My instructional books on flax weaving have been well-received and in 2023 we celebrated over 10,000 copies sold (cumulatively, not each book) of the four books published to that date, by gifting 3 sets of books to weaving roopu around the motu.
Below is a brief representation of feedback I have received on my books from 2009 to the present day.
2020 – current
Dee, Waihōpai / Invercargill: “Do you know how much your pukapuka have meant to me over the years? I call them the raranga bible lol and recommend them to everyone I cross paths with that are on their learning journey. I remember a time when I started learning 10 years ago, there were very few resources back then. I found your books to be so helpful in my growth over the years.”
Heather, Flax and Fibre: “Look what arrived in the post today, the latest Ali Brown book! Thank you Ali for your decades of dedication in producing books that help foster a love of Harakeke through so many differing art directions. You’re a taonga!”
Lisa, Hastings / Heretaunga: “I have all your books now. Love how they’re so easy to follow.”
Bev, Tauranga: “I am weaving at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Tauranga. It has been a real challenge for me but I’m starting to improve. Your book is a great resource and several of our fellow weavers have it.”
Tania, Waikato: “I first saw and borrowed your books at the library. I was studying raranga through my teaching degree at Te Wananga Takiura. Our Kaiako Toi, had also mentioned these books as a good resource going forward although we translate and teach in te reo Māori. I ordered your set a couple of years ago now and have been using the ideas in my teaching practice.”
Teresa, Havelock: “I was recommended your books when I did a kete at Karen’s kits.”
Carrol, Springfield: “Thank you for your latest book Creative Flax Weaving. As always your illustrations and instructions are clear and easy for any beginners to follow. Over the years I’ve enjoyed all your books and always recommend them to people wanting to start their weaving journey. Even as experienced weavers we can always learn something new. I particularly like your Kupu Maori – Maori words at the back of the book and they way you look outside the square. I joined the kete club with the Hetet School of Maori Arts to hone my skills but still love looking back at your books as I find them so inspirational.”
Annette, Christchurch / Ōtautahi: “I did a four-week beginners’ course with Ngaio in Akaroa and I was looking for books to keep me going after the course. I came across your page while searching the internet and I liked that you described things step by step in an easy way. The techniques were as I’d just learned them, hence I purchased your books as a way of reinforcing what I have learnt.”
Tessa, Reefton: “I first saw your books a few years ago and had a hankering to get the putiputi one in particular and now I have! I am weaving full time now and in my 3rd year of learning through the Hetet School of Māori Art which I absolutely love.”
Valda, Kawhia: “Finding that you sell books was like finding gold.”
Sonia, Te Awamutu: “I am a weaver and still learning. I received my Dip in Raranga a few years back and my biggest piece to date, is a korowai for my whanau made with all natural muka and dyed with paru. I am hoping/wanting my grandchildren to learn but they are a little young. So, in the interim, I am building up my library around weaving so that one day, they may just pick one up, be inspired and start. I have admired your books and am now pleased to be able to place these on my shelf along with many other resources. Thanks so much for your dedication and time and once I sit down to start any new projects, I will definitely share these with you.”
Alexandra, Te Whanganui-a-Tara: “During the lockdown I could not attend my classes and found your books easier to follow than some online videos.”
Kathleen,Te Papa-i-Oea: “I was so excited when I found out that another book was available and ordered a copy immediately. I love the way in which the photographs show so very clearly each step with instructions to back them up and the photographs of the finished products as an inspiration. I think you have a very rare combination of talents Ali – a talented and creative weaver, who is a skilled teacher, able to break down the work into a series of steps, provide very clear photographs of those steps and write clear instructions to explain them. Thank you for all your work, it is truly appreciated!”
Emily, Hawaii: “Mahalo for sending me your books. I am excited to see them. I am a long term lauhala weaver (pandanus) from Hawaii. I first saw your Weaving Flowers book on the Internet last year and made a mental note to order it someday soon. My friend, Lisa Robertson was in New Zealand, and I believe met you. She had your flower book and highly recommended it to me. I went to your website where I saw the 4 book set and thought it was time to place my order. Thank you for sharing your skills and wisdom with the world.”
