I have a book titled “Braids, 250 Patterns From Japan, Peru, and Beyond”, by Rodrick Owen. He gives a lot of background on braids, as well as different devices to help you make the braids. I’m using a foam card I got at a local craft store, but he gives directions on how to make cards from cardboard. There are also wooden frames that can be used. The book is fascinating. This is the first braid. It took me quite a while to make this one. It was hard to get the hang of holding the finished end and the foam card in one hand, while moving the cords back and forth with the other hand.