Scribe with Gold

Royal Augmentation for Mistress Julianna

2011-11-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

Based on Italian design sketch, I think I did it when I went to the Newberry. It's on vellum, part of the hide I referred to in another post. I had to use the raven's head with pearls in it's mouth. I suck at painting jewels. I have no clue what the trick is as I see people who do them and make them perfect.
I hope she liked it. I even left framing room on this one.

Purple Fret

2011-11-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

I'm told the reciepent received his award. It was given at RUM and I couldn't be there. It's done on vellum and the photo isn't a very good one. I took it with my phone.

Inspiration is from the Lutteral Psalter. It's been a long time since I did any white work and thought it would be fun.

I liked the skin and it had a lot of character. I hope the gentle that received it liked.

Silver Oak for Ian the Green

2011-11-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

The inspiration come from the Grand Hours.
It's done on vellum with a mix of dry pigments and tubes. The hide came from Master John the Artifacer's shop. It was given to me by some of my household many, many wars past. I don't why but it just took a while for me to use it.

I used home-made ink given to me by a friend. 23K loose gold leaf with a mix of traditional and modern gesso. I ran out of traditional gesso.

This was supposed to be given at Coronation but the recipient didn't make so he got it given at RUM.

I didn't realize until someone on FB pointed out that the illuminated letters spells Pig and Sow. They had a great laugh and I had shear horror. This was done purely by accident. Thankfully Ian a fellow scribe understood what I did. I offered to remake the scroll and he said no he loved it.

I had a bad arm day and well over all I think it turned out good.
Sadly, I've been having way too many bad arm days. :( But no pain, no gain. ????

AOA for Lady Emma.

2011-10-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

No, it's not damaged. It's animal skin and had a few imperfections. It was lot of fun and I hoped Emma liked it. She's new to the SCA and well her friends thought it was a great idea.

The biggest problem I had and it didn't happen until I started the illumination was the skin buckled. Still haven't figured out why.

I'm still thinking sticking to smaller will be the challenge and the path to take. At least until I'm rich and don't care how much anything costs. LOL LOL LOL

backlog 2: Dragon's Tooth

2011-10-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

This was done on vellum with traditional materials.
I should have left framing room but not an easy task as it was a small piece of vellum. It was even close to what the original design was. LOL

Backlog: Dragon's Tooth

2011-10-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the materials?

A Lesson Learned and Not Forgotten.

2011-04-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

It's taken three long years but my property has finally been returned. Thanks Rose, the soon to be ex. It's rather large and rather than re-posting all the photos. I provided a link, if anyone wants to see the book. The pictures aren't super great as at the time I was learning how to take photos and upload good images. Thankfully, cameras have come a long way. :)

http://patty-space.deviantart.com/gallery/4068630

It was not returned in the same condition but it's fixable. It arrived in a dirty flimsy candy box. :( The cover even had a ring of something on it. It appears the person took it apart. (shakes head) Not sure what I'll do with it now. Other than I consider it lesson hard learned.

I tend to be a trusting person. I was given a hard luck story and fell for it. Hook, Line and sinker. :( I mean what should I have done? :( The guy tells me he lost his job and it's part of the wedding ceremony. But later I find he's going to the 'mouse trap' and other nice trips. WTF?

I know. Sucker!!! I've beat myself up over this far too much. The horse is dead and it's past time for me to move on.

The center portrait was done by my good friend Shannon. I'll be posting a link to her shop later on. She's an awesome artist and I owe her dearly for assisting me. This book took a lot of work to complete. I used very traditional methods for the time period.

Sad I didn't get paid but glad I got the book back.

WAY too long.

2011-04-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

OMG has it really been this long since I've been on this site? WOW. Well it's not for lack of being active. A few other sites took my attention but I'm back and will hopefully be doing much updating.

To those of you that pay attention to my dribble, THANK YOU. Thank you for the feedback also.

This is really meant for me to keep track of progress and sometimes set backs. It will sometimes be very informative and other times just babble. ;)

So welcome and please feel free to comment but be constructive not hurtful.
Please don't steal my work or anyone else. Ask; you'd be amazed how far that will go. ;)

Have a great day.

My Scribal Desk

2009-10-23T15:29:00.001-07:00

My two art critics approve. LOL

My hubby built me this desk. It's made of solid Oak and is on the heavy side (well for me anyway). It is portable and the legs are removable. It even has a draw and the inside has room to store things like brushes and paper.

My next goal is a chair to go with the desk. :)

Paper! It makes a difference!

2009-10-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing to learn about how to use color pencils. I've learned a lot about compliment colors, shading and layering. It's still hard to me and I feel a bit like I"m still in over my head. But I'm sticking with it.

I've been able to apply these skills to my watercolor and gouache work. I've also been working with Alcohol and Kosher Salt. And I'll write more later about my discoveries.

This post is about paper!!!!
OMG my Bristol paper isn't white. OK you artist types stop laughing at me. I have stated many times. I'm self-taught and I'm learning. Anyway...Thanks to Shannon for pointing this out.

I've had a pad of Borden & Riley, BleedProof Paper for a while. I decided to give it a try as Shannon works on this paper and likes it. She's an awesome talented artist and I hope to be closer to her talent some day. Or to let the world know about her talent.

We put a sheet of Borden and Bristol side by side. The Borden is WHITE!!!!! The Bristol looks dull and even yellow. I tried this under several different types of light. Sunlight = ouch, very bright. lol

Don't get me started on Bristol Sketch Series 400. This piece is done on the Bristol Series 400. The 400 is dull and not kind if you need to erase. Actually, I kinda like how this turned out but I think it's probably in need of another layer of color pencil. The 400 is expensive and super thin. Maybe I'm doing this all wrong. [shrug] Nuf said there.

Borden's is a bit tricky to work with. It's a very, very smooth surface and this took a little getting used to. The colors just pop. It's amazing. I also have less surface lines (texture) not sure how to explain this. But the color goes on smoother.