Anna, Tasmania: “I have been a basketmaker for over 40 years now and got interested in flax weaving when a Maori lady came to Tasmania and held a workshop for us many years ago. I did the online courses with Veranoa Hetet and then when I saw your books online, I pounced on them! I take them to every meeting and every state and national get-together and, so far, no one else has seen them so I point them in your direction! They are beautiful and easy to follow and I love them.”
Cecile, Panmure: “I run a nature school and I’ve been using the functional weaving book and we have had great success with them. Our tamariki love raranga what always amazes me is how focused they are when weaving even some of our tamariki who have ADHD. It is so good for the soul.”
Rosie, Moerewa: “I am a kaiako kohanga reo in Te Tai Tokerau and wanted more ideas on easy things for our whānau and tamariki to learn at kohanga..upcoming Matariki is always a good time to learn. We have an awesome kairaranga kuia that is always interested in learning off others. I first saw your book collection on face book whilst looking for awhi with raranga kete kupenga.”
2015 – 2019
Juanita, Whanganui: “I had the privilege to have a exhibition of the work from the men I’ve been teaching this year from Whanganui prison! I’m so proud of them!! Weaving inspired carvings and canvas art this year, while exploring our myth and legends! They have been very busy — 15 cloaks over 200 kete taonga made for whanau!! FROM FLOWERS TO CLOAKS!! They really enjoyed reading your books, considering at the beginning they said they don’t read!!”
Caroline, Wellington: “I am very impressed with the basket one – fantastic it looks as you have answered so many of my questions about how to proceed with such things as tops and bottoms of baskets. In fact they all look so attractive that I am going to give away as gifts to a Wairarapa Creative fibre group my old editions of the other two and keep the new ones for myself. All my very best wishes for the great work you are doing to facilitate flax weaving.”
Robin, Timaru: “Tena Koe Ali, I have had the 3 wonderful books for nearly a month and have made beautiful harakeke taonga for Xmas. From putiputi to kete to kono, large and small. Without the beautiful set of 3 I would have struggled making nga taonga. Ataahua resources, I am encouraging my friends to buy the set, so they too can make ataahua taonga.
Nga mihi nui ki a koe.”
Christine, Ōtautahi: “I recently purchased your book Weaving Baskets, which is fantastic! The explanations are very detailed, the photos extremely helpful, and the selection of projects is excellent! I love how it is spiral bound, so that you can easily have it sitting in front of you with it staying open on the correct page.”
Ann, Kaiapoi: “What a wonderful book “Weaving baskets, backpacks,boxes and other projects’ is. Thank you Ali for another fabulous book, to add to my collection. Each book has pages of beautiful pictures as well as detailed instructions with finishing touches to complete each item. Highly recommended for those wanting to delve into something a little more challenging after making flowers.”
Kim, Wellington: “I have purchased “Weaving Baskets, Backpacks, Boxes and Other Projects” and highly recommend it to anyone interested in weaving with flax. There has been a real need for a book that shows traditional weaving techniques and this book covers virtually everything you need to know including lots of contemporary ideas and with lots of colour to ignite your imagination. Thank you Ali for all your dedication to produce this excellent book.”
Kathleen, Palmerston North / Te Papaioea: “Tēnā koe Ali, the three books arrived safely yesterday morning and I’m feeling so excited! Your books are treasure troves of inspiration because of the beautiful photos and also because the techniques are so clearly explained by virtue of the photos and instructions. As a visual learner, I particularly appreciate the fact that the instructional photos use whenu of 2 different colours.”
Caroline, Opotiki: “Yippee! The set of 3 ‘how to’ books have arrived and I’m trying to decide what project to try first. There is a huge gap in the book writing market for handbooks like this. Your books are beautifully presented and helpful. Trying to find this comment space, made me scour your site. Wow! What a lovely, sharing kaupapa you possess and what a hunger you have for expanding your knowledge. Those folks who can work with you in person are very lucky people.”
Roimata, Hamilton / Kerikeriroa: “You have once again produced outstanding books with beautiful pictures and easy to follow instructions. They are precious taonga.”
Belinda, Tauranga: “Thanks Ali, your book on weaving large containers is just what I hoped. The instructions for laying out the first few pieces are very clear, I have come to grief in the past trying to get it right. Looks so simple, but it’s quite tricky. Looking forward to trying out some of those interesting tops and other features.”
