Classes, Geek Sessions, Demos

SIGN – UPS FOR CLASSES AND GEEK SESSIONS are Friday, 4-8 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, 9 am – noon at the main A&S pavilion on the west side of the list fields. Any class fees are payable in US$ to the teacher at the start of class. All classes are held in the A&S pavilions on the west side of the list fields unless otherwise noted.

>>PLEASE BRING SEATING to the classes and geek sessions you sign up for.<<

CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER must be accompanied by a parental unit. Unless marked otherwise, any of these classes are suitable for children if their attention span and skills (use a needle, cut with scissors, etc.) are appropriate.

A Class can be a lecture presentation or an explanation of how to do something with time and materials to practice. 

A Geek Session is less formal. The host shows up with some materials – things they’ve made, books, some research they’ve done, etc., and hosts a discussion with other people interested in geeking out about the topic. This is a great way to connect with others who share your interests.

A Demo is someone setting up and doing their thing. You can walk by and watch, hang out, chat with them. No sign-up needed!

>> You need to bring your own seating to classes, geek sessions, and performances. <<

>>CHILDREN 12 AND YOUNGER must be accompanied by a parental unit.<<

Egils Painting Project

Muirenn inghean Ui Cléirigh

Join me throughout the week for a progressive, inclusive painting project that includes 4 classes and an ongoing demo of period painting techniques. The canvas for this project was salvaged from the old An Tir Seneschal Pavilion and framed up by HL Ulf the Wanderer. Please sign up for the individual classes, but they will be open to spectators.

  1. Friday Evening Class, Applying Gesso 7-9 pm: Making and applying gesso made from goat hide and limestone. Silverpoint (sketches with metal) and underpainting as time allows.
  2. Saturday Morning, Foraging walk, making pigments, 10:30-12 pm: Foraging walk immediately following court (about 10:30, meet at painting tent). Overview of making pigments from stones and bones and tempera paints (blacks and ochres) and community painting of the background. Includes discussion of other paint binders.
  3. Saturday afternoon, Making paints, base coat, 2-4 pm:Class on making whites, greens, browns, red, and yellows and community painting of the base coats. Includes discussion of other period pigment sources from plants, fungi, lichen, minerals, and animals as well as processes and safety.
  4. Sunday Morning, Highlights, shadows, more painting,10am – 12pm: Class on highlights and shadows with more painting. Discuss color theory and painting techniques as well as varnishes.

The finished canvas(es) will be auctioned off at Prize Court, 5 pm. Sunday, as part of a fund raiser for Amergin’s Feast

CLASSES

Saturday

Elizabethan makeup, with a modern twist! 11 am-12 pm, Erica Rae ~ Lead, vinegar, and carmine? Yuck! Come learn how to apply modern makeup equivalents in a way that accurately mimics makeup of the late 16th century. Please bring a moisturizer of your preference and a concealer that matches your skin tone. Cost: $10 for a goodie bag of makeup materials. (If you have sensitive skin, this class may not be for you).” size limit: 8.

Introduction to Nalbinding, 11 am-12, Katherine of the Lakes ~ Nalbinding is a fiber art which predates knitting and crochet. You will learn the Oslo stitch, a good beginner stitch that you can build on. It is named for a mitten that was found in Oslo, Norway, dated to the 11th century. Limit 6 people, age 14+, but more can observe.

From Vine to Basket, 11 am-1 pm, Rafny Garansdottir ~ We will make basic twined baskets using invasive species (ivy / blackberry brambles) gathered on site. Age: Students must be able to handle tools with sharp edges. Bring hand loppers or garden shears, a small pocket knife or linoleum knife, a sturdy stick, and a pair of gardening gloves, preferably leather, that can handle thorns; wear sturdy shoes. We will be gathering blackberry brambles. Limit: 10 people; more can watch.

Building Boffers, 11 am-12 pm, Bronwyn Williams ~ How to build a safe child’s weapon for their enjoyment. Bring to class: 1″pvc white, two pvc caps, two lengths of pool noodle, 1/2 yard of cotton print fabric. Teacher will provide needle thread, duck tape.  Limit: 15 students who are old enough to use a hack saw as well as a needle All minors must be accompanied by a parental unit per SCA rules.

Make a Leather Thimble, 12-12:30, Aila’ntha of William’s Keep ~ Precut pieces, thread, needle provided; class is free. Limit 12 but more can attend to leave with only a pattern and directions. Ages 6 and up (12 and under must have a parent present). 

The Art of Swordplay, 12-1, Ambrose Mavrovothakis ~ Vsc Ambrose will teach a class on his manual: “4X4: an Essay in the Art of Swordplay”.  4×4 is sixteen things I have learned over 40+ years in armor. Useful for beginners, but containing lessons for all levels. Bring a broadsword simulator, and shield if you use one. This class is best for people 12 years and older. On the List Fields

Making Bow Servings, 12-1, Tim Lytefelow ~ Learn how to replace the center serving on your crossbow or handbow string. For handbows, bring the bow, strung up as if you’re going to shoot. On the Archery range

Suminagashi, 12-1:30 pm, Gytha Anora ni Kiernan ~ Suminagashi is a Japanese paper marbling technique. We will create swirling patterns by dropping ink on the surface of water and then placing paper on top to lift the ink. Bring a pencil or pen. Max. 6 students, 13 and older. 

