GR-8 Shuttles Self-Closing Mock Ring Book

Tatting the GR-8 Self-Closing Mock Ring

© copyright 1999 by Gary and Randy Houtz
16 patterns, 71 pages. $30.00.
Price includes shipping to USA addresses

Tatting the GR-8 Self-Closing Mock Ring
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This book is not intended to be another pattern book on basic tatting. Instead, it is an introduction to a simple but extremely versatile technique we call the self-closing mock ring (SCMR). Patterns are included to demonstrate the SCMR technique from a simple form to more complex applications. Some patterns may appear to be quite simple or plain. And, some strategies may be challenges even for the experienced tatter. The design possibilities have barely been explored. We hope it gets tatters to use and expand on what they already know. Please, add your own special touches. Be creative.

The book is self-published and features 16 patterns that range from easy to advanced. It contains written and diagrammed instructions, as well as black and white photocopies of the tatting. It also introduces techniques on split rings, pearl tatting and hiding ends. 71 pages. 8 1/2 x 11 inches.
Books are $30.00. Randy covers the shipping costs to USA addresses.

Here is just a sample of the projects in this book:


Scalloped Doily	Three Color Triangle	Two Color Six Point

Customer Comments

Doreen Roads in Bath Somerset, England writes:

I have the GR-8 SCMR book and am quite thrilled by it. I've had it a couple of weeks now and find I'm using it all the time--all the others are being neglected now. The butterflies are really great and so is the triangular design. Did that one with three colours but found the centre mock ring was rather bulky but done in two colors it was fine and looked more like a triangle too. The octomotif also worked out fine.
Eve Schuld, Minnesota, USA writes:

I have their book. Self-closing Mock Ring and I love it. It is clearly written and very well illustrated so that the directions are easy to understand. I have made two of the motifs and a doily so far and love the technique. Thanks Guys.
Doretha Albee, California, USA writes:

As for their GR-8 book, I love it also. It is innovative, well written and quite comprehensive. Gary and Randy are such nice men and such great teachers. They are an inspiration to everyone with whom they come in contact. They amaze me with their creativity in designs and although the SCMR is not a brand new technique, they have given it new meaning and dimension and taken it further than any one else has taken it and with wonderful results. Their designs are simple enough for the beginners and challenging enough for those of us who appreciate a challenge. Although I have not taken a 'formal class' from them, I have learned SO MUCH from them! They are both a real inspiration to the tatting world in a wonderful, humble way.
I hope they'll keep up the GR-8 work by continuing to make their wonderful shuttles and writing more books.

Randy has a NEW PHONE NUMBER.
He can be reached at rhoutzdgo@gmail.com or by snail mail:
GR-8 Shuttles
Randy Houtz
128 Eagle Ln
Ignacio, CO 81137 USA
(970) 764-5802 (evenings)

Ordering Information

To order shuttles or books, contact Randy at the address, phone number or email address listed above.

Payment Options:

-- Checks on a USA Bank in USA Dollars. This is the preferred method of payment. Make check payable to Randy Houtz and mail to the address above.

-- Credit Card or Paypal. Randy does not have the means to accept credit card or paypal payments. However, he has arranged to have Debbie Arnold of Debbie Arnold Designs accept such payments and mail him a check. Here's how this process will work:

1. The customer contacts Randy Houtz with their order and lets him know they will pay via credit card or paypal.

2. Randy contacts Debbie Arnold of Debbie Arnold Designs with the amount and she sends the customer a paypal invoice which can be paid with money in a paypal account or a credit card. The customer does NOT need a paypal account to make payment.

3. The invoice will include items being purchased and a percentage to cover the processing fee and cost to mail payment to Randy. 4% for USA orders and 5% for International orders.

4. Customer pays the invoice.

5. Debbie acknowledges she received payment to both the customer and Randy and mails Randy a check for the total amount less the added processing fee.

6. Randy ships the order as soon as shuttles and/or books are ready.