Born in 1972, JD grew up in and around the Bay Area of California. During his mid-twenties he developed a fascination with rope ties and knots. Following years of reading, research and practice, he established the art of fusion knottinga tying method that merges different knot elements and knotting techniques to create more elaborate and imaginative knot designs. JD has gained international respect for his tying skills, and routinely travels and teaches rope and knot tying courses throughout the United States. He is the creator of more than 100 instructional videos demonstrating his knots and knotting techniques. JD’s YouTube channel, Tying It All Together,” has amassed a dedicated following of more than 10,000 subscribers and is the most active YouTube channel for knot enthusiasts.JD’s instructional knot videos are heralded as the best on the web” and his contribution of new knots grows each and every month. He has additionally been acknowledged by the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT), which distributes DVDs of his instructional videos as gifts to their members and other knot enthusiasts. This publication is being supported and promoted by the IGKT, an organization with members in every state across the USA.JD lives and works in San Francisco, California, and his previous knot books, Two Knotty Boys,” have sold in excess of 35,000 copies.Barry Mault is the Honorary Secretary of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT), an international guild with members and branches across the US and the rest of the world. As a member of the IGKT his aim is to preserve traditional knotting techniques and promote the development of new techniques.