Twelve Strand Braiding, 1-1:30 pm, Katherine of the Lakes ~ These braids have been used throughout history, particularly on the 11th century Skjoldehamn belt. This technique is more one of weaving than one of braiding. Learn how to make the braid using yarn. Limit 10 people, age 12+, but more can observe. 

Care and Keeping of Garb, 1-2 pm, Gwenllian Caredig ~ Learn the best ways to de-funk, wash, and store your garb.

Le Gabelle, 1:30-2:30 pm, Lisette de la Rose ~ Find out how salt taxes contributed to the rise and fall of the French monarchy.

Skjoldaham Hood, 2-2:30 pm, Aila’ntha of William’s Keep ~ Come away with the pieces of a hood to sew. Cost is $10 per person for materials: Precut fabric pieces (50/50 wool poly blend), thread, needle, pins. Limited to 8 paid people. Others can audit only for free and leave with a pattern and directions.  Ages 8 and up (12 and under must have a parent present).

Clothing Without Sewing, 2-3 pm Duvessa of Movilla ~ Learn about making and wearing kimonos, saris and West African clothing that need no or minimal sewing. Bring if you have them: a kimono, sari or long length of fabric at least 14” wide and 3 yards long and some large safety pins. These will also be available for purchase. We can also look at head wraps if you bring a square of cloth at least 24” x 24”. Age 10 and up (10-12 must be accompanied by a parent). Space for 10 students, more could just watch. At the sign of the Sable Hare on Merchants’ Row

Four-Hole Japanese Bookbinding, 2:30-3 pm, Katherine of the Lakes ~ Four-Hole bookbinding has been used since at least the 8th century. This method requires no glue and was popular in Asia until around the 19th century. This class will teach how to make a 4-hole book, from beginning to end. Limit 12 people, age 12+, but more can observe.

Make a Demi Gauntlet, 3-5 pm, Isis and Amalric ~ Learn how to shape and sew leather as you make a fighting demi gauntlet that fits you, including water and wax hardening. Includes knowledge to make other armor for yourself. Supplies and S M L patterns cost $10  (cash or check payable during class).

Making of Oak Gall Ink, 3-5 pm,  Taliesin ap Hafdan ~ Using oak galls you will learn (a very hands on experience) how to process galls to make a periodesque ink, using a period recipe.  At the end of the class you will have oak gall ink to take home. BRING: rubber gloves, mallet or hammer, 2 quart sized canning jars with lids, note pad & pen. Handouts provided., Cost: $10 (cash only please) payable in class. Suitable for age 13 through adults, must be comfortable working with a hammer and chemicals. Limit 8 students; more may watch.

Sunday

Introduction to Casebound Books, 10-11 am, Katherine of the Lakes ~ Casebound books have been used from around the 5th century. Making them requires many different steps and require waiting for glue to dry multiple times, which unfortunately makes it difficult to show the work at events. This class will discuss the history of the books and go over how to make one. There will be pictures and some partially made examples to look over. Handouts for 20, more can attend.

Beginning Drop Spindle Spinning, 10-11:30 am, Oswyne Walston ~ Learn how to spin with a drop spindle. $10 for spindle and wool (cash please; pay the teacher in class). Limit 10 people but more are welcome to simply watch.

Wool Waulking, 10 am-12 pm, Marina MacChruiter ~ Learn how to full a hand woven length of woolen cloth using traditional methods, singing traditional waulking songs (and some non-traditional ones). Be prepared to work with wet soapy fabric.

Calligraphy: Learn the Uncial Alphabet, 10 am-12 pm, Taliesin ap Hafdan ~ learn how to form uncial letters. The instructor provides supplies, tools, exemplar, and handout., including chisel nib felt pens for use in the class.  Cost: $10 (cash only please). You are welcome to bring your own pens, ink and paper if you prefer a regular nib.  A C-2 Speedball nib or equivalent is recommended. Suitable for teens through adults.  Open to younger youth if they are comfortable writing or printing a basic alphabet.  Not recommended for youth under 10 years of age. Limit 8 students; more may watch.

Make a Medieval Pouch Sewing Kit, 11:30-12 pm, Aila’ntha of William’s Keep ~ Cost $5.00 for materials: precut fabric round, drawstring and needle, snips, wooden thimble, nàlbinding needle. Class size limit 10. Ages 8 and up (12 and under must have a parent present). 

So, you want to be a Pelican? “Secrets” from the Flock, 12–1 pm, Seamus O’Caellaigh ~ The requirements for Peerage are laid out in Corpora… Yet they are not as simple as they seem. Peerage can seem like a nebulous and uncertain idea. Come learn the about the general requirements required to join the Order of the Pelican, the structure of the Council, and “Secrets” of what Pelicans are looking for. The teacher of this class does not speak for the whole Pelican Council. This is one Pelican’s opinions.