I have finished several pieces and I hope to have all of them posted in a bit.

Trading Cards? hmmmmmm

2009-09-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have better individual close-ups on my dA site.

These are fun things to do. I've been experminting with a variety of media. The P, A, and stain glass are done in gouache and water color.

The Rose is water color and metalic water color. It's lost in the scan but it shimmers and looks kinda neat.

I also used silver shimmer for the Tunnel.

The dragon is a done with ink. Kind a cool.
All the cards are free-handed and done just for fun. I plan on do more as soon as something comes to mind.

Color Pencil Class?

2009-09-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I attended a Color Pencil Class? Well, not class in the strictest since of the word. A wonderful lady named Tina from PAL has agreed to teach me about Color Pencils and their use. It's informal which I enjoy. She's a good teacher with a lot of patience and very encouraging.
There are two other very tallented people in the class. One is my girlfriend S who does incredible art work. I have a link to her site on the side of my blog. The other gentle is B. He was working on some flowers. Oh MY!! It was beautiful. I feel so out of place. I don't know many art terms. I can't really draw fast. It takes me hours upon hours to get something to were I like it.

This is a very new media to me. I'm having a frustrating time trying to shading and show depth. What's the secrete? Why is it so hard? I thought this should be realitvely easy. No water. No brushes. No overwetting. Even mixing color should be easy. Sigh Why is this so different?
I've been searching the web and found a few helpful sites. I tried using the blending pencil which is a kind a cool effect. But once you blend it seems you can't do anything else with it that area.
I've used watercolor pencils and those seem very easy to show shading after I had water. I've done a lot of practice and I might post some scans. Just so I can see if there is any improvement.
Well it's back to the sketch book and a breakthrough of inspiration.

WOW has it really been this long?

2009-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time on dA (deviantart.com) I did a book of prayers for a commision earlier last year and got ripped off. I'm heart broken but with the saddeness have learned a lot of lessons. If you click on the underlined link above, you can see it. One of the pages was done my girlfriend.

It will eventually go up on my web page. I so have to update that too. It's sad to admit, I let so many things go by the wayside. Well... enough of that. All I can do it learn and move on.

I have plans to start posting again. I'm excited and renewed.

First order of business is to finish organizing and cleaning the art room.
I made a huge missing mess looking for stuff. I taught a class on diapering techniques, last week. More on that later. It was fun.

I attended an art show yesterday called "Art in the Park". It was my first one. I've attended craft shows but nothing this focused. Many different types of media and lots of inspirations. I got some cards and had great conversations. I'm looking forward to following up with many of the artists. I only took one picture and that was at the very end. Everyone was packing up and leaving. The show was so wonderful, I forgot about wanting to take pictures.

The group is called PAL. Plainfield Art League. So many of the people were so kind and welcoming. My girlf friend and I are now Art Legaue memembers. :) My girlfriend and her hubby paid for my membership. :)

Well time to tackle the art room. :)

Scroll Blank - 4

2007-09-30T07:19:00.001-07:00

Scroll Blank 4
Inspiration: Painted Prayers Book of Hours - Simon
My book is upstairs and will make the exact reference when I get up to my art room
Materials: Watercolor, Gouache, Crow Quill, various brushes, bristol

This was a challenge and stretch. I hate acanthus leaves. I just can't seem to get that twist. I kind a liked working with the darker colors which is out of the norm for me. I prefer bright colors that pop off the page.

I hope TRM's liked them.

Scroll Blank - 3

2007-09-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

Scroll Blank 3
Inspiration: Painted Prayers Book of Hours - French 15th c. I think.
Materials: Gouache, Watercolor, Bristol, Crow Quill and mix of brushes.

This was a bit of strech and I'm not sure if I like this or not. Maybe in couple of weeks, I'll look at it and be happy with it. Only time will tell. I tried a new techinque this time which seemed to help. I layed a light wash and built from there. Normally it's slap the paint on and I'm done.

This was the 3 in series given to Henry so he could present them as a gift to the Crown.

I hope they were well received.

Scroll Blank -2

2007-05-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

I probably should have taken more time with this one. I ended up spending 1 1/2 days on it. That wasn't the plan. I just got into working and forgot to stop and take a few breaks. Boy did I pay for it the next day and day after that. lol

This design inspiration is from Rohan Masters Collection. Roughly about the 15th century if I recall correctly. I used the same materials as I did in Scroll Blank - 1. This one has lots of details in the flowers. The lines and sqwiggles are done with a crow quill. But I can see now that some of them appear to be heavy handed. I should have taken breaks. Oh well, live and learn. I still have three more to go. But house stuff is calling my name.

Scroll Blank-1

2007-04-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Material: Pergamenta, 22K Italian Loose Leaf Gold, gouache, Calli black ink, crow quill, 20/0, 12/0 brush, traditional gesso base

The design inspiration comes from a book called the Visconti Hours.

I'm not a 100% happy with this but I'm happy I finally made something. It will hopefully be the first of five. I promiced to give all five blanks to a friend for a project he is organizing.

I need to get back in practice. I should have given more time drying time between laying the color and white work.

But overall, I'm just happy to have completed something.
It felt good sitting down in my new studio. Come to think of it, it's the first thing I've made (art wise) in the new studio.

A Visconti Hours-scroll blank

2007-02-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Materials: Pergamenta (heavy weight), traditional gesso base, 23K loose gold, mix of tube goauche and watercolor pencils.

Style: Visconti Hours

I ended up giving this to another scribe to callig. it when she gets an assignment for it. She had been asking for scroll blanks for sometime now. I still owe her several more.

I hope she was happy with it.

