Beginner: Effective Free Tying, Reverse Tension & The Basic Hitch
Starting to lay rope on a person can seem daunting when you don’t have a final tie in mind, or are trying something new, but the journey can be more beautiful than the final destination. Each caress of the rope on skin can create intense emotion in your model, and we will explore the ways to create something beautiful and emotive without feeling that you need to be highly skilled. Knots are not required to create restriction, as long as one understands the main principles of how to create secure tension by using the direction of the rope. This technique is limitless, and you will feel that you can have freedom to take your tie in many different directions and flow with the person, reacting to them, assessing their movement and laying more rope as you see how the model/submissive feels. The critical safety elements will be covered, and we can explore effective communication and connection with both your partner and the rope.
We will briefly cover how to warm up your body before tying or being tied, how to tie different body types, body and awareness, motion and intention, how to use rope as a language between your partner, as well as the essential safety considerations from hand checks, flexibility and nerve awareness.
Intermediate: 2 Rope Stem TK & Suspendable Chest Harness
We will explore the subtle nuances of how to safety and efficiently tie a TK, connecting to the person you are tying, and utilising this versatile tie which is essential to any rigger’s arsenal. This can be used beautifully in filmed scenes and in the bedroom, is an incredibly visually appealing and tactile tie, which also restricts a person deliciously. We will examine essential safety considerations, how to adapt to differing body types and the things to look out for when communicating with your partner, and if they are unable to communicate, how you can ensure they remain safe.
A suspendable chest harness is aesthetic, feels amazing to put on and see it take shape, and can be used in a multitude of fashions to completely immobilise a person, partially or fully suspend them, or attach them to other things and even other people! It can be used as a lead, and can be so connective to tie. It is quick and effective and allowing the rope bottom to ascertain who is in control, but also feel safe and supported within the tie.
For me, rope is a playful medium, a space where my thoughts quieten, and I can truly listen—not just to my own mind, but to the energy, desires, and intentions shared between myself and the person I’m tying. It’s an extension of my own expression, a way of communicating through the shared tension of the rope, and it evolves into a rich, intimate conversation—one where space, time, and connection converge in a beautiful moment of understanding.
My approach to rope is both emotive and technical, and I believe they are inseparable. The tension of the rope is not just about getting the knot right or creating a perfect shape—it’s about engaging in the present moment, where passion, trust, and connection are at the heart of every tie. This is why I emphasize that the process of tying is inherently responsive. Each tie is a continuation of an ongoing conversation between two people, shaped by where we are in that moment, and the connection we share. Whether it’s with a beginner or an experienced practitioner, each tie reflects the people involved, and that makes it unique and meaningful.
Since I began tying in 2008, my focus has expanded beyond the technicalities to include a deeper exploration of expression. After returning to my local scene in 2020, I immersed myself in teaching, sharing my knowledge and helping others find their own expression in rope. It’s been a rewarding journey, one that has involved not just teaching classes but creating spaces—like the Northampton Shibari Group and Kinky Tease Extreme—where people can connect, learn, and grow together.
When it comes to teaching, I enjoy working with beginners to help them find their confidence and joy in tying. I approach it from a perspective that minimizes clinical instruction and encourages self-expression. For more intermediate students, I focus on breaking down harnesses into their components, so they can better understand the individual parts and adapt them into their own style. I also have a passion for introducing people to suspension in a way that feels grounded, personal, and dynamic—far from the robotic, clinical trends that I’ve sometimes encountered.
Ultimately, my hope is that through Celestial and my teaching, I can help others find the same joy and purpose in rope that I’ve experienced. I believe that tying isn’t just about the act itself; it’s about the people, the connections, and the trust we build through the rope. It’s a beautiful journey, and I’m here to guide anyone who’s ready to explore it with me.
Hi, I’m Adrian / Harmony/ fetlifename 36Harmony
Primarily modernised smenawa style with a focus on rope by rope progression, each one developing a story, and patterns underpinned by understanding both the technical purpose and also the emotional purpose of each rope/decision. Also model focused concepts such as rope somatics, and the psychology of rope play.
Started with Christian red, then Anatomie, Northampton rope, then Riccardo, and associated school/offshoots. Most recent workshops attended include Kirigami, Alexander Ma, Pedro, RopuNawa.
General approach to teaching is: an early focus on connection, story telling – transition to key essential frictions/knots – key harnesses, understanding the why/how – partials with a focus on play – technical basics of suspension – suspension with a focus of integration into a play session (ie not an end goal).
