Tanthathide9 Report post Posted October 7, 2011 There's so much to learn when it comes to braiding. It comes sometimes be overwhelming. From some of the experienced braiders or anyone who has taken up this fine art, what skills make up a good starting point or a good foundation for beginning braiders? U can learn different plaits but where do u go after that? So I guess my question is before learning to make gear or what eer tickles ur fancy, what are the basis for making a good foundation in expanding ur skill set as a braider? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mauifarrier Report post Posted October 8, 2011 A simple start would be to buy the Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding by Bruce Grant. Available new or used on Amazon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
curlyjo Report post Posted October 8, 2011 Concentrate on what you are really interested in and things you will use for your own and family. From there you might figure out a need and build one item or many different items. I started out with Hondas and moved into Bosals just to remember all I learned years ago. The Hondas I have a source to sell but still working on the Bosals and am switching towards all Roo as its a little more concistant than rawhide. But rawhide is still working with Roo buttons. I hope this helps, Brad. PS My wife told me to build more small keychains and I think that might be a project to keep busy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tanthathide9 Report post Posted October 8, 2011 I've got all the books by grant, looking at a few videos from Brian neubert I was just curious what people might think was more of a foundation building block that is the life blood of braiding it's just expanded or elaborated more in some aspect or another, the item that really sets close to me are quirts. A very close friend and phenomenal braider of my grandpas made them, and since he's gone and passed I'd like to carry on the "tradition" being able to show my grandpa a quirt of my own before he's gone is my ultimate goal but the art itself I love it's something I'd like to pass on to my kids. Some people have made fun of the thought of me "braiding" but I don't think the understand what all goes into it, which just adds fuel to me wanting to produce the highest quality of items I can...I just wanted to know where some of y'all might have started out thanks for all replies Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rawhide1 Report post Posted October 8, 2011 Josh I've always been fascinated with braid work and the knots. Any kind of work wether it's a bosal, romal reins, quirt or a bracelet it just intrigues me. So I started building bracelets for my wife. And then folks would see them and I would build them one. Well then we had kids and stuff got put on the back burner. I would diddle with a little here and there but not much. It seems I always came back to it. My oldest daughter started showing western pleasure so I built here a headstall and some reins. Well folks would see that stuff and next thing I know I'm building stuff for them. We have seven head of horses on the place so there's always need for tack. Your right people have no idea what goes into building a piece. Any way that's kinda how I got started in this obsession. Now I'm so busy doing strap work I aint got time to braid. I think the most important thing is to know what your building and how it's going to be used. If a fella keeps after it everything else will fall into place. It's unreasonable to think your gonna produce great works of art right off but I don't think good useable working gear is out of the question. I started with precut tandy lace to learn my buttons and what not as I think learning to braid and build knots is enough of a challenge with out having to learn to cut strings at the same time. Just keep after it and it will come and you have this great site to help ya along. Best of luck, Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
megabit Report post Posted October 10, 2011 Some people have made fun of the thought of me "braiding" but I don't think the understand what all goes into it, which just adds fuel to me wanting to produce the highest quality of items I can... Sounds like you should braid up a quirt and show these naysayers how they are used, like real up close and personal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tanthathide9 Report post Posted October 13, 2011 Yeah lol that would be something if just start wearing that @$$ out one day with it haha but I gotta make a quirt first haha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
