Hilly Report post Posted May 10, 2009 Hi all you knowledgeable braiding folk! Well, I'm taking the plunge into your world after many months of admiring your work. I'm awaiting the delivery of a string cutter/beveler/splitter tool from Whitebuff (Clint Sims). I'd eventually like to learn to make my own strings out of rawhide or kangaroo, but for the time being, I'm going to use precut 'roo lace from Springfield Leather. I've got some books on braiding - the ones by Bruce Grant, David Morgan and one by Robert Woolery, and a superb video by Robert Black. I must say that the video was more helpful than anything else. It's always helpful to see it done before your eyes, than read about how to do it! After I become comfortable with the fundamentals, are there any videos or books you recommend for furthering my skills? Are there any websites or books you all go with for inspiration? At first I'd like to make some jewelry for myself, as I'm very allergic to most metals, and have very little jewelry (actually all I have is my wedding band). Later I'd like to take it up a notch, and try my hand at some horse related stuff. I'd like to know what types of rawhide best suit my needs for jewelry, and where is a good place to get it from? I figured I'd ask you guys and gals "in the know" so I don't waste my $$$ buying crappy rawhide. I have the same question regarding kangaroo hides. The price on these is outrageously high, and I'm not sure who to order from and not get totally screwed on price or quality. Thanks for all you help. Hilly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LBbyJ Report post Posted May 10, 2009 Congratulations on taking the big leap, when people ask if I teach braiding I always say "I can show you how to braid but only time can teach you". Stay patient, keep with it and have fun. I use some of the Springfield leather in bigger pieces and it is a lot different then some of the other kangaroo out there, I think it is the tanning process used on the leather Springfield sells. It is still nice leather just not top quality. Hitchin Post Supply here in the states sells pre cut lace for $1.00 a yard and it is as nice to work with as the lace I get from down under. Here's the link: http://www.hitchingpostsupply.com/group.asp?grp=446 Give us a post if you questions, John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rawhide1 Report post Posted May 10, 2009 Hilly For making jewelry I think you'll want to use calf rawhide or slunk (unborn calf) They will be pretty thin hides they should work great on smaller items. If you are making a larger item some thin cow will work good. You can order some good precut strings from Bill Confer at Tejas Ind. I don't have his contact info. handy as I'm at work. But I know it's in some of the old threads. I can post it next day if someone else doesn't. Good Luck!! Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rawhide1 Report post Posted May 12, 2009 Hilly Here is Bill Confers #(806)364-6583 Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