Makaera, Taupo: “My books, “Weaving baskets, backpacks, boxes and other projects” & “Weaving a Large Container from New Zealand Flax” arrived really quick and are set out so clearly with good step by step notes and pictures. Have shown them to a few people and told them who wrote it and where to find it. Great books, many thanks.”
Kathryn, Collingwood: “Your weaving books are beautiful, and so well written and thought out. They are the best weaving books that I have seen.”
Bess, Tairawhiti: “I had to have all three of your books Ali, Weaving Flowers, Weaving Baskets and Weaving Containers and Boxes and I’m really really pleased. The instructions are clear, easy to follow and all the different ideas are a real inspiration. Thanks so much for all your hard work, I haven’t put the books down since they arrived and can’t wait to get cracking on the projects. Tumeke!”
Mako, Inglewood: “Thank you Ali your books are well worth the purchase. I look forward to your next published book on weaving. Thank you for your forward thinking without your extensive work on weaving a lot of us would miss out.”
Megan, Waipu: “Thank you so much for such wonderful books. I’ve struggled for years to be able to weave things and am very much a self learner. These books are amazing. My children and I have only had them 24 hours but have already made a few things each. I can’t wait to work through some more projects.”
Greta, Whakatane: “I am delighted to receive the 2 weaving books as ordered. They are excellent! Good to include the Tikanga as well so that we are aware of the protocols associated with Maori Weaving. All weavers of all abilities will find something to learn from these books.”
Lesley, Channel Islands, UK: “I ordered the Weaving Large Container book while I was on holiday in New Zealand. I am now at home in the Channel Islands, UK and have introduced my neighbours to flax weaving as we have got lots of flax growing here. We had a lovely time and plan to keep practicing and improving. The instructions are so clear and easy to follow.”
Catherine, Kapiti Coast: “We have all three books in our school library, such well used resources. Very popular with staff also.”
Maria, Goulburn, Australia: “Just received all three books to me here in Australia. They are beautiful and the instructions are perfect. Having the photographs using two coloured flax is so helpful in getting it right and understanding what to do. The format of the books, being able to lie them open flat is great. I really appreciate the hours of work you must have put in to write and do all the photographs.”
Rebecca, Hokitika: “I received the Weaving Baskets book yesterday-thank you! I find the instructions so clear especially with the step by step pictures. I particularly like the variations you’ve suggested for each of the projects and also the instructions on how to finish the weaving with different types of handles, embellishments and other techniques. Very inspiring!”
Kate, Upper Moutere: “The books are just what I had been looking for to remember some of the techniques I had learnt on courses and subsequently forgot! Really stoked to have them as a reference. They’re fantastic.”
2009 – 2014
Rere, Gold Cost: “Congratulations and Thank you very much for your lovely book, it is so awesome, well written and the instructions very clear. My daughter asked why did I get a book as you know how to make flowers, I told her this book and my other weaving books are our treasures for our family and future grand children to use for when they are ready to learn.”
Lorna, Taumaranui: “He mihi nui kia Ali mo to Pukapuka tino ataahua!!! I would like to express how awesome this book is especially for a novice like myself and yet just as helpful to a seasoned weaver like my nanny…this book is so easy to follow and the pictures are inspiring.”
Cherry, Tāmaki Makaurau: “This would have to be the most user-friendly instructional book I know of – I just can’t wait until I can have a go at everything. Keep up the great work including your blog site. You truly have an amazing talent – thankyou for sharing.”
Matehuira: “I have just been given you book as a gift, I feel like I am really privileged to have received this taonga. It is brilliant, easy to follow and nicely illustrated. Noho ora mai ra.
Carrie, Karamea: “The book arrived today and so far it looks brilliant. Will be showing to the others in our weaving group tomorrow. Will be fun to make them as a group. You have completed rather a master piece here and would look forward to the time you might put together another book for beginner weavers for kete making as there is so little available and so many people not able to source tuition. Not everyone is fortunate to have a weaving group to go to. Thank you for the many hours you have put in to get this book into print.”
