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Do you know the differences between different paper braids that are used to make hats? It is not as simple as it would seem as first. So here is a little background:

To make the paper strands that will be woven into the brands, huge rolls of soft colored paper are sliced into thin rolls. Then the thin rolls are unrolled and the flat paper is twisted into strings. The strings are then braided. OK, now that you know the general plan, here are some details:

The original idea for making paper braids (Toyo) came from Japan, but now the

Read more... | Published: 02/14/10

Today a newspaper in upstate New York reported that for gardening centers business is better this year! See below:

Ernst Lamothe Jr. • Staff writer • May 20, 2009

Richard Thomas, owner of Thomas Garden Center in Webster, NY has been in the business for many years.

He knows that because of Rochester’s iffy spring weather, most people start coming to his store around Memorial Day to pick up their mulch, Miracle Gro soils, perennials and other plants.

But this year has been different.

He started seeing more than a steady stream of customers coming into his business in early

Read more... | Published: 05/21/09

The art of making animals from palm fronds has been passed down from generation to generation in China. In modern China is has become something of an artistic anachronism: not many know the craft. It takes many years and much patience to become proficient. Before the weaving starts, the palm maker must collect the palm fronds from the short bush-like palm trees growing in the area. Each animal will take much time to create. Even an insect will take close to an hour, with bigger animals taking an entire half day. In the past (and up to this day) the

Read more... | Published: 03/16/09

The Praying Mantis, holding its powerful front legs folded and ready to strike, has intrigued humans throughout time. Farmers and gardeners revere them for consuming mosquitoes and other pests. With an eerily alien visage and a stealthy hunting ability, the praying mantis symbolizes creativity, awareness and patience. It is used as a spiritual totem for meditation and contemplation. Yet it is also a brilliant combatant.

Kung Fu masters during the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) adopted some of the whip-like attack techniques of the Praying Mantis. The “praying mantis hook” uses both hands out front with one, two or three

Read more... | Published: 12/03/08