Adrienne Gaskell – October 2020
Adrienne Gaskell is an accomplished jewelry maker who has embraced the ancient Japanese fiber art of kumihimo braiding. By incorporating gemstones, pearls, and beads she has brought this technique into the realm of modern jewelry design. Her work has been featured in Lark Books, the Bead&Button BeadDreams competition, and numerous magazines. Over 20 years ago she accidentally embarked on her kumihimo journey while experimenting with new processes to create the jewelry that she exhibits at juried art shows and galleries across the country. Along the way she met Makiko Tada, the famous Japanese kumihimo master, and her world was changed forever. Makiko has become a good friend and mentor, and they have been fortunate to have been able to spend time braiding together in each other’s home studios every year since they first met in 2008. Adrienne is the current president of the American Kumihimo Society and teaches kumihimo workshops in the United States and Japan. She leads students on annual tours of Japan to share her love of kumihimo and Japanese culture.