-
-
The Illuminator’s Apprentice
The winter air bit through Jehanne’s woolen cloak as she hurried through the narrow streets of Ghent. Dawn had barely broken, painting the city’s stepped gables in watery gold. She clutched her leather satchel closer, protecting the precious pigments she’d ground the night before. Master Bening wouldn’t tolerate tardiness, especially not today. The workshop door…
-
Exploring Storytelling: My Beginers Journey in Historical Fiction
Hello, friends! This week, my Work in Progress journey has taken me on a delightful adventure: the world of storytelling. And wow, what a world it is! I’ve been gathering resources like a squirrel hoarding nuts for winter—except my nuts are books, and the winter is…well, me sitting down to figure out how to write…
-
Top Gift Ideas for Scribes and Calligraphers
“A good scribe can do more than one thing.” – Medieval proverb Hey, friends! Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite scribe or a special prize for an upcoming scribal competition? I’ve got you covered! With the busy season in full swing, we’re all juggling work, SCA projects, and holiday prep. So, I’ve put…
-
-
Kris Kinder: Experience the Magic of Christmas Markets
In another month, the Barony of Forgotten Sea’s Kris Kinder event will occur. This event is a delightful nod to the old-world charm of Germany’s “Christkindlmarkt.” They are magical Christmas markets found across Europe during the Advent season. If you’re wondering, “Christkindlmarkt” translates to “Christ Child Market”—which sounds fancy, doesn’t it? These markets have been…
-
Using AI in the SCA: Balancing Tradition and Technology
Welcome to the 21st century, where our love for medieval and renaissance history meets… artificial intelligence! Yes, AI has officially entered the world of the SCA. I enjoy blending the old with the new and AI brings some exciting possibilities. However, there are also a few reasons to be cautious. Here are some thoughts on…
-
-
Exploring Medieval Handcrafted Holiday Gifts
There is no better gift than the giving of oneself to another.” Christine de Pizan Hey, dear readers. You know about my love for 15th century Bruges. With our gift giving season here, let’s look into Jehanne’s gift giving spirit. As the winter chill settles over Bruges a delightful warmth begins to fill the air….
-
-
-
Discover St. Martin’s Day: Traditions and History
Hey, my history buff friends. It’s almost November 11th. That’s St. Martin’s Day, also known as Martinmas. It is a celebration with deep roots reaching back to the Middle Ages. Traditions from centuries ago continue to illuminate the darkening days of November and thrive in various forms. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the…
-
-
Life and Art in 15th Century Bruges: Reflections on an Apprentice’s Journey
“Where hands and minds combine, the painted word shines bright. In Bruges, masters craft the heavens in their works, making gold and light dance upon the page.”—Attributed to a 15th-century observer of the Bening Workshop Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me as we recap the journey of Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice in Bruges….
-
Reblog: Early Bookcases, Cupboards & Carousels
Scholars, translators, transcribers and writers have always needed to have multiple books and other resources within easy reach. Illustrated manuscripts give us a good look at how medieval scribes stored and arranged their often large and hefty books. In the image above, Saint Jerome, identified by the halo, red galero and the lion with a…
-
-
Reblog: Rose Cerotum (Rose-Infused Wax Salve)
In the Trotula, one of the recipes given was for a “cerotum” that could be applied to the face1. The base of this was a mixture of oil and wax that would harden into a balm-like consistency. Without its colorant or herbal ingredients, this cerotum would be very similar to a modern-day lip balm. This…
-
The Legacy of Christine de Pizan in Literature and Art
Hello, dear readers! Today, I want to share the fascinating story of Christine de Pizan. She was a remarkable woman who paved the way for women’s rights long before modern feminism had a name. She wasn’t just any medieval writer. She was a trailblazer. She used her creative skills to redefine the roles of women…
-
Reblog: The Rise and Legacy of the Kievan Rus’: A Story of Origins, Power, and Transformation
Explore the rise, golden age, and legacy of the Kievan Rus’, a powerful medieval state in Eastern Europe that shaped modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus through trade, conquest, and cultural fusion. The Rise and Legacy of the Kievan Rus’: A Story of Origins, Power, and Transformation
-
Life and Art in 15th Century Bruges: Challenges and Rewards
“Writing is excessive drudgery. It crooks your back, it dims your sight, it twists your stomach and your sides.” — The scribe’s lament. Hey, friends. Can you imagine the toll that illuminating manuscripts took on the artists and scribes of the Middle Ages? The quote above from a 9th-century Irish manuscript is perfect. It captures…