Out of my comfort zone

2007-01-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Well, after much thought and lots of laziness. I thought it was about time to branch out of my comfort zone. I've wanted for a long time to do more fantasy and people type stuff.
So here's my attempt.
The inspiration is a very close friend. I one of her photo's off of her web page. It was one of her going to prom, I think. I only traced the outline of her body. The rest is free-hand. Her face didn't come out the way, I envisioned it. But that's something I need lots of work on. I used watercolor pencils.
I drew her with fire type colors. It's to show her the power she's has within her waiting to burst out. I won't quit my day job. ;)

Nice distraction

2007-01-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

Ok so I don't remember how I came across this blog but it's great in a warped way: http://verticalandwastingoxygen.blogspot.com/
Just the perfect distraction, right now. :)

My laurel's stand on Peiter and Nan

2006-12-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

My laurel and I recently had a talk. My laurel is leaving the SCA. I have a lot of feelings about the entire situation. I have NOT sorted them out just yet. I take all commitments to heart. When I agreed to apprentice to her, it was not something that I took lightly. I know I will still continue to learn and grow but it doesn't help the feelings I'm experiencing right now.

Enough said for now.
________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

She also sent this email to me. She has said, I can post to whatever lists I want. Her words "the more the merrier".

An announcement came through on the both the Middlebridge and on the Mid-Laurel list on December 19th, 2006, from the BOD of the Society for Creative Anachronism stating that Pieter & Nan Von Doorn were being stripped of all their rank, titles and peerages and that revocation and denial of
membership was underway or already effected. No reasons are given and no
questions may be asked. My reactions in print were in three considered bits as follows.

I.
Excuse me - I thought this was a game. I was not aware that we lived in the Soviet Union where people “disappeared” from your life and you dare not ask why lest you disappear yourself or cause others to be cut down.

This is wrong on all levels and I am rethinking, the most seriously I have
ever done, my support of the SCA. I do not have to renew my membership.
I have to conclude that expressing one’s opinion is now reaching the point of BOD action.

In my 16 years of involvement with the SCA, I have never known Nan and Pieter to be anything but gracious and good and that includes having put them up in our previous small home where they comported themselves with rare
decorum. The weight of their nearly 20 years of giving and kind acts, of
service to the society have been swept away by four or five people at a blow, mighty oaks felled, cut down to stumps as Master Johannes said, and we are told not why, nor allowed to ask.

I have been distanced by life this whole year by very life-changing mundane events and had spent yesterday morning looking at old photos of the SCA back in the 70’s and 80’s, was feeling quite warm and happy about things, and then was presented with this announcement on Mid-Laurel and the
Middlebridge. It jarred in an ugly way.

This sort of thing is not smoothed over or ignored, it does not blow away in time, it is fundamental to the basics of this game we purport to play and it is wrongly handled and done.

II.

Actually my friends and cousins, what we are being told here (and note that we are being told) is to shut up and move on. If this can happen to Pieter,
to one, to anyone, it can happen to others and it will. My name both
mundane and in the SCA is Cassandra and I make that prophesy for what it’s worth.

I have only this life that I know of; I don’t have time for this nonsense beyond parting words. There is a world of people out there and other organizations without star chambers.

My talents and education are mine and I look forward to enjoying them in a milieu (outside the SCA) where there aren’t people with inflated ideas as to their own consequence strutting about ready to be offended and lay down the law and cut down erstwhile ‘friends’ – and then tell me I have no right to
know why. Yes, there are people out in the real world as mentioned above
but I can tell them where to go, I don’t have to put up with them or be around them and I certainly don’t have to defer to them.

I’ve walked away from jobs that were insulting to anyone’s dignity, and I found better ones, always much better. I left the military (which I love and respect) when I realized I’d outgrown it and could no longer give a rat’s patoot for the jewelry tacked on someone’s shoulder. I recognized it was time for me to go. I learned that a person had to EARN my respect and
they could lose it very quickly by demonstrated idiocy. A whole bunch of
SCA people have lost mine and while it means zilch to them, I’m not sticking around because they run the show – or at least they think they do. They will find themselves one of these days playing on stage with no audience and a very thinned cast, I’ve seen it already happening, I’ve been noticing it but those on stage are mostly too blinded by the lights (or the gold-leafing on the scrolls) to see and don’t want to.

I’ve even seen the university at which I received my degree go through the legal process of firing a tenured ex-chancellor and while not attractive in any respect, it was not done in secret and reporting was made at all times.
At no time did the university say to anyone, shut up, you are not to ask
questions or entitled to know. The media had a lot to do with getting the
story out and for that I am glad but the university didn’t have the attitude
I see in the SCA. When all was reported and done no one looked too good
but everyone agreed justice had been done and everyone, down to the freshest of freshman, knew why and the wherefore.

As I’ve written for myself, “the SCA takes its medievalism straight”. We are supposedly playing at medievalism but I have found that many are not.
That was amusing for some years but it stopped being amusing when good
people are now being cut down and hurt. And as a knight has said, “this
isn’t over yet”. No it isn’t - but not in the way he thinks. Perhaps there’s a list ready for the new fourth level of banishment that has been created, perhaps not, but I don’t intend to stick around and witness it.

As has been said to me, “It’s not the straw that broke the camel’s back”
(this move), “they’ve SHOT the camel!”
And a dead camel will rot and begin to smell very, very badly. I’m not putting a cloth over my nose and saying well, it’s not too bad, I think I
can live with the corpse. And since I have no ability to even decently
bury the poor thing, I’m going somewhere else where they don’t shoot camels, and if they die naturally, they have the decency to bury them and not say they deserved to die.

High words for game you might be saying? What do you think life is – do you think that time in the SCA and what you do in it and how you conduct
yourself is not life, is not reality, does not count in the long run? You
are as you do both inside the SCA, at work at play everywhere and at all times and some folks (not some faceless entity such as the BOD or the
system) have just done wrong.

POST-SCRIPT: to my words – a quote from William Lloyd Garrison (if you don’t know who he is, look him up)

“I am aware that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity?
I WILL be harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation…. I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch – and I WILL BE HEARD.”

III.

This is the last post from Cassandra Eleanora di Milano and no doubt you are breathing a sigh of relief. Hearing truth and conscience is bothersome, never pleasant.
In a few weeks time it will be as if Pieter and Nan have never been.

