In ancient Japan, beautiful yet functional cords made with the traditional braiding art of kumihimo adorned everything from kimonos to samurai armor to prayer scrolls. In Kumihimo Wire Jewelry, innovative jewelry artist Giovanna Imperia offers a fresh twist on this time-honored technique, adapting it to create stunning wire jewelry. In addition to a concise history of kumihimo and an overview of its essential materials, tools, and techniques, readers will learn the basics of this braiding method, plus how to create 20 striking projects--stylish bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces--all supported with detailed, step-by-step instructions and illustrations. This comprehensive book, which also includes pieces by prominent kumihimo jewelry artists from around the world, will inspire jewelry makers, beaders, and wireworkers at all skill levels to take their craft in a vibrant new direction.