When I wrote a booklet on how to weave flax flowers as part of the arts project for an OSCAR Foundation conference in Christchurch in 2007, little did I know it would lead on to my writing a series of books on flax weaving.
Now, sixteen years later and currently writing a fifth flax weaving book, I am humbled and thrilled to be able to celebrate the sale of over 10,000 of my books (collective, not each book).
We are a family business, publish the books in-house, and sell them through the online shop on my website. By working in this independent way, I have the added bonus of direct, personal contact with the people who buy my books — an excellent way to keep in touch with what readers like and to receive feedback. The majority of sales are made within Aotearoa New Zealand, with the rest scattered to far-flung places including Hawaii, USA, England, Scotland, France, Japan, Norfolk Island and of course Australia.
To celebrate this 10,000-books-sold milestone, we have three sets of my four current books — “Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax”, “Weaving Baskets, Backpacks, Boxes and Other Projects”, “Weaving a Large Container from New Zealand Flax” and “Fun and Functional Flax Weaving” — to give away. We would particularly like the books to go to weaving groups who may have lost their weaving resources in the recent weather events in the north of Aotearoa, but any group is welcome to apply.
To have the opportunity for your group, or a group you know of, to be chosen for the giveaway, please write to us with a paragraph or two about the group and include pictures. Tell us how many people, how long it has been going, how often they meet, and any other information that will help us choose your group. Send to alibrownweaving@gmail.com by 31st May 2023.
© Ali Brown 2023
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Kia ora we had a weavering class here in titahi bay porirua but covid came in it was never started again with the books could help me start classes again would really like to learn along with other wahines
Love your books, I got mine during Covid, it helped heaps getting through those 4 weeks. Must purchase these now as well. I have Hue and want to learn the fishing net weave please. Thankyou.
This would be a great guiding for a very new weaving group. “Te Motu Kairangi huihui” currently we have 6 very new to weaving base at Te Tuhunga Rau.
Thanks Elizabeth. Can you email me a bit more about the group and include pictures. Tell us how many people, how long it has been going, how often they meet, and any other information that will help us choose your group.
We are a small group, borne out of exclusion during the Mandates. We meet at an inclusive cafe Bula every Wednesday where Teremoana shares her raranga skills with us along with all the tikanga associated with the Maori weaving process. We would love to extend our knowledge with your beautiful books. These would also be a welcome addition to the library of the Wanganui Floral Art Group of which I am a member. Weaving in various forms crosses over in our art.
Thanks for you contact Shirley. Your weaving group will be considered for the books.
I ordered a set of books and they arrived quickly. I love them – now my friends want copies for themselves. I will encourage them to order their own copies so that I dont have to share. These books are priceless and I dont want to share. We are going to love weaving wonderful creations. Will not hesitate ordering the other set of books in the future.
Thanks Katarina, would love to see some photos of your weaving sometime.