The Art of Braiding, Romal
Reins ll is the second
more advanced book in the romal braiding series. As in Art
of Braiding, Romal Reins 1, information and skills are presented
in a clear comprehensive manner with numerous detailed illustrations.
Instruction is specific to the refined fancy Santa Ynez reins,
a variation of the traditional romal reins. These plaited reins
and accompanying buttons are made from kangaroo leather and kangaroo
rawhide.
The rein pattern contains familiar
buttons as well as several new more intricate buttons. Groundwork
information, button types and their uses are thoroughly discussed.
Every effort has been made to make it easier for the braider
to learn these buttons, their patterns and what makes them have
an elegant look.
A String Chart, containing all
necessary string lengths for each button along with the number
of buttons required, has been added, see pages 10-11. This chart
gives a braider some perspective when deciding to braid a larger
project. These types of projects take much more string length
then one would expect.
When I refer to knots, buttons
or skills that have been covered in other books, usually The
Art of Braiding, Romal Reins l, the information will be cited
by page number or as a footnote. If the button is new to this
book, the page number(s) where the information can be found will
be given. In the text the words kangaroo and roo are interchangeable.
As with our other books, it is
important to read the beginning of each chapter, any accompanying
emphasized text, Notes and Hints. 'How to' instructions are designed
to reinforce the photo illustrations. To support understanding,
a Key to Illustrations has been added to identify relevant information
displayed on each photo such as arrows and dotted lines. Occasionally
other pertinent details will also be added.
Projects other than the Santa
Ynez reins included the Elko headstall, a braided curb strap
and the double looped laced ring. The final skill is slit braiding
written by my husband Eric, a supurb leatherwork craftsman. Although
this type of work is often related to strapwork it is, in this
case, a braiding technique associated with the Elko headstall
taught in this book.
The final chapter is dedicated
to an exceptional leather and rawhide braider, Ernie Ladouceur,
who I had the privilege of meeting in the fall of 1978. Although
in frail health, Ernie delighted in discussing braiding and generously
shared his skills and knowledge with me. To preserve his expertise,
I have included my photographs of some of his original work and
notes taken during our conversations. Added is a scan of Ernie's
diagram of Curing and Preparing Rawhide hand drawn for me at
the time.
The Index has been revised to
reflect information in this book and a Glossary has been added
to define notable terminology.
I trust I have included enough detailed information to support
your learning and that you will be successful braiding this attractive
set of Santa Ynez reins. |