Have braiding disc will travel - this month to Scottburgh beach! Now the holidaymakers have left it's the perfect place to while away the time. Rounded off with a very unhealthy burger and chips and a more healthy bracing walk. Life is good!

I've had lots of fun tying these Chinese buttons thanks to Mr. Ashley! Now this could be wound several times round the wrist for a bracelet or worn singly round the neck. Individual 'buttons' make great earrings and a small length with 'button' and loop an unusual finger ring! So simple and yet so many possibilities!

In my quest for different hand made closures for the bracelets the first place I turn to is, as always, 'The Ashley Book of Knots'. This much used copy has been my companion since 1974 and is a wealth of information. The sort of book that never goes back on the bookshelf and gives so much joy with the turn of every page!! Simple pleasures?

3 completed bracelets all showing different braids and closures. An ideal class with students able to complete an item in a morning? - well, maybe! Now on a mission to work more!

Beads really do combine so well with Kumihimo! I am still looking for alternative types of closures particularly those that can be made without needing to have done a course in jewellery making!

Yes, I have been sidetracked for a day as I search for suitable beads for my third bracelet. Hauling out all my boxes of beads and going through them takes TIME because you have to admire different colours and various finishes not to mention the reverence that has to be given to the memories from whence the beads came. SIMPLE pleasures but oh so important to the creative process!

It appears I'm not the only one braiding every day. As I look out into my neighbours' garden the Weaver birds are also joining in the FUN!

Two sample bracelets completed! Not many good quality fittings to be had so the sliding knot , now learnt, is a useful alternative. Definitely a worthwhile few days.

Two braids ready to become bracelets. Now what to do with all those ends? Will investigate how to make a sliding knot and also raid my box of fittings. Hopefully a 'Braided Bracelets ' class in the making

I love the portability of the Hamanaka Disk which goes with me everywhere -  housed in its beautiful Japanese silk drawstring bag - a simple delight! I braid everywhere!

Inspired by Phil and 'The Happiness Project' the challenge of a personal BLOG!
Errol Pires said to me to "braid every day". I have braided for the first two days of the year. Let's see where I end up at the end of 2013.