Award of the Argent Cresset - October 2019

The Award of the Argent Cresset is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who make efforts to learn and teach the arts within the Barony.

• Source: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library
• Title: Gospel Lectionary, Use of Paris ('Quatrième Évangéliaire de la Sainte-Chapelle')
• Origin: France, Central (Paris)
• Date: c. 1285-1920

The Award of the Argent Cresset was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Draw near to hear the words of Their Excellencies Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of the Cleftlands. It is proper to honor those gentles who make efforts to learn and teach the arts which enrich the splendor of our fair barony. Therefore, we recognize Jaquelinne la Deiciere as the premier recipient of our Award of the Argent Cresset of the Cleftlands. We grant the right to bear the badge: Fieldless, a cresset argent enflamed proper, within and conjoined to an annulet argent estencilly gules. Done by our hands on the fifth day of October, Anno Societatis 54 at our Standard Bearers Baronial Championships.

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.

Pennsic War 48 Classes I Took

War this year was a mixture between personal, project, and professional time. I was able to squeeze in a small number of classes as time allowed. (I'll try to come back through and eventually write up insights on the classes, but today is not that day.)

1. Surveying Material Culture from Written Inventory - This class will explore the Last Will and Testament of Kale Pakouriane, a Byzantine *patrikia* (noblewoman) and her impressive inventory of clothing, jewelry, and household goods, within the dispersion of bequests to a variety of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries included her mother, sisters, manumitted slaves, and other household staff. We will re-live her marriage, life, closet, and wealth from her written will, and reconstructed garments will be displayed. (Instructor: Baroness Anna Dokeianina Syrakousina)
2. Slavery & Freed Persons in Rome - Slavery was a fact of life in ancient Rome, so what might a Roman persona be expected to know about it? Join us as we dispel the myths, face the facts and gain an understanding of how Roman people interacted with this challenging tradition. (Instructor: Salvia Repentina) 
3. Twelve Plants through the Ages: Year 3 - Follow twelve plants through time from Celsus to the modern day. What plants were used medicinally in period, and which of these uses have been proven by contemporary science. I am covering 12 plants this year which are different from the previous two years of plants covered by this class. This is a historical overview of uses, and does not constitute medical advice. (Instructor: Mistress Raziya Bint Rusa)
4. Justinian’s Plague and The Great Mortality - Come learn about flagellants, fleas, *tarbagans+, plague saints, and what Empress Theodora did with her three orifices. (Instructor: Baroness Slany bean Uillic)
5. Medieval Soil Amendments - Come discuss a variety of soil amendments used by medieval gardeners, and talk about why they were/are added/used from both a modern and medieval standpoint. We will try to discuss at least four soil amendments, and possibly more if time permits. (Instructor: Baroness Ellice de Valles)
6. Kick-Ass Medieval Women - We've heard it all before: Women were subjugated in the European middle ages. Haha, not quite! There will be no damsels in distress in this class! We'll survey a handful of strong women who bested their "better sex" using the sword, pen, or both. (Instructor: Baroness Anna Dokeianina Syrakousina)
7. Coronets: Interacting with Royals and Baronage (Instructor: Baroness Edan Lowery)
8. Russian Folk Demonology - Overview of the most common characters of Russian folk demonology, including household and nature spirits, diseases, werewolves, mermaids, and the undead, none of them particularly nice. (Instructor: Lady Luceta Di Cosimo)

Order of Saint Clairiel - June 2019

The Order of Saint Clairiel is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have performed minor miracles within the Barony.

• Source: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library
• Title: Book of Hours, Use of Sarum ('The Taymouth Hours')
• Origin: England S.E. (London?)
• Date: Second quarter of the 14th century

The Order of Saint Clairiel was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Let one and all know that we, Crispin and Gianna, fifth baron and baroness of the Cleftlands, here induct Cadfan of Cleftlands into the Order of Saint Clairiel in recognition of the miracles he performed while facilitating the baronial history display for (the) Midrealm’s golden jubilee. Done this first day of June, A.S. fifty and four at our Northern Oaken War Maneuvers.

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.

Award of Saint Alfred - September 2018

The Award of Saint Alfred is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have given service to the Barony.

• Source: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts, British Library 
• Title: Passionale (Lives of the Saints), Imperfect 
• Origin: England, S.E. Canterbury 
• Date: 1st Half of the 12th Century

The Award of Saint Alfred was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Let it be known unto all that we, Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands do here wish to recognize and commend our subject Lassarina O’Malley, most specifically lauding her service as gate steward at events. As such, we are minded to grant her the Award of Saint Alfred. Done this 22nd day of September, AS 53 at Standard Bearers Baronial Championships. 

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.

Award of the Azure Trident - September 2018

The Award of the Azure Trident is an award established and given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have excelled in the arts martial in relation to the Barony.

• Direct Link: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts
• Title: Queen Mary Psalter, Royal 2 B VII   f. 137v
• Origin: : England (London/Westminster), between 1310-1320.