Strength and Flexibility for the Long-term Fighter, 12-1 pm, Ambrose Mavrovothakis & Vesta Antonia Aurelia ~ Learn how to stay strong and flexible to extend your fighting career. Wear loose clothing and be prepared to sit on the ground. Best if you can take your shoes off. On the List Fields

Arrow Repair, 12:30-1:30 pm, Alan Bowyer ~ Learn how to fix problems with points, nocks, and fletchings. Bring problem arrows if you wish. On the Archery Range.

Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding, 1-1:30 pm, Katherine of the Lakes ~ Fingerloop braiding dates to around 400 BC and was used for lacing and cordage. This class will learn 3-loop braids, the simplest style that wil allow you to become familiar with the technique and how to manipulate the yarn. Limit 10 people, age 10+, but more can observe.

Tiny Talks, 1-3 pm,  Lisette de la Rose ~ Do you have things you’re passionate about but feel shy talking about in front of people? This geek session is designed to help you feel more comfortable speaking to people or judges about your projects. To be sure of a space you can sign up ahead of time at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcYhXkf–W_HgE8WBORqxrY0osGDfFtnIRuSpn2UiKPXTOZA/viewform?usp=sharing, or on site starting from 4-8 Fri. evening and continuing at 9 am Sat. morning. 

Introduction to Knitting, 2-3 pm, Katherine of the Lakes ~ Knitting dates to at least the 11th century in Europe. Learn how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off of straight needles. We will make a simple bag using stockinette stitch, the stitch used for most of the medieval period. Limit 10 people, age 12+, but more can observe.  Cost $4. 

Beginning Mead Making, 3-4 pm, Hrodnavar Hakonsson ~ If you attended this class last year, come back and let us know how your first batch(es) went. How to get started – and continue – making your own mead. This class is intended for the rank beginner, absolutely no experience required. I will go through the steps of starting a batch. This will not be “hands on”, and no materials are provided.

So, you want to be a Laurel? “Secrets” from the Shrubbery, 3-4 pm, Seamus O’Caellaigh ~ The requirements for Peerage are laid out in Corpora… Yet they are not as simple as they seem. Peerage can seem like a nebulous and uncertain idea. Come learn the about the general requirements required to join the Order of the Laurel, the structure of the Council, and “Secrets” of what Laurels are looking for. This teacher does not speak for the whole Laurel Council. This is one Laurel’s opinions.

GEEK SESSIONS

Making Maille, Sat. 2-4 pm, John Wayland ~ See how maille is made, try it out, talk about alternatives. [2 hr.]

Period Herbals and other Medical Sources, Sat. 2:30 – 4:30 pm, Seamus O’Caellaigh ~ A gook session for the Summits Apothecary Guild and others interested in herbals and cures. Bring your favorite Herbal or other period medical text and let’s geek out! Don’t have an herbal? That’s ok! Seamus has so many… Bring a chair! [2 hr.]

Growing What Folks Used to Eat: Period Veggies & Forgotten Potherbs, Sun 11 am – 12, Adhela of Ottersdam ~ Many heirloom varieties of veggies, greens, and herbs are available in modern times that are a close approximation of what would have been grown in period.  Other things were foraged, like purslane or nettle, but the seeds are available from specialty seed companies.  From yellow carrots to cucuzzi edible gourds, interesting things are still findable and you can grow them today.  Let’s share knowledge and seeds! [1 hr.]

Come Touch the Fabric, Sun 1-2:30 pm, Erin O’Byrne ~ Garb is an amazing entry point into the wonderful world of SCA A&S! It’s also sometimes also incredibly challenging for individuals with disabilities (physical, invisible, sensory, etc) to navigate and understand. Her Ladyship Erin O’Byrne (being a Neurospicy Disabled person herself) is offering a table of sample fabrics to touch, handouts that outline the pros and cons of different types of fabrics, resources on where to buy fabrics, and the opportunity to speak with other Neurospicy and Disabled Folks about clothing styles and fabric options that may best suit your needs. We do ask that you keep your food and drink away from the fabric table, and that you wash your hands before touching all the lovely things. Children of all ages welcome with an adult.

All in the Details: 14th Cen. Menswear in England and France, Sun 3 – 5 pm Edmund Courtecuisse ~ While I work on a 1350s style heraldic surcoat let’s talk about the changing shape of menswear across the decades, and how a focus on these details can add depth to your garb. [2 hr.]

DEMOS

Wool Works from Shear to Finish, plus discussion of plant fibers, Rowan Stewart Walker, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday

Drop by and hang out at the Sable Hare booth on Merchants’ Row any time Saturday or Sunday, morning through afternoon, to watch and chat about the preparation of wool (and other) fiber. Everyone’s welcome!

Wood Working and Tool Maintenance, Ulf the Wanderer, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday

Ulf will be wood carving and sharpening chisels, etc. at the Sable Hare booth on Merchants’ Row all morning and afternoon Saturday and Sunday. Come by to see what’s in the works and chat about all aspects of woodwork and tool maintenance.