Author Archives: osesilverhair

“Keeper of the Central Flame” Chosen

22 Sunday Apr 2018

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On April 14 artisans from around the East Kingdom and as far away as Aethelmarc came together to compete for the honor of being chosen Keeper of the Central Flame.

Twenty-seven artists competed in nine tracks, both as experts and novices. To be chosen as the Keeper, artisans entered three items in at least two different tracks. Judging was done using the East Kingdom rubric. The variety of projects and the high quality of the work were truly inspiring, and made the judges jobs very difficult.

The winners of the tracks were:

Track 1: Embroidery and Cordmaking – Eikaterine ton Elliniki (N), Astridr Musa (EX)
Track 2: Textiles – Janna von Guggisberg (N), Ibrahim al-Rashid (EX)

Reproduction of felt masks from Hedeby, by Lady Cellach Dhonn ingean Mhican an Mhadaidh

Track 3: Culinary –  Eithne (N), Alys Attewater (EX)
Track 4: Costuming – Margarita Carpintero (N), Astridr Musa (EX)
Track 5: Research & Writing – Kellenin de Lanwinnauch (N), Rosina von Schaffhausen (EX)
Track 6: Scribal Arts – Aurelia Colleoni a Bucca Fjorno (N)
Track 7: Smithing and Woodworking – Margarita Carpintero (N)

Stained glass, by Lady Solskinn

Track 8: Fine Arts – Gnaea Celera (EX)
Track 9: Period Science and Miscellany – Rosina von Schaffhausen (EX)
The winner of the Triathelon, and first Keeper of the Central Flame, was Lady Astridr Musa. For her project she created a 16th century “Spanish style” German traveling cloak. She began by spinning the thread and weaving the fabric, then recreated the cutting pattern of the original cloak, and spun and dyed her own embroidery floss. She is a highly skilled weaver and embroiderer, and was excited to learn how the embroidery was an integral part of determining the structure and drape of the finished cloak. Astridr hopes to complete the embroidery in time to display the project at Pennsic.

16th century cloak, by Lady Astridr Musa

By the end of the day it was clear that everyone had enjoyed the competition. The positive feedback left artists encouraged to return home to bring their projects to the next level. The competition organizers are already beginning to plan for next year’s event.

East Kingdom Bards Enchant Their Audience at Winter Nights

27 Wednesday Sep 2017

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On a bright September afternoon, bards from far and wide gathered around the fireplace at Scotia United Methodist Church, in Concordia of the Snows, to spin tales and sing songs. They came from as far away as Malagentia and the Crown Province of Ostgardr to show their prowess and polish their skills. This would be a friendly competition where the bards challenged each other to stretch and grow. The winner would take home the silver arm band to proudly wear for the next year.

The competition began with each bard performing a piece that let the audience know who they were. The selections ranged from an Italian aria, to Norse poetry, a Japanese folk tale to silly songs. They had the audience in the palm of their hands.

As the competition continued, the bards were randomly paired, and issued each other a challenge. Scores were given for both the challenge given and the piece performed in response to the challenge. As the sun sank low in the sky the audience was treated to tales of magical sea turtles and crabs, by Doug Dunn (don’t open the box!); Lady Lorita di Siena’s comical telling of a Baba