I have no influence with the people who did this thing but I do have free will to leave. I can cut my ties to the SCA of my own volition. I can remove my talents and assets and any future contributions I might have made as my protest, as something I CAN do in this particular situation. Does it pain me? Yes, it will, but not as much as the wrong I have just witnessed done to two persons I esteemed.

Since I believe this is a deep wrong I can no longer swear fealty to the Middle Kingdom nor respect any crown because they have and they likely will again do such a wrong to others. I can also cannot, for my own conscience continue to function (and make merry) amongst others who will ignore such a wrong done in their midst. And now the threat of more such wrongs looms for persons of any rank, merit or longevity.

Both of us, Cassandra Eleanora di Milano and Istvan Toth are leaving the SCA. Our memories and mementoes, good and bad cannot be taken away by anyone and we will continue to enjoy them the rest of our lives. But equally we will tell the tale of our experiences, both good and bad to anyone asking us about the SCA.

It’s nice that a few speak of considering trying to prevent such occurrences in the future but consider – you did not prevent this one and you had no input or influence in this and you won’t in any future R & D and Level 4 banishments and one of them might be you.

Cassandra Eleanora di Milano - Order of the Laurel, Kings Chalice, Silver Oak, Willow, Doe’s Grace (Cassandra Ludwig-Malone Toth)

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
... Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)

The Midrealm Great Boke

2006-12-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

This is most amazing collection of beautiful work. It may take time to view if you have a slow connection.

Midrealm Great Boke

Enjoy on this cold, windy, snowy day.

RUM canceled--due to weather.

2006-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Got this in my email this morning!

Winter RUM has been officially cancelled due to the weather. According to those in the know a large portion of Decatur is without power, there is 2 inches of ice beneath 9 inches of snow with more expected. So to ensure everyones safety the event has been postponed until we can get everything reorganized.

Please help spread the word!

Duchess Kateryn

Well at least it will give me some time to get the house clean or NOT! I tried to shovel the driveway and my back is burning. I don't think I hurt it. I think it's my asthma. And go figure, this started out as a good day. i guess I'll camp out on the couch and work on finishing some stuff.

Catching up by event November 21, 2006

2006-11-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

I did the calligraphy and little badge. The award is a Purple Fret and is given for service. I made some mistakes like leaving the n off of known and the y off of cystal.
So, I used a very period techinque and put the letters into the illumination. ;)
I hope the person who got it, liked it. I picked this blank because there was a reference to him doing Spainish rapier. This is an earlier Spainish illumination.

Catching up by event November 11, 2006

2006-11-21T14:14:00.000-08:00

These were actually done the same week as All Soul's. This event is a youth fighting event and takes place in Indiana. The entire event is dedicated to youth. Even the feast is pretty cool. They have pizza. No, not period for midieval times but appropiate for picky kid eatters. ;)

Both these scrolls are youth fighting awards. I did the calligraphy on the first scroll. I had the blank in my stuff and couldn't resist using it. The person that did the illumination was the mom of the young man recieving it. I found it to be a neat thing to do. They are a very close nit family of four. All four kids particapate in this activity. This award was called Award of the Baton and it went to Travis, the oldest out of the four.

This award is the Award of the Baton and was given to the youngest boy of this family. Another scribe did the orange drollery. I added the award badge, gold box and calligraphy.

The red beads are added at the end of the line breaks because young Ryan makes beaded bracelets.

I hope both kids liked their awards and I hope their mom was surprized.

Catching up by event. November 4, 2006

2006-11-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

All the awards can viewed at the MK Award Scrolls site. This is the scrolls that I did.

The gold sqiggle border on the left was done by another scribe. Her name is Sorcha. It was a scroll blank that I had in my stuff.

The illuminated initial and calligraphy was done by me.

This was a sad assignment and probably one of the hardest assignments I've ever had to do. This is a youth award called the Dragon's Treasure. The young person who received this award was no longer with us. She passed away earlier in the week. She had juvenile diabetes and was only 16 years old.

The scroll went to the family and I’m told it was buried with her. I received two beautiful thank you emails from friends. All I can say is I’m happy it brought smiles to a very dark day.

Nothing more to say I guess. Other than, Why her?

Award Scroll Gallery of the Middle Kingdom

2006-11-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy month and mixed with ups and downs. I might talk about that later and then again I might not. lol

I've updated the Award Scroll Gallery of the Middle Kingdom. At some point I probably should retitle that because it only covers the Midllands and not the entire Middle Kingdom. At any rate...I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to Austin who assists me.

Black hours on real vellum

2006-10-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is dyed black vellum. It was given to me by Mistress Angharad. She made this piece of vellum. This is a snip of an email of how she made it.

This is the back side or really fuzzy side.

The animal is cow--specifically a rawhide dog chew that was soaked in lime solution for 6 days then rinsed in water for another day then soaked in dye for 8 hours, then sewed onto a frame to be stretched and scraped for another 3 days. The dye is iron gallo-tannic (tea, crushed oak galls, and iron powder) manufactured by yours truly.

Using the back might be very problematic as it is quite fuzzy, and the sanding needed to make it writable would probably open up the thin spots into actual holes instead of almost holes. And to get perfect smoothness the skin needs to be dampened between sandings and that would prolly hurt your marvelous artwork.

This is what I made out of it the piece she gave me.

It has roughly 20 hours plus of work. It was nice to work one with the one exception of a few thin fuzzy spots. I noticed the lighter the touch the better things went one.

I'm still not sure what I'm putting in the little window on the left. I have a few sketches but I want to make sure it's the right thing. lol

It was very different working this small. I'm used to 11x14 size stuff. I hope she makes more. Who knows maybe I can make it into another book.

A beautiful surprize

2006-10-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sneaky Crown. I have no idea how they got this past me. Last night at Court after their majesties gave out all the scrolls (or so I thought) they called me into court. At first I didn’t realize they even called my name. lol I was given a Dragon’s Heart.

