Recently, in an online SCA gifting discussion, period sewing baskets were suggested as an option. And, of course, I had to relate it to what my persona would do. So let’s talk about sewing storage. Not the plastic box kind with snap lids and little compartments we find in craft stores today. I mean the…
Ah, letter writing! It was a whole different game in 15th-century Bruges. No email, no texting—just quills, parchment, and a bit of wax. For people like Jehanne Bening and her friend Cornelia Cnoop, sending a letter wasn’t just about sharing news. It was a bit of an art form. Every seal and fold reflected purpose…
Hey, my history buffs! In the bustling city of Bruges, guilds were more than just trade associations. They played key roles in the civic, economic, and spiritual life of the city. Each guild not only represented a trade or craft, it also held a special bond with a patron saint who guided, protected, and inspired…
As we usher in a new year, I thought it’d be fun to take a step back to 15th-century Bruges. We can see how Jehanne Bening might have celebrated. Spoiler alert: no champagne or midnight countdowns! But there was plenty of food, faith, and fellowship to go around in her bustling city. Let’s look at…
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…
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….
“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….
“There is no book so bad… that it does not contain something good.” Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote (1605) Hey, folks. Let’s connect some history dots! Jehanne’s life -my persona- in 15th-century Bruges was a balancing act between her work, faith, and social life. The rhythms of the workshop, the changing seasons, and the religious…
Now I’ve written the whole thing; for Christ’s sake give me a drink. -15th century scribe Hey everyone! If you’re a scribe in the SCA, this might sound familiar, but stick around. We’re diving into the artistic process of creating a 15th-century illuminated manuscript. Whether you’re new to this or just need a refresher, let’s…
At the Day of Judgment we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how devoutly we have lived.”— Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ Hey there, everyone! Welcome to the 6th episode of Jehanne’s 15th-century life in Bruges. Today, we’re diving…
Hey, all! Today, let’s step inside the bustling 15th-century Bening workshop in Bruges. In this episode we’ll take a look at the tools Jehanne and others used daily. You’ll discover the many materials that bring manuscripts to life. The things that were essential to this art form. Materials and ToolsWhile many elements of manuscript production…
“The apprentice sharpens the quills, fetches the ink, and ensures the vellum is smooth, for in these small services he learns the grand art.” Anonymous, French Manuscript (15th century) Welcome to another installment of “Journey and Art in 15th-Century Bruges.” This time we explore the daily life of Jehanne Bening. That’s me, or at least…
“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.” Anonymous (15th-century), on the Bening Workshop In the bustling city of Bruges, the Bening workshop stood out. It was a beacon of artistic excellence. This was during the…
“Bruges, in thee we find all that is fair: A city rich in goods and graced by air. Thy towers rise, like stories told in stone, Of grandeur, of beauty, and of a name well-known.” George Chastellain (c. 1405–1475) Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the first installment of my series, “Life and Art in 15th-Century…
Describe your life in an alternate universe. As a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I have an alternative persona. In it, I’m Jehanne Bening, a 15th-century apprentice to the famous manuscript artisan Simon Bening. As it happens, I am working on the details of describing her daily life for a future blog series….