The twined binding was created for the 2007 Guild of Book Workers Standards of Excellence Conference. I wanted to design two separate bindings that spoke to the distinct “Cowboy and Indian” heritage of Eastern Oregon, and considered both rawhide braiding and traditional Plateau basket weaving as inspiration. Rawhide braiding is a craft practiced in several of the saddle-making studios in Pendleton, most notably by Tim George, who produces intricate working cowboy gear for the legendary Hamley & Co. My brother-in law Joey Lavadour (Walla Walla) is part of an unbroken chain of basket weaving on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, where he was born and raised and lives today. Taught to twine baskets by Walla Walla elder Carrie Sampson, he has been instrumental in continuing the tradition and leading a revival in the art of basket making.