Fabric Artist Mary Hansen is offering two classes to help children and adults make inexpensive gifts for the holiday season.

Kumihimo braided cords were used by samurai to lace their armor and their horses’ armor (barding). It’s an excellent method to make jewelry, friendship bracelets and fashion trim. Parents of younger children may attend the class to assist their children.

For each adult attending, a child or teen will be admitted free. With six adults, eight children will be admitted free.

Kumihimo Braiding for ages 6 and above will be taught on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Mil Potrero Mutual Water Company conference room. The class fee for adults (age 19+) is $20 and includes the materials for one child’s bracelet and a necklace-bracelet set for an adult or four bracelets. The cost for children and teens is $5.
On Saturday, Dec. 14 a Viking Weave class will be held for ages 13 and above. Adults (19+) are $20 including materials and $5 for teens to make a bracelet suitable for gift giving.

Woven wire chains were found at Birka in 800-900 AD and in the Roman, Greek and Byzantine civilizations.

Pre-registration is required for both classes. Call Mary at 661-242-7005 to register and for additional information.

Registration, demonstrations and samples will be found at the Holiday Craft Fair in the Pine Mountain clubhouse, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo caption:

Class attendees will learn to make Viking weaves and Kumihimo braided cords. The cords were used by Samurai to lace their armor.

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This is part of the November 29, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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