My award scroll was made by a very dear friend. It's roughly 5x7 or so. I'll measure it later. She used vellum that she made herself. All of the paint and gilding base are made from scratch. It’s just beautiful and I still feel like a deer in headlights.

BTW for those who pointed out me not knelling and how rude it was, maybe you should check with me first and find out the facts. It was not rude or disrespect. Ask me and maybe you’ll find out. Then again, maybe I won’t was my time.

Silver Acorn

2006-10-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

I did not do the drollery. That was done by another scribe who donated the blank. It was a bit plain and needed some dressing up IMHO.

I did the calligraphy with mitchell #6 nib and Calli Black ink. I used a crowquill for the gold box and end pieces. The Badge and string are done using Holbien gouache.

Crown Award Scrolls

2006-10-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

I got home from Crown Tournament around midnight. It was fun to see friends. I'm very, very tired. I posted the award scroll pictures. All the scrolls are very pretty but I guess I'm a bit biased. lol

Fall Muse

2006-10-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

I have no clue what motivated me to do this, other than my muse decided it was time. LOL It’s out of my usual element. It’s hard to explain. If you’ve ever gotten something in your head and you just have to get it down on paper, that’s sorta the feeling.

I used hot press paper that was very, very smooth. Very, very, close to velum without the cost. I also used Staedtler watercolor pencils. These are a lot of fun to play with. It’s helped me shading techniques and they’re so easy to use. The colors where randomly taken from the leaves on the trees and the ground outside my window.

I’m still not sure I like the outlined look. I think I liked it better without the outline. Wish I would have taken a before picture. Oh well live and learn. : )

I outlined using a crow quill and Calli Jet black ink. One of my goals is to practice more with my crow quill. Normally, I can get a much thinner line but I was working on my lap. The photo doesn’t show it very well but I did the veins of the leaves with Holbein Gold Gouache and a crow quill. All of it blended rather well in most places or so I think. Lol

I want to get better at drawing faces and people in general. At any rate it was fun to do.

Thoughts on Blogger Beta

2006-10-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've decided to give this thing a try and play with the template a little. So far the upgrade is good. The template is easy to use even if you have no clue how to do html. I'll probably change it again but right now I'm tired and will post and play with changes a bit later.
Wishing the sun would come out.

Fox Hunt 2

2006-10-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

This was a local event and my household hosted the scribal challenge and round table. It was a fun but tiring day. In the spirt of the event and the theme "The Hunt".
I made a something to display. I'm not a 100% happy with it but I'm trying to keep in mind that I did this in two days flat. Toward the end my arm and shoulder really didn't want to agree.

We just wanted to make sure that there were things on display as the word about this didn't get out until late. We had two prizes. I and two of our group donated some pergamenta and another member donated some gouache. Two of the members of our household did not particapate with us. Anyway, much to our pleasent eyes, we had four other enteries.

If you want to see the other enteries go to Rokkehealden's page and click on Gallery. If you're going to that trouble, Can you guess who the winners were? Also, check out 'At the moot' to see some scrolls other scribes have done. They are really nice and creative.

The close up shows the fox got away. :0 I used Holbein Gouache and Pergamenta Paper and right now can't remember what else! The exemplar for this piece came from a neat site. The draw back for me was it's in french but there are plenty of other sources to figure it out. I changed the beast for a fox tail. :)

I need to work on my people. My trees and diapering turned out ok. I plan on making some other scroll blanks using this style. Diapering is alot of fun to do.

And my dear Peaches, voiced her thoughts. LOL Look closely at her mouth. LOL

Coronation Scroll #3

2006-09-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ok I know I was asking for it. lol I had one last scroll and five hours in the car. So I got the bright idea to do the finishing work, which was all the gold work in the car.

So I got my handy dandy scroll case out and got my gold gouache that I thinned so it would flow through my crowquill. And got my crowquill out.

I snugged the scroll case up on my lap. And proceeded to work. Hubby would warn me if he had sharp turns or applying the breaks. Everything was going great.
I got lost in thoughts focusing on the scroll work. It helped me forget about hurting.

Guess I got too into working and hubby got too into driving. Not sure which. Like I said I was asking for it. LOL
One bumb in the road and there went into the air. A wonderful round nickle size blob that went plop. I won't add in all the comments that followed. LOL I was so close to being done. I only had that little corner left to finish. I tried to get the gold up but without having the art table in hand, it was a bit of a challenge.

I don't have a picture of the fixed scroll but hubby was able to scrape it and burnish it back down. He's so awesome! He was supportive and reassuring. I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. LOL It still looked like a huge mark to me but everyone that looked said it was fine.

Coronation Scrolls

2006-09-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Black Hours
It's my latest addication. I don't why I enjoy doing this style so much. I just do. The style does force me to slow down and the black is so unforgiving. It shows every little imperfection I make.

I used a mix of dry and tube pigments. The white is very modern. Doc Martin's Bleed proof White. I'm using Mitchel nib #6 and a crow quill nib. I think I need to get a new nib. It felt scratchy toward the end of the third scroll. I also used a 20/0 for the fine details.

I finished the three scrolls in a day and half. Yes, I'm nuts. Acutally, I promiced myself I wouldn't do these things but I lost working days due to lack of communication (don't ask) and a problem with my back and spending half a day in at doc in the box (Walk in care). :(

Over all I'm pleased with how they turned out. Those of you that really know me, I normally don't like any of my work. lol I finished two of the scrolls at home and one in the car.

TRM's signed the scrolls in gold and sealed it with a silver seal. I wish I could have gotten pictures of the sealed scrolls.

See next entry for the third scroll. :)

Different Pages.

2006-09-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Other views

2006-09-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Front view.

Inside view.

Back View

It's DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Not the greatest pictures but my Model Book is done. :)

The picture on the right is the binding.
I used kettle stiching and ribbons.
This is the first time I've tried this style.
I think it would probably work better with a thicker book but over all I'm still pleased.

grrrrrrrr I lost my links.

