rgerbitz Report post Posted June 28, 2009 Hey all, I have been braiding now for 2 1/2, 3 years. And while I have a ways to go yet I have actually learned a few things. Thought I might put some of them up here. I hope you all will add to the list as well. - If the foundation button doesn't look good neither will the rest of it. Fix it up now or start over. - Getting as much strech as possible out of the strings before cutting them down to their final size makes a world of difference. - Use some kind of "grease" I use white saddle soap or Ivory and glycirne. Use enough to wash an elephant. - Moisture is sacred. To wet and the work will look like crap. To dry and the work will look like crap. Take them time to perserve the moisture content. - In a hurry to finish. I might as well cut it up now. Wait till I have them time to finish something properly. There is no rushing, only ruining. - The sound and feel of a string breaking has helped me to develop a whole new vocabulary of profanity. - Never store your work in a plastic bag with writing on it. Th ink will come of onto the piece. "insert profanity here" - Dogs are to rawhide, what flies are to poo. Keep it out of reach. "More profanity" - Awls are not created equally. Some are better suited for different purposes. Would have never known till I tried a different one. - I can't make a descent 12 plait and carry on a conversation with sweetie at the same time. Doesn't work, both will get messed up. Good time to perserve the moisture and the marriage. - When the strings are getting to dry, bundle up unbraided string, spray with water, wrap up in plastic and let site for a bit. Presto!!! Moisture and marriage preserved. - Dry rawhide can cut like a razor. Blood doesn't come out of rawhide easily. - Lime, water, and 95+ degrees will turn a good red hide into smelly, slimy mess in about 2 1/2 days. "lots of profanity" There is more, but this is all I can bear to type. Hope others have more to add. Thanks Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maeve Report post Posted June 28, 2009 ROFLOL! That is great! I have one to add ..... - The sound of a breaking string can clear a room of people faster than a live grenade! I'll have to give this some more thought! What fun! Love and Light, Maeve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted June 28, 2009 "Measure twice, cut once", and include common sense checking of sizes. " Measure once, cut once, toss out" results in new vocabulary. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rgerbitz Report post Posted July 2, 2009 Countinued, - I can only learn so much from a book, finding someone to teach me a few things has been invaluable. Not to mention a very fun trip. Got to see some scenery that didn't have corn in it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CWR Report post Posted July 2, 2009 Rob, I'm still grinning. We started braiding about the same time and I have come to most of the same conclusions you posted. I havn't done one project that I havn't bled on either from stabbing myself with a fid or cutting myself on the string or with a knife. I can truly say everything I turn out is made with my blood sweat and sometimes tears (broken strings). You couldn't be more right on the moisture content. I have finally realized that if its not right it won't get right while I try to braid. Go do something else until its right. Roy Cooper was talking about calf roping but it holds true to braiding. "Sometimes you have to slow down to be fast." Sure would like to hear more about your trip. I was pretty envious when I read about it. CW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