The Award of the Azure Trident was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Like the three barbs of Poseidon's mighty trident, our martial forces are made victorious by those who field rattan, rapier, or bow and who excel at displaying their passions for the arts martial in defense of their barony and their kingdom. Know by these words that Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands, do hereby recognize and bestow unto Muldonny McVriw the Award of the Azure Trident of the Cleftlands. We grant him the right to bear the badge: Fieldless, a trident azure within and conjoined to an annulet argent estencelly gules. Done by our hands this 22nd day of September, AS 53 at our Standard Bearers Baronial Championship. 

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.

Pennsic War 47 Classes I Took

One of my goals each Pennsic season is to take as many classes as I can during Peace Week as War Week is peppered with baronial and kingdom obligations. What I've noticed in documenting my interests is that I tend to lean in one general direction with my studies, this year being pro scientia atque sapientia. Without further ado...

1. Jewelry Demonstration: Etching Copper Alloys - The class was primarily a lecture with examples of the teachers work. She went through the different materials used, focusing on different printer friendly resists for transferring your image to the metals. Teacher was knowledgeable in her art and inspirational to give it a go for our own medals and awards.
2. History of Fabric Embellishments with Examples - The class was taught by the owner of the infamous adult ball (silk sari) pile and she used thought provoking examples throughout the class. I would recommend this overview for anyone interested in costuming. I think the most A HA moment was the connection between early period embellishment, using what you have available to you (your hand) and how when balled looks like... a paisley! Insert mind blown graphic here.
3. Hand Sewing 101 - I attended this class to see if I could learn any tips or tricks of the trade, but was shortly called out for being a ringer. (Oops.) The women teaching the class were subbing in for a friend who was unable to attend. Overall, educational for the novice hand sewer. The tip I took from it was to stop actually knotting my thread and using a different method to secure the ends. Will I do it? Probably when I remember I should be better.
4. The Rule - I've taken a few classes with this instructor and they're always incredibly educational, but not for the average student looking for a lighthearted class. This is definitely more like a college lecture. I was furiously taking notes, then realized I should probably just listen and enjoy it because there wasn't a test. Old habits die hard. The focus was on St. Benedict's rules regarding human weaknesses and strengths and how they've carried forward into society after 1500 years. Go out of your way to take these classes. They're enlightening.
5. Roman Round Table - The Roman round table was full of passionate and inspirational people. I can hardly wait to fall into this exceptional rabbit hole of awesome... (Certainly food for thought on another post somewhere down the line.)
6. Are You Wearing A Tablecloth? - I have taken this class before, but I wanted to confirm my theories about construction. I've waxed poetic about this before, but the more complex a pattern, the easier it is for me to work on. When things are relatively straightforward and simple, my brain cannot process and therefore I overthink things. If you haven't taken any of these before, I highly recommend them. :) It helped to cement many of the opening ceremonies garb choices for Cleftlands. There is also a make-and-take class she hosts, but I figured it would be cheating to finish up my hems when I'd already done the side seams at home on a machine.
7. Gildas, Cranky Old Romans, and No British Dark Age - A whimsical lecture (in which I did take notes) regarding Roman society still thriving in Britain during in and around 550 AD. It was enlightening in the realization that the societal influences were basically everywhere and is such a broad time period, that you can really play with the idea of being a Roman in the wilds of the isles, or Africa, or... pretty much anywhere. #inspiring
8. Roses, Part 1: Then and Now - A more standard lecture regarding different types of roses bred and grown in the SCA time period with examples, pictures, and roses. The teacher is a rose aficionado out of North Carolina who participates in horticulture. Good class, but I missed Roses, Part 2.
   
   In which our heroine discovers she has had this in her Drafts folder for over a year, so just stops reviewing the classes and posts their class descriptions.
   
   
9. Norse and Rus Women's Head Coverings - Explore possible hair knots, braids, wraps and coverings derived from extant images of Scandinavian Norse (Viking) and Rus/Slavic tribal women. Bring a scarf or a long piece of material to learn how to wrap your hair. (This class will not cover the British Isles caps or Western Scandinavia.)
10. Norse, Varangian & Rus: What is the difference? - There is a huge interest in Norse, Rus, Varangian and Slavic culture right now and I would like to show the differences between these distinct cultures and the occupation that was "Varangian". We will discuss the differences specifically in clothing and accessories for men and women of these different cultures and time periods. Lecture and demonstration class.
11. Keep Thee from the Nunnery (or Worse!) - Learn the traits to cultivate to make yourself the epitome of marriageable Italian womanhood. There is only so much dowry money to go around, and, if you've got sisters, you are likely to end up as Sister Mary on the Shelf. Culled from various sources of advice, learn about the ideal bride and the options if Lord Charming never comes.
12. The Byzantine Army -  Tactics and organization of the Byzantine army, with an emphasis on the tenth century. The Byzantine army was one of the best armies of its time.
13. Getting Down to Byz-ness: Byzantine Persona - Interested in building a Byzantine persona but don't know where to start? Let Anna fill your head with bad ideas for an hour, and see what you can come up with. Discussing Byzantine as a culture, rather than a time period, is the key focus of this class. There will be history, garb, names, titles, and yes, even Varangians. 
14. Closing your Clothes - Survey of period clothing closures and how to use them. Covers antiquity to 1600, and all the cultures that I have time for. Includes information on where to purchase these items. I will pass around actual closures and demonstrate their use.

