This kumihimo design is Janet Nijman’s “Edelweiss Sensations”. It is a Drop Down 6 thread braid that utilizes magatamas, dropbeads and size 8 seed beads. Magatamas are petal shaped beads that sit at an angle in your pattern and drops are beads more tear-drop shape and have holes on the narrower end. “Edelweiss Sensations” can be ordered through Janet’s  Etsy store for $7.99 and it is well worth the price as it comes with both written instructions and photographs for both loading the beads and the actual braid. The Drop Down 6 technique is very easy and the braid lays flat. Loading the beads in the correct order and direction is essential to place the magatamas (the leaf-like bead) on the sides.  As this was a trial run for me, I used 3mm round beads as I didn’t have any drop beads. Luckily for me though, I had ordered dark green magatamas last year for a project that I never made so I had them on hand. As far as I know, magatamas can only be purchased at a brick and mortar bead store or at one of the various on-line beading stores. I use Fusion Beads quite often as they provide free shipping and their selection is good and prices often better than other on-line bead stores.

I’m looking forward to making more of these beautiful bracelets. I might even give some as Christmas gifts.

And pardon the crappy photograph. Snapped a quick cell phone picture on my way out the door to go to work.