Starting out/Our first plaiting

(Note: I accidentatally posted this with Bryony's login, but the post is by Charles.)

Both Bryony and I started working on a practice whip with the faux leather last weekend. Then I went out of town and so didn't have a chance to post. First, we began with an 8" nail for me (and an 8" bolt for her - just to try them both out):

We then cut out 3 foot strips that would just wrap around the nail and duct-taped the back (technically we're using Gorilla tape).

 We taped the strip on to the nail. When we use leather we won't duct tape it on, but for the practice I figured it was as good a way as any:

Then we cut the strip into a taper and into 4 sections:

Then our first test braid:

Me looking at the book to figure it out.

Trying to braid while holding it between my knees.

Bryony braiding with me holding it.

Ultimately this wasn't going to work, so we ran to Lowes and got this:

Now we're plaiting in style!