Making Choices; or why Konstantia wore one outfit over another

Seriously. This is pretty close to what we had. I live just north of the green circle. Calontir Coronation was this weekend, and as is often the risk with midwestern kingdoms in January, we had the prediction of some pretty heinous weather. So not kidding - we had a winter storm warning issued that morning …

Queen’s Prize 2016

Queen's Prize this year is done!  It was a wonderful experience, and being able to sound out new ideas, areas to explore, and things to do was great. For those not in Calontir (or with kingdoms that don't have a similar competition), Queen's Prize Tournament is a time for  Calontir artists that do not already …

Skipping the Light Fandango; or Project Flammen

Finally, I have photos of my Vestal Virgin outfit!  (Thanks, Cecilia!) When I put this together, it was for a Roman-themed Coronation.  And I wanted to go as period as I could, with as many period materials as I could, with as many period techniques as I could manage.  I'll outline what I did for …

Roman Glass Hairpins and part of Project Flammen

That being said, I still needed to make parts for my hair: a pin to keep my suffibulum (that's the semi-circular veil thing), and a hairpin to keep my hair in place (because I also attempted the seni crines hairstyle, and that requires the use of an acus; a Roman hairpin), too.

Back from Birka!

I am back from Birka!  It was a wonderful event, and it was lovely being able to spend it with good friends. I got to meet my apprentice-sister Iulia (that's us all gussied up on the right), geek a bit about beads and paternosters, and have a lot of fun.  I also received my awesome …

Misconceptions and the SCA 101: Byzantines

I'm starting a series of blog posts about common misconceptions in the SCA about Byzantium.  Think of this as Byzantine history as applies to the lens that is the SCA.  I've listed the misconception first, and the explanation second. 1) Anything Byzantine automatically equals Middle Eastern. In all actuality, the Byzantine Empire was much closer …

Roses in the Garden?

Even in the chill of autumn, Calontir's Order of the Rose flourishes - and this weekend, at Calontir's 63rd Crown Tournament, a Rose in Any Medium contest was held.  So, in honour of #MedievalMonday, there is a post! So, I decided to enter with a diamond point engraved glass goblet. I was inspired by the …

Queen’s Prize AS XLIX

Over the weekend was Queen's Prize Tournament, which is a time for Calontir artists that do not already have a Grant of Arms or above (so, Laurels, Silver Hammers, and Calon Lilies cannot participate as an entrant) to make something and get feedback from judges. I've been making glass-headed pins since I got my Hot …

Pennsic Largesse Roundup!

For the second Pennsic in a row, I've been asked to contribute something to the Pennsic gift basket.  This year's recipient was Caid.  Conveniently, Knowne World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium was also in Caid!  So, I had a mission in addition to the classes I taught - I had to figure out what Their Majesties …

Helping out.

A friend of mine in the SCA, who is a brilliant scribe and an all around sweet lady, developed COPD even though she has never smoked a day in her life.  I was asked to help out with an auction item for her.  Take a look, and you can bid on your very own custom Romano-Byzantine …