Chinese Knotting An Illustrated Guide of 100+ Projects

From braided friendship bracelets to woven rainbow loom creations, kids and adults alike seem to enjoy the act of creating. From jewelry to decorative pieces such as cell phone charms, Chinese knotting is a fun and surprisingly simple art sure to delight people of all ages.

Chinese Knotting: An Illustrated Guide to 100+ Projects is a beautiful volume that teaches the easy-to-learn elements of Chinese knotting—interlacing silk cords and other materials in a variety of ways. The art of Chinese knotting has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, Chinese knotting has continued to evolve and has been incorporated in fashion, jewelry, accessories, home decoration, contemporary art and other means of expression. Using this ancient technique in new and fresh ways has kept it vital even into the new century.

Using step-by-step illustrations, this book introduces more than 100 types of Chinese knots. The tutorials will guide you through the creation of various knots and introduce their applications. You will gain an understanding of:

• Basic knots, such as double-coin knot, cloverleaf knot, endless knot and others
• Advanced knots that combine several basic knots, such as hydrangea knot, dharma-wheel knot and butterfly knot
• Practical projects, such as buttons, bookmarks and bracelets, etc.
• Chinese auspicious culture and its traditional symbols, such as "Blessings in Four Seasons", "Happiness and Longevity" and "Good Things Come in Pairs"
• History and use of Chinese knots

All you need is this book and a few simple materials to experience the fun of creating fabulous Chinese knots with your own two hands!

Born in Beijing in 1967, Cao Haimei is an instructor at the Art and Design College at Beijing University of Technology. She is also a member of the China Arts and Crafts Association, China Fashion Association, and China Female Artists Association. Starting at the age of nine, Cao studied gongbi (from the Chinese word for "meticulous") painting under Mr. Pan Jiezi, and was deeply influenced by Chinese traditional arts. After graduating from the College of Fine Arts at Capital Normal University, she continued her studies at the Graduate School of the Chinese National Academy of Arts. She also traveled to Bonn, Germany, to study visual design. With significant experience in creative design, Cao has lectured on Chinese knotting since 1993. She has also engaged in arts and design production as well as educational research.