Award of the Azure Trident - June 2018

The Award of the Azure Trident is an award established and given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have excelled in the arts martial in relation to the Barony.

• Direct Link: Catalog of Illuminated Manuscripts
• Title: Gospels, with the Epistle to Damascus, Canon tables, and prefaces, imperfect
• Origin: France, 9th Century 

The Award of the Azure Trident was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Before these here assembled, know that we, Crispin and Gianna, Baron and Baroness of the Cleftlands send greetings. Like the three barbs of Poseidon's mighty trident, our martial forces are made victorious by those who field rattan, rapier, or bow and who excel at displaying their passions for the arts martial in defense of their barony and their kingdom. One such individual has been commended highly to us. Although she may be known more for her animated, if not metallic, smile, it is her infectious enthusiasm on the lists and her acts as an emissary at demonstrations which we celebrate today. Henceforth, it is our wish to recognize Aethelwynn Skerra Dimma as the premier recipient of our Award of the Azure Trident of the Cleftlands. We grant her and all who follow her the right to bear the badge: Fieldless, a trident azure within and conjoined to an annulet argent estencelly gules. Done by our hands this 9th day of June, Anno Societatis 53 at Northern Oaken War Maneuvers.

Finished work.

Inspiration piece.

Award of Saint Alfred - June 2018

The Award of Saint Alfred is an award given by the Baron and Baroness of Cleftlands to individuals who have given service to the Barony.

The Award of Saint Alfred was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Speedball calligraphy ink. The text reads as follows:

Let it be known by all that we, Crispin and Gianna, fifth Baron and Baroness of the Cleftlands, wish to commend the works of our subject Sirius of Cleftlands for his steadfast commitment to helping and serving the barony wherever there is need by granting him an Award of Saint Alfred. Done by our Hands this 9th Day of June, Anno Societatis 53 at Northern Oaken War Maneuvers held in the Shire of Falcon's Quarry.

Finished work.

Glass Fusing

The ladies of the Rus household (Medved Ohoytnik) I belong to regularly get together try different and often strange non-SCA period arts and crafts and our March gathering was no exception. On a dreary March Thursday night we gathered in the wilds of southern Cleftlands (Strongsville) to participate in a private glass fusing party to created two custom panels for a table top lantern.

Although I knew this was coming, and that I should research a clear plan of action, I found myself without a firm any idea of what I'd like to create when I sat down at the table. I knew I didn't want to to focus on SCA heraldry because my arms aren't particularly conducive to a two hour time limit to reproduce, so I figured something more kitchy and mod might be interesting and fun.

After consulting the great information overlord (Google) and looking for MCM black cat art work, I stumbled on the Donna Mibus art piece titled Black Cat on a Table and thought that could be the winner as it reminded me of my black cat who recently passed away. I chose the accent colors in the palette I have in our bedroom.

Would I do this again? Absolutely! With a little more planning...

Lantern pieces, prior to fusing.

Inspiration piece.

The late and great DJ.

Order of the Red Company - March 2018

The Order of the Red Company is an award given by the Crown to individuals who have shown proficiency and leadership in armored combat melee, siege activities, and combat archery, or tournament combat. Conveys an Award of Arms.

• Direct Link: The J. Paul Getty Museum
• Title: Canon Table Page
• Origin: Hromklay, Armenia, Asia, 1256

The Order of the Red Company was created on pergamenata with Windsor-Newton gouache and Bombay Black India Ink. The text reads as follows:

See, hear, and read the words of Cellach, King by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and Vukasin, our Queen. In all the armies in history there have been many warriors who have fought and led from within the ranks, rising to positions of great honor. A warrior has many virtues, such as skill at arms, leadership on the field, and teaching of the arts martial.  Therefore do we herewith recognize Kenneth Kincaid of the Order of Red Company. Henceforth may he style himself a Sergeant of this noble order, and may bear its badge: Gules, two maces in saltire Argent, in canton upon his shield. Done by our hands this 3rd day of March, Anno Societatis LII, in our Canton of Pferdestadt.

After a double dog dare, I chose the more difficult design of two inspiration pieces I was looking at. (Under much protest and swearing over the course of about 20 hours of work...) I did the original layout on graph paper, then reverse engineered everything to fit close to the design. I'm not the biggest fan of freehand painting, but there are primarily pencil sketches underneath everything instead of 005 Micron pen keeping me in the lines. Of an interesting note (at least to me) the roosters were splotches of color tied together with some select gold and black brush strokes. Insert a picture of me fist bumping them if they had hands. They turned out to be my favorite part of the scroll.

Finished work.

In process.

Inspiration piece.