2006-08-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
No I didn't delete ya from links. I changed the template and lost my links.
I will try and put them back up in the near future.
Again many apologies.
Please send me a link if you would like to be reposted/linked to my blog. :)

A peak at my latest project

2006-08-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is the first page.

It's been a while.

2006-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I think it's because I've just been busy working on projects and web pages and life! I almost finished another book. I'm so excited.
More soon.

Finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-11-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

It's finished. It's taken a long time but it's finally done.
I'm already planning my next book and will be teaching three other people how to make a book.

RUM November 19,2005

2005-09-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Who's going to RUM?

Next phase of my book.

2005-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

With the advise of my laurel. She suggested wood covers and then cover that with leather. The brown pattern leather under the book is a piece she gave me to cover it. Which I think is so cool.

She also showed how to trim the pages to get a more even look. We did that part at Pennsic, when I popped into her camp to see her. It was a day and night difference. :-)

The husband cut the board and I did the sanding. Something about wanting me to keep my fingers. lol Those of you that know me, know what I'm like with power tools. lol

I used PvA glue to attach it. It's working very nicely. I did keep two huge weights on top for two days.

Now onto the third phase of this project. Applying the leather cover. I'm using a book from Dover but will welcome any in put or in sights anyone has. I haven't been able to find much on the web. I'm really need pictures or a step by step. I don't want to mess it up. This book has gone through so much already. ;-)

2005-09-16T08:59:00.001-07:00

Top view.

2005-09-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Looking inside book.

2005-09-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Outside binding view.

2005-09-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

Back view.

2005-09-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Front view.

GMail

2005-09-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Got a gmail invite so I thought I'd give it try. Now back to finishing scrolls. :-)

Web Update

2005-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I need a change of pace. A temporary distraction if you will. I've been working on our local group SCA: Arts & Sciences web page. I designed this page to give our members a chance to show off their work. They usually end up giving it away. There are a lot of neat things. Furniture, Costumes, Jewelry, Calligraphy and Illumination and lots of other stuff.
So if you want go check it out. http://www.midrealm.org/rokkehealden/artsci/welcome.htmNext thing will be to work on my personal web page. Have a great day!

Binding a book take one

2005-07-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's my first attempt at binding a hard cover book. I found a step by step web site and I'm so mad that I closed the window before making sure I had the url. I tried to go back but had a computer crash. I'm still trying to The Archegolgy of Mideval Bookbinding from inter-library loan. It's just way too much money for me to buy. It list for 195.00 but I've seen e-bay have for as much as 225.00 Sigh. At any rate, this is my first attempt and someday I'll look back and laugh. I haven't showed my laural yet. I plan to do that at the event this weekend. Hopefully, she won't laugh to hard. ;-) She probably wouldn't she is an awesome lady.
Front of Book (above).
I wonder if they sell book tape in different colors. White cloth was the only color I could find. I need to get a better cutting tool. The edges are a bit rough. But friends who have looked at it all say it's a great touch. shrug go figure.

Inside back cover (right).
I used PVA glue to glue page to the back. Using the glue is kinda of tricky for getting the paper to lay flat with no creases or bubbles.
Front Inside Cover (left/below)
The back cover came out fine but as you can see by the front cover I have a crease. I've tried and it just won't come out. I was going to pull the paper back up but it started to tear so I stopped.

Here's a top view of the book. I guess really looking back at this it's not all that bad. The pages have gone through just about everything. Tea spilt water spilt, dropped in the cat's dish, dragged around the house, Fell in snow, gesso wouldn't dry and pages stuck to one another. Someone even put a goblet on top of it.

The list goes on. All that happened before it was bound. lol

The purpose of the pages where to challenge me to do better miniture work and learn how to gild, use gold, paint more evenly and attempts at people, shading, and buildings.

I also liked learning about heraldry and so I asked my shire to help me by sending me descriptions of there heraldry.

Not shown: The device is on the right side and an illumintion that reflects them in someway is on the left. I have the pages scanned before a lot fo the disaster set in. The pages are 100% cotton and sewn with unwaxed book thread. The pages were done over a year or so. It's kinda neat in a way because I can look and see where I've improved.

I plan on making a new shire roll of arms but that's on the project board for the time being. I also use this when I teach. It's great for kids because I don't mind them touch it. I don't even mind adults touching. I'm hoping to get the nerve to show it at an event. ;-) After all it's really rough and I know I can document some of the pages, not all of it. I'm just begining the bookbinding part and it's sooooo much fun. :-)

Where's the Beef?

2005-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here in my yard. It took the owner several hours to round all of them up. Not too mention the chaos they caused in the new subdivision. My plans were to work on some projects and enjoy a quiet day. The grass isn't greener but the apple trees are.

Arts & Sciences Hall

2005-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've been working on show casing the tallents of youth and adult shire members. I'm doing my best to keep it up to date. ;-) However; those of you who know me really well. Know I can become distracted with other projects and sometimes the site will get a wee bit out of date. I also rely on shire members to keep me informed with what they are working on. Not always an easy task. But have camera will seek out projects. ;-)
Hope you enjoy it! Welcome to the Arts & Sciences Hall!
Again graphic's warning! It might take time to download. There's a little bit of everything.

Event Wrap Up

2005-06-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know that I count this among my completed projects lists but it did take a bit of work. When not learning how to make books, scribe or other related things. I'm attempting to learn programing.

I hope you enjoy my humble attempts to bring the event (Peasant's Revolt: Third time's a Charm) to you.

It was a long day but overall a fun time. :-)
Note: I did do my best to resize photo's but it's still graphic intensive so if you have a slower connection it will take some time to download.

Teaching out of my element

2005-06-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

See, I can teach more than scribal related things. Well, almost I did get that model book class in. ;-) It honestly wasn't emotionally easy to get out of what I knew down pat.
But it was good to get out of my regular element. I tend to learn something new along the way. :-) Perk of teaching.

