Black and red kumihimo

Black and red kumihimo cord – a 6-strand cord with 2 strands of red and 4 black

It’s been a while since I made kumihimo cord, but I needed something pretty and meaningful for a gift, so I pulled out my disk, and did a six-strand cord with two strands of red and four black.

Egyptian faience with Li Xia

Brian working hard making one of his items

Back in September I published a post about a class I was helping to organize (but not teach!) on Egyptian faience – an early glass product that sort of is the meeting place between clay and glass.

Apprentices Tournament at Samhain

A&S display at Avacal Sergeant Trials

I’m helping to host Samhain on November 5, 2016 in Montengarde (Calgary) – an SCA event where we’ll have a Bardic championship… and I’m hosting an Apprentices Tournament.

Like the Squires and Cadets’ tournaments we’re accustomed to, this competition will be open to all Apprentices, but also to anyone who wishes to be ‘Apprentice for a day’, and is sponsored by a Laurel.

 

Project categories include:

• Anything from the 7th Century
• Anything Irish
• Recent work (any time period, any culture)

 

Egyptian faience workshop

Egyptian Faience beads made by Alysa Harron of Fuzzy Lizard Studio

On Sunday, November 6, 2016, I’m helping to organize a workshop on Egyptian faience in Calgary.

Egyptian faience is the precursor to modern glass technologies and was developed in about 1,500 BCE. This class will cover basic history and hands on creation of faience beads. Each kit includes enough material to create at least 100 beads. We will be using mildly toxic powders; gloves and dust masks will be provided.

Kits cost $20 each, and can be shared.
Teacher: Li Xia of Sigelhundas

A&S challenge at 12th Night

Design a medallion!

Rose appliqué on the bag I made

Have you noticed – the only Montengarde champion who doesn’t have a pretty medallion is our A&S Champion?

Would you like to design a medallion for future champions to wear – and for others to admire?

This challenge is open to all artisans, working in any suitable medium. Prepare a design in any format that suits your needs (sketch, schematic, CAD, etc) that will represent the kind of medallion you would be able to make for future A&S champions. You may also include photographs of previous work, mock-ups, samples, etc – anything you need to get your idea across. You will have a small display space; a large presentation is not required. No documentation is needed beyond the required entry elements. You will not need to personally present your ideas to the judges – though they may ask you personally for more information.

Requirements:

• Medium must be durable – enough to be worn by multiple champions over the years with due care and appreciation of your work.
• Design can reflect the title of our A&S champion. This is currently “Emerald Rose” but will likely be changing to “Emerald Flower” or “Emerald Blossom” shortly. It does not have to reflect the title, but this might guide your design.
• Your entry must include:
  • Your society name, and contact information
  • A time frame of when you could complete the medallion if your design is the winner
  • A cost for creating the medallion
  • Description of your design including size, materials proposed, etc.

Judging:

Appliqued flower on a green wool apron panel

In a fun reversal… the competitors vying to BE the next A&S champion will be judging the medallion design they love the best. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to chat with past and future champions for ideas regarding materials, colour, size, weight, etc…

Judges will be asked to excuse themselves from judging if there is a significant conflict.  (Spouse, Laurel/Apprentice, etc)

In the chance that all entrants need to excuse themselves, I reserve the right to select a judge from event guests.

Eligibility:

• All SCA members and non-members may enter
• Participants can be from anywhere in Avacal; not just Montengarde
• Youth are welcome to enter WITH their parent/guardian who should supervise the process, and should be prepared to supervise youth should their design be selected in the completion of the medallion to meet timeline and budget.
• Group submissions are welcome AND encouraged! Share your skills with one another!
• Entrants vying to be Montengarde’s A&S Champion are eligible to enter to design the medallion, but must excuse themselves from judging.
• Distance entries are welcome – please send your proposal with a trusted friend who might be able to answer questions if needed, if you are unable to attend the event.

When:

This competition will take place at Twelfth Night in Montengarde.

Town & Country Centre
#103 275 Jensen Dr NE,
Airdrie, Alberta
January 22, 2017

Schedule is currently unknown. It is my intention to set up a display space first thing in the morning to show off your work throughout the day, have judges select the winner, and allow you to pick up your display before feast begins. Please check the schedule at: https://sites.google.com/site/montengardetwelfthnight2017/schedule for more information closer to the event date.