Welcome to Pacific Patina where you can SHOP for handmade jewelry and gifts inspired by the Pacific: Alaska to California and the original beaded kumihimo mapping software, the BKG Pattern Maker.
Pacific Patina is also a place to LEARN. You will find information about sea glass and sea pottery as well as resources for the ancient Japanese art of kumihimo braiding.
See what's new at Pacific Patina...
Bead & Button Magazine: Special Kumihimo Issue
May 10, 2016
Well this is neat!
Bead & Button Magazine published a special all Kumihimo issue this year and since I was a little preoccupied and busy with our family news at the beginning of the year I did not submit a project.
However! Pacific Patina was mentioned! The BKG Pattern Maker software was listed on Page 94 in the "Kumihimo resources" section! Not bad at all!
New Braid Structure Instructions!
November 03, 2015
Did you know there are tons of Kumihimo braid structures?! Most know the 8 element Kongo Gumi structure very well but if you want to expand your Kumihimo knowledge consider giving a new structure a try. You don't even need a marudai to do it. I added Kaku Yatsu braid structure instructions today to the Braid Structures section of the "Learn Kumihimo" page. Take a peek and have a blast getting creative and creating something beautiful!
Technically not...
October 26, 2015
Ok, truth be told this is not a true result of inspiration from the Pacific but I do have a little UK connection; my maiden name is Cornish. That coupled with a request a while back for Union Jack kumihimo pattern was more than enough to have fun creating an eye catching pattern to mimic the iconic UK flag. You can find the new pattern exclusively here!
Reminiscing Mexico...
October 14, 2015
It's been just a week since coming home from beautiful Puerto Morelos, Mexico and I am craving papaya! Before leaving I had lots of fun shopping for some new dresses and creating some last-minute "tropical" colors jewelry to match. To see pictures of the finished necklace and two bracelets check out my Facebook page!