porky roach ?

[Kamama]

Hey all,
Has anyone tried the porky roach kit from crazy crow? This one Economy Porky Roach Kit- Natural White Deer Tails: Crazy Crow Trading Post ? Im thinking of getting it for my brother for Christmas, as he has expressed an interest in getting one - he has just recently begun to show an interest in the Native side of our blood-line, and I am hoping that if I can help him with this, that maybe he will begin to want to learn more, but I dont want to get him a roach that is going to look cheaply made or "hokie". So, Im looking for input and opinions on this particular roach kit. I dont know anything about how to put them together, and he lives all the way in California, and I am way over here on the East Coast, so, theres no way I could help him put it together even if I did know how. So, what do you think? Thanks!

[rodond]

has he done any kind of craft work before bead work quellwork etc what style of dance is he interested in i know tieing a roach is not a project i would try to do

[Josiah]

I have done lots of crafts
Made mirror boards
Beaded my own belt
Made moccs

However
There is no way for a Roach bought in a kit from Crazy Crow that will not look anything else but hokie
A roach must look good because the eye is naturally drawn to it and unless it is done by an expert it will look like crap...

[powwowbum49]

Kamama

a roach is a bit of an advanced item to start with for a beginning crafts person. I Tei roaches for a living and I get 3-4 people a year that contact me wanting to know if I will finish the kit they bought, and I have to tell them I would be happy to make them a roach but I do not finish kits. There are lots of crafts that your brother could start trying his hand at, but tying a roach for his very first project just might put him off native culture all together.

Now with all that said he could be a natural for all we know...LOL!!!

[Kamama]

Thanks all for your responses, Ive talked to some people here around home too, and they all agree, stay away from the crow. I'll check around and see what else might be nice for him. Thanks again!

[powwowbum49]

Kamama

It is not that you need to stay away from Crazy Crow. They sell good quality supplies and their prices are hard to beat. They are a large business that services thousands of customers so the odd of them having a few people out there that have not been happy is pretty good just based on how many they service. Problem is those are the ones you always hear about. Seldom do you hear from the hundreds of other that were happy with their service.

I just personally am not a fan of kits and think they are just never the way to go. It is always easier to learn from someone else but I understand not everyone knows who to talk to when it comes to learning new crafts.

[Kamama]

Heya Powwowbum,
I wasnt meaning to stay away from Crazy Crow all together, just staying away from them for the porky roach kit. (sorry for the misunderstanding there) I've ordered a few times from them (Drum sticks for my fiance' mostly) and have been happy with what I've gotten from there. I was just curious about the kit for my big bro, and wanted to ask about it. I appreciate your advice and opinion on this. Thanks again.

[legalstraight]

I don't know if Noc Bay has roach kits, but I have had ok luck with their kits in the past. Their prices and things are pretty comparable to crazy crow, but I have found their instructions are often easier to follow(if not always the easiest way to do things).

I do order a lot from crazy crow (by the way Rex if you read this, you were great on the drum on the first) and I have been very happy with what I get from them- they were even willing to match beads to the dye lot for me. Also I have had good luck with getting hides from them, but I make sure I tell them what I am using the hide for.

There are a few things you go to other places for-case in point up here we have a lot folks who trap and tan their own stuff, so i can usually get pelts way cheaper by asking around than by ordering them.

That being said, for roaches and bustles kits just have a bad reputation. Not sure why but I don't mess with 'em. Roach making is one of those skills that it takes minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.

If you are looking for a kit to give someone as a gift I would go with mocs, an easier craft and even if the person doesn't pow-wow they are so comfy to wear anyways.

[powwowbum49]

LStr

I take it you enjoyed White Bear, but not sure if sucking up will get you cheaper prices...aye!!!

You are correct about NocBay. I make roaches for a living and I tell folks that if they are going to get a roach kit then get the one from NocBay...it is the best Kit on the market. But even with at that I would not recommend a new craft work start with a roach for their very first craft project.

[legalstraight]

lol not tryin' to suck up, just don't want the man to feel like we are all bashin' on him.

[Kamama]

Heeey, I forgot about Noc Bay! They got some nice lookin fleece blankets. hmmm, maybe I can get my brother and his wife one of those, and somethin' else. Im clueless on what to get for him this year. Both him and my fiance' do NOT give hints. Suggestions?

[superndngyrl]

Of course, the roach kit may be a great starting off point and who knows once your bro gets the general idea of how they are constructed maybe he'll become a master roach maker. ;)

[Kamama]

wow!

I got curious and was browsing around....check these out! WOW!!!! Makes me kinda wish I was a guy, just so's I could wear one. LOL Native American Porcupine Hair Roach 22'' Deer Out - eBay (item 150309407059 end time Dec-11-08 05:27:18 PST)

[powwowbum49]

Nice lookin roaches, would be nice if he showed some close ups of the base and the tied rows. All I can say is I guess I need to raise my prices. He is asking for over $100 more than I charge for the same thing ... selling myself too cheap I see.

[Kamama]

Do you have pics of any of the roaches youve made on here anywhere?
And yea, Danny (my fiance) was mentioning the same thing, he'd like to see a close up of them too.