I was asked why I picked those things to teach.
Well after some thought it's because I listen alot to what people say. Some grumped kids have no clue, when told "Salute the Crown of the...". This I hear from the Boffer population. Others complain newbe's are rude and don't respect other people stuff. They just pick up stuff without asking. They walk thru camp like we don't exsist. And then of course the kids, especially older youth ' I'm bored there's nothing to do.'

So I could be part of the complaints or try and come up with something to attempt to solve the problem. These classes were my humble attempts to solve some issues. I knwo when I first started in the SCA, back when rocks were soft. ;-) There weren't any kids to speak. There weren't children's activities. If the SCA is to keep growing, we've got to help the new group fit in. IMHO

I think many of us having been doing this for so long, it's second nature. So we forget. I hope I'm not being too idealistic but I think if we teach by example and explanation, maybe some of those complaints will fade away. My two cent worth.

Teaching Reflections from Peasant's

2005-06-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Would of! Could of! Should of!

I made some notes about the classes I taught this past weekend. Overall the classes went great. I ended up canceling the banner class due to lack of particapates. Which was good because I was losing my voice. The sky was also getting very dark and the wind picking up with force. I think for the future, no kids classes during lunch.

The first class So, You're New Here.
Was attended by two parents and two kids. This was their first SCA event. All they knew is what they read on the web. Philippa is our chateline and has an awesome newcommers web page. As soon as I figure out how to link I will post it.

I orginally planned to do lecture and Known world handbook format. But it was clear that they were getting board. lol I could have given them a test on the web page but I bet they'd pass it with no problem. So, I turned it into a tour. We went to different parts of the event.

I introduce to them lots of people, showed them different tents, and garb. Explained Troll, merchants, feast and all the activities that kids can do. Side Note: The kids actually ended up helping serve at feast. :-) Of course the most popular was Boffer. We also talked about respectful behavior when going through camps or public areas.

***

The Second Class was the Modern Model Book
Trying saying it very, very, fast. ;-) See previous post for pictures. It was a fun class and I think I said all I need to say in the last post.

***

The Third Class was The Token Class
This time with permission from the autocrat we moved under the pavillion. Less wind. Also shaded. I showed them different types of favors. Explained in kid terms about favors. This one I didn't make a sample for. I gave kids markers and paint and a swatch of material. Along with instructions of how to finish at home. They went to town. They were very proud to show off their work. I'm still undecided if we need to extend this to a two hour class.

Overall, I know all the students had a fun time. I had a couple of people later in the day approach me because they missed the morning classes. So I taught the model book class again. It's always good to have more than you need. :-)

Modern Model Book - inside cover

2005-06-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Cover inside.

As stated, this was for kids. We had 4 new to the SCA. I thought it would be a neat thing. So I gathered some kid references off the web and rubber cemented it in to the front cover. It's very easy to ramble web sites when teaching but kids usually don't remember. I thought this would help. Also; if I make it easier for a mom or dad to find kid stuff, maybe we'll keep members.

Modern Model Book -inside

2005-06-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Center inside

Keeping the holes lined up is important. We even had some unique ways of stringing the book together. As you can see on the edge some pieces didn't tear evenly. I left it that way on purpose. Kids tend to be perfectionists and will get frustrated if they can do the same.

If you think tearing a sheet in half is easy. Think again and try it on a windy day to top it off.

Modern Model Book

2005-06-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Finished Sample

No clue why it showed the photo this way. It's fine on my thumb nail previews.

Anyway, in keeping with the theme of our event 'Third times a charm'. I gave each student a little heart charm to attach to their book. I used red and yellow because those are the shire's colors. The paper was given to me by Lord Johannes. It's a real nice quality for begginers. This class was designed for kids but we had at least three adults take the class and even a few on lookers taking notes.

I showed my Coptic Book and pictures of other model books. The kids thought it was cool. I can't help but wonder what kind of stuff they'll be producing at 20. We used hole punches instead of awl. I need to get a better system for that part. But I think it could have been the wind, too.

It was a fun group but next time I need to ask for something not so open. The breeze was a bit of a challenge to even me. Everyone left with a finished book.

Back from the site for tonight

2005-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 10:00 p.m. and we just got back from the site. I dropped off the sign in sheets and name tags. The car got unloaded with the first round of food stuff. I think I've gained 10 pounds just by smelling the prep and pre-cooking stuff alone. It was starting to get damp out there but nothing the fire couldn't handle.
I looked at were I'll be teaching. It's definately open but needs some tables. If I can't get tables I'll improvise. My concern is there is no protection from wind and rain. Hmmmm not sure if my ideas will work. Was just too dark to see clearly for sure.
According to troll we had roughly 30 on-site. We took some pictures of the kitchen and other stuff, so next year whoever does this will have some idea exactly what the site has. It's funny that we really don't pay attention to those details until we have too. ;-) I hope we get a good turn out as we're against the Rose event in MI and Murder/Melee. I was hoping to get to say hi to Cassy and Istavon but they weren't there yet. Got to see Pip's new tent. It's pretty neat. I'll take some pictures tommerrow of Petal's Park.
It's early bed time for me. I'm still not as steady as I would like to be. My first class starts at 9:00 a.m. and that means up and out way earlier. Still hoping for sunshine and warm. More updates later.

Teaching at Peasant's Revolt the day before thoughts and grumps. lol

2005-06-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's the day before our event, Peasant's Revolt. I'm doing my last minute checks and re-checks.
I'll be teaching four classes for youth and adults if they want to join in. I just don't feel prepared.
I have all my materials.
I even have it worked out should it rain. It's an outdoor event.
In fact I'm going to test it out tonight when I go over to the site.
I've been pretty sick for the last month and thankfully feeling better. But during that time, I didn't get as much done as I'd plan. Amazing, what happens when the body refuses to function. ;-) That's probably where I'm getting the unprepared feeling.

