Business and biology student Jennifer Howard can braid a pattern out of any number of strands. She is using her talent to braid and sell leather wristbands, chokers, bracelets and belts at the Ohio Renaissance Fair.
“It’s my random talent,” she said.
Howard learned how to braid when her older sister taught her how to make creative friendship bracelets. Howard said she forgot how to do certain patterns, but there are other patterns she can braid without looking.
“My hands still know how to do it,” she said.
Howard said she is building a tool to help her during the braiding process. She describes it as a large square board with pegs sticking out of it. Its purpose is to help her keep the braid still so that when it’s finished the braid is tight. She also uses a needle-like tool to help separate strands.
Because Howard is working at a vendor’s booth, she is required to dress according to the time period, though she said she would have dressed up anyway.
Howard’s favorite thing at the festival is the environment after the patrons have gone home. When she’s not working, she enjoys the festival because it’s like getting away from it all.