaces

Kumihimo as a stringing option.

If you make glass beads, you know that even a "practice" bead can look amazing when incorporated in to a piece of jewelry. Kumihimo braids made by your own hands, or commercial braids, can make excellent stringing materials. However, the handmade braid can be difficult to secure, since it tends to be bulky and is apt to fray. In the photo you see 2 solutions I have tried. The first uses long tubular beads in which to hide and secure the ends of the braid. The second uses crimp clasps, which I think are too short for the task. Both necklaces have been worn, so have seen a little wear, but the long tubular bead option seems to have survived better. However,  as I recall it was incredibly difficult to thread the doubled braid through the bead which has to be tight to hold the braid in place.

I am reluctant to glue the end of my braid, but if anyone has a simple fool proof solution to the problem please let me know.