Acutally, I'm pretty happy how the classes came together. I get to test out a modern approach for a model book. The proto type worked wonderfully. The favor class sample worked well. The last minute addition of the coat hanger for the banner class did the trick. Although none of the methods are incredibly period, just the concepts. I'm hoping it will give the older kids something to get involved with in a positive way besides complaining I'm bored there's nothing to do. ;-)

Our shire needs new growth. Especially with the break off of other members who choose to go to a new group starting up. Our group didn't mind about the new group starting up. Most of them don't have kids anyway. The problem was how they did it. :-( Politic's YUCK!

I'm not so happy that I feel like I have to beg for volunteers to assist. I even tried to bribe and say all you have to do is just sit there and be a body. How hard is that for 50-60 min.? I get tired of people griping because I am not doing any afternoon classes. I start at 9 a.m. and end at 1:00. Then there's children's boffer for the rest of the day. So why is always the same people volunteering? Why is it the people who grump the loudest about activities and events are the ones who sit on their bottoms and don't do a thing? Hey! Wait a minute! I'm grumping. Well sorta, I'm getting it out of my system so I can go to the site and be a nice happy teacher and helper. Gee, that don't sound right. Enough, I'm giving me a headache. lol

Hoping for sunshine.

Side View of writing desk.

2005-05-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

Writing Desk with legs.
This is the full view. I have two sets of legs. One is the short view that accomadates me. The other is a taller leg and that works for most people. When I do demo's I bring the tall legs. When I'm at home I just set it up on the table. It holds a lot but I really need to reinenforce the bottom. I also want to add a side shelf for when painting and such.

Front View of Writing Desk

2005-05-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Front view of writing desk.
I don't know much about angles and such but it's a nice angle for painting and most of my calligraphy works better, now. Used to do it flat. The orginal hinges were smaller. The hubby swapped them out to make a little more durable. I want to try and make a little lip for the bottom. I hate it when things roll down. Also; need to figure out a nice way to hold the top up evenly. Currently I use my bottle for cleaning pen nibs. It works. ;-)

Inside view of my writing desk.

2005-05-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Inside of my writing desk.
My writing desk was given to me at 12th night 2003. The desk was made by two memebers of our shire. They made a total of four writing slopes. It was based on a period style but I can't remember it off hand. I'll have to look it up.

It orginally didn't have legs, those were add on to make it easier to use at events. Also; it wasn't stained. I used a polyurthene satin finish to protect the wood. The pottery was done by Lady Elaine. I thinks it's a cool addition to my period stuff.

The desk top and sides have developed a lot of character over the years. Kitty's scratches and dings here and there. One of these days, I want to make a carry bag for it. But those who have seen me sew know why, this is on the back burner.

Spine view.

2005-04-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

Cover view of spine. Finished?
Well it didn't turn out exactly as thought but it's unique and one of kind like me. ;-)
It's my first try and I don't think it's too bad. I even recieved some compliments on it at the Fort Wayne event this past weekend.

Of course, now I'm addicated and looking for more information about binding. just what I need some new. lol

Just starting

2005-04-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Cover view, just starting.
This is the outside view. I've only sewn in the first signature. A signature is the section of paper.

Tools for a Coptic Book.

2005-04-29T16:12:00.001-07:00

Everything to make a Coptic Book
Ok so here is everything I needed to make a Coptic Book. You can go to Meistrien Katerina's web site for directions.

Inside View of Coptic Book

2005-04-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Open view.
No blood. First signature in place. Three more to go. ;-)

Update on Coptic Book Project

2005-04-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

I finished it! I'm not sure I sewed it correctly but I think it's pretty cool. I have other pictures and I will post it later. Right now it's off to moot. I'm just excited. I finished and only one slight little hole when the awl slipped and got me in the thumb. Ouch! But on the bright side, it was my left hand and I'm finished with all the scrolls I needed to have done. :-)

Coptic Bookbinding

2005-04-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I took a class called Coptic Book binding. I didn't finish as the class ran out of time. It's on my this week project list. The book, I think will replace a modern journal that's almost full.
I want to make some other books. I also want to look into, How they did binding? Did they illuminate and callig. first then bind? or the other way around? What types of paper did they use?
I can't afford one of those presses. I'm not sure where to start or what books to get. Meisterin Katarina Helene recomended a book but my library doesn't have it. I've searched for the book and found a used copy for 187.00 a little to rich for my blood right now.
Overall, the class was awesome. I know I'll be bugging her with questions.

Teaching thoughts

2005-04-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

I taught 2 classes. The turn out for both classes was very small but that was ok by me.

The first class: Scroll Blanks 101 had 1- 5th grader. She came in with "I can't draw. I can't paint." Hmmmm negative programming. Been there, done that, have a plaque.

Anyway...It was nice because we could work on a lot of detail, I normally don't do in class. She finished the scroll blank later in the day. I told her to keep it or turn it in to the signet. Her choice. She was so proud of what she accomplished.

Nope the lines weren't perfect but perfect wasn't the point of the class. Teaching the basics was. With practice, she''ll get it. Her smile said it all. :-)

Now I'm starting to think about setting limits on my class to only 5. I hate turning anyone who wants to learn away but I also saw the value of being able to devote more attention to each person. So I'm currently caught in a rock and a hard place.

---
Class two that I taught was Tools of the trade pt. 1 and 2. It was originally going to be a 2 hour class. The autocrat sent me an email asking could I combine it to an hour. I said sure. It ended up being a perk because I got to take a class that I wanted to. Anyway, I had two students and my SCA ~grandmum~ she's a laurel.
Talk about nerve racking at first. But once I got teaching, I just took it for what it was worth. She was very knowledgeable and offered suggestions as we went along. Both ladies said they like my class and learned new things. My ~grandmum~, said I did well. I said thank you and it wasn't until the middle of diner that her comments hit me. lol I know she doesn't just give compliments so it really meant a lot. I already plan on putting some of her suggestions into my next class and even in my work.
---

Thanks

2005-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you Brother Thomas for sharing your blog. It gave me the incentive to start tracking some of the projects I have on the table. :-)