Shar, Heretaunga: “I first bought your book here at a local bookshop in Gisborne for my aunt’s birthday, when she finally allowed anyone else to touch it I copied down the web address. I finally ordered my own copy last week and it arrived yesterday, but it seems I need to order myself yet another copy as another aunt was in raptures about the book and consequently left for home in the Waikato this morning with it tucked under her arm. The book is absolutely beautiful!”
Wendy: “Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I have bought your 2nd edition book and find your pictures and instructions very clear. Thank you for your creativity and willingness to help beginners like myself by posting ever new things on your blog.”
Toni, USA: “I just wanted to say how much I love your work. I am a weaver from the Washington State in the US. I am Native American and we weave with cedar bark. This is very inspiring and I would love to try some of these techniques. thank you for sharing.”
Faye, National Library: “Your book has arrived at the National Library for our collections, and I’m very keen to get my own personal copy. There is a lovely variety of flowers and ways of arranging- great to get new ideas. There are so few resources for weavers so great to have something new. I’ve already passed on the link to my weaving group, and also some friends in other libraries.”
Tania, Rolleston: “Just love your book. Its so informative with easy to follow instructions, even I can understand as I don’t like learning like this I’m more visual and learn better that way. Well done Ali, there’s nothing left out it covers so much. I wish you well, Kia ora.”
Rochelle, Manurewa: “I first came across your website a year and a half ago when I was looking for instructions on how to weave flax flowers. I noticed you had a book for sale and decided I needed to have this book, not forgetting to mention the affordable price!! As soon as I got it, I had to share it with the rest of our staff. We were all in agreement in how beautifully presented and informative this book was, including step-by-step processes with very clear images and a range of different flowers!! People, if you are interested in a weaving book to buy, this is the one for you!! Don’t miss this opportunity, it is well worth the money.”
Fiona, Titirangi: “I had wanted your book since I first saw you were writing it. Wow it’s so much more comprehensive than I ever expected, I have been weaving for 3 years – but the quality of my flowers improved dramatically within a week of receiving your book. Dad also was very pleased with the level of communication and service from you during the ordering process.”
Wayne, Kaikoura: “Excellent book. Very well presented with clear photos and easy to follow instructions. Our flax flower weaving has improved immensely.”
Kylie, Whangarei: “I have been weaving for a few years now but had limited ideas on making flowers or arrangements. I have found this the best book i have seen in a long time and I will treasure it forever, even my children can follow the simple instructions. I have recommended this website to so many people and now I will recommend this book it was an awesome book.”
Tracey, Tāmaki Makaurau: “Wow!!! Thank you so much for your wonderful book, this book is the best book I have brought in a long time. Your flowers are amazing, I’m so glad you have taken the time to put this incredible book together. Ever since I received my first flax bouquet 3 years ago I have wanted nothing more than to learn how to make them myself, and thanks to your easy to follow book me and my children have some great school holiday projects on the go. Thank you again and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for any future books you release.”
Olivia: “I received your book and fell in love with it. We held a wananga learning how to make flax flowers which all stemmed from your book. We all thoroughly enjoyed our two days. Beautifully illustrated and easy to follow.”
Joyce, Manukau: “I recently purchased 3 books one each for two aunties and one for myself. So lovely that someone is willing to share and to part with their knowledge so willingly. A treasured addition to my book collection.”
Sarah, Tauranga: “Your book arrived this morning — I have skimmmed through it and from what I saw I am so excited I just can’t wait to get down and at it. A well presentd book with instructions and diagrams that couldn’t be any clearer and it is so encouraging, especially for a newby like me. Thank you so much Ali for a giving us a glimpse of your special talent and sharing your knowledge with us all.”
Makere, Ohakune: “My colleague purchased one a few months ago and I have to say that I loved it so much and found it so user friendly that I decided to invest in one for our workplace. We are social workers in schools and this is a brilliant resource to have. I can’t wait to receive the book and look forward to using it with my students.”
Te Ruru: “Well done Ali – all of the photography is clear, instructions clear. You need to put this out into all school libraries or resource centres. I will share your ideas with the small community I work in in the Hokianga and one will go into the school library. Brilliant resource.”
Dot, Mangonui: “Being dyslexic I do have trouble with instructions but find your book very easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.”
© Ali Brown 2025