Scroll production is a battle with calligraphy for me. I receive the task, research and plan the script and motifs I want to use. When I begin the lettering, the first and largest permanent motif, I’m tense. The page is blank and the more expensive the support–Bristol board, pergamenata, or calfskin vellum–the tenser I am. There…
Confidence comes from physical activity. Just doing that thing you are interested in on a regular basis boosts faith in yourself. For me, it unleashed my calligraphy and illumination reliance. I started with little skill, as you see here. What I had was a desire to learn. To make mistakes. Mistakes are guideposts for…
Last week at my local Starbucks I had a most enjoyable, nerdy conversation with another customer. I am still amazed. As I sat in an easy chair, a woman, about my age, sat across knitting and looking at a laptop while wearing an in-ear speaker. She was also talking with other nearby knitters, although they…
If there’s a way to make a scribal mistake I’ve probably made it. Especially in calligraphy. I’ve miscopied words and lines, skipped lines, repeated words, misspelled words, and been misinformed. I’ve spilled ink, changed hand style, and misjudged line spacing. Being tired, too caffeinated, stressed, or rushed adds to my shakiness. There are things I…
I’ve been searching and collecting information for my Scribal Resources page. Recently I came across this large free book collection by David Myers. Rather than pillage his items individually, please, check The Art is Creation, Free* Artist Reference e-Books page yourself. The web page is a scribe and art history geek’s on-line library in one place. The books contain…
Ever since last Christmas when I first played Cards Against Humanity I’ve wanted to play it again. While it was an odd thing, perhaps, to play at a multigenerational family Christmas gathering, we all had bundles of fun. Recently I purchased my own set of cards and an expansion pack to play with my friends. We’re…
I am so pleased Calontir’s current monarchs are Logan and Ylva. Their enthusiasm and joy are blessings for us all. I want to do more because of their heartening spirit. Their Royal Majesties Logan and Ylva have Norse personas. And their award style features that design. As a scribe I find this tough. The Norse left…
A few pictures I took today. The Barony of the Lonely Tower‘s Armored Combat Revel. .
Way back in February 1996, I was welcomed into the Barony’s Order of the Rose Window. Then I was known as Siobhan le Blake. The Rose Window is an honor for those showing talent in the arts and sciences. That’s Baron Alexandr giving it to me, with Roise at his side. The back row left to right,…
In 2008 Marie and I toured the British Isles. One of my favorite cities was Bath, England. Here are photos of our few hours there. I would love to go back someday. Immediately off the bus, we toured the Roman baths. After exploring and a snack, I saw Bath Abbey. A huge vertically decorated building,…
I’m so excited. We have more eager scribes attending our classes. We had three come from the Mag Mor, Lincoln group. This time, I scheduled space at my local library. Even with hauling supplies, I felt better about the space we used. Most people don’t like their picture taken, but I was able to catch M….
Today I am sharing my 2016 five most popular blog posts. Those that have been “clicked-on” the most. These aren’t my “best” posts. (You and I have our own opinions of those.) They may not be my most useful posts either. In today’s world popular blog posts happen by your willingness to share, comment on, and talk…
I am not a politician. bragging about my accomplishments. I don’t want to be that obnoxious person needling your nerves with bluster and boast. Even so, we all need ways to spotlight our own talents, scribal and other. As a scribe, our works commonly are grandly shown at court, taken home and hung on a wall. While…
Lining Up, Waiting Our Turn In the early 1990s, the Barony of the Lonely Tower put on a demonstration at the Oakview Mall that included a historical fashion show. “A Walk Through History”. Here are scans of the pictures I took, (except the one I’m in. I didn’t take it.) The clothing eras progress from oldest…
Looking for ways to punch up my workshop presentation I discovered the tell-tale signs you have when you truly know you are an SCA scribe. I know I have shown several of these. You might be a rabid SCA scribe when… The highlights in your hair are from your gouache, not the Clairol bottle. You…
In 2000 I entered Calontir‘s Arts and Sciences Championship Competiton with the three items in this photo. (Yes, they were all mine. Back then I was known in the SCA as “Siobhan le Blake”.) The easiest single entry to see is the colorful six item comparative illuminated manuscript styles’ study. Lower in the photo, in the…
Master William Blackfox (aka Mark Wallace), author and illustrator of the cartoon Warthaven, was, talented in many fields, including playing the bagpipes. He viewed everything in life as fun and generously gave the SCA his time and talents, until his untimely death in 1997. For those of you who never had the pleasure of knowing William…
Wandering through my local 1/2 Price Books I came across the The Art Of Teaching Craft: A Complete Handbook by Joyce Spencer and Deborah Kneen. Written in 1995 it is just what I’d been searching for to help me prepare for my calligraphy and illumination classes. It is a practical guide to teaching small to medium classes, in…
I’ve been writing my scroll layout handout for the coming Lonely Tower Scribes’ class. While it’s too detailed for here I thought a few design tips might be appreciated. Picking your inspiration I first choose a medieval style relating to the recipient’s persona or interest. If that’s not possible because time is short and I…
Baroness Lady Milada von Felsenhof Until 2010 this caring woman, Lady Milada von Felsenhof, was my SCA role model. Her memory still is. I met her in 1991 at a Lonely Tower summer revel. Besides her yummy pie for the pot-luck lunch, she brought bubbles for the children. She didn’t just bring them, she played with…