The Art of Braiding, Small Projects-Book I, is the first of several books containing a variety of simple to complex braided projects for every skill level and interest. It provides the opportunity to practice braiding in a productive manner with projects that are useful and fun to braid.

The format is unlike other books. However, as in all The Art of Braiding books, it carefully lays out information needed to successfully complete a project without the added need for research.

This project book is divided into chapters or subjects. The body of the text describes the project and process, as necessary. There is always a photo of the completed item which often supports the building process. Material used will be specified, whether roo leather, latigo, cow rawhide or roo rawhide.

As in my other books, the words lace and string are interchangeable. My interpretation may be because, as a new braider, I always equated lace as a material that came on a spool or some type of edge braiding.

Photos illustrate the item instructions and may also include the steps. Many processes in braiding items are the same so may be repeated multiple times. One example is tying a terminal knot at the end of a plaited piece and most often, braiding a button over it as groundwork before braiding the finish button. Another example is making groundwork when connecting hardware to a piece, as detailed in the dog leash project. These techniques can be used in other items and, when they are, I refer to the appropriate instructional pages, as a reminder.

Each projects string dimensions and instructional location(s), with corresponding page numbers, is listed. A few projects use several more complex advanced buttons, so when possible, a less complicated button substitution is suggested.

When I braid a larger item such as romal reins, I always cut extra strings as it is easier to have them available instead of later making additional strings to match. Especially true in projects with small strings, a small amount of size change can make in big difference in a large project. Many of these projects have been made using the extra strings I have on hand. These small extra strings are handy and as a rule, are high quality. Most of these projects have small dimension strings, if a less complex button is needed, be aware you need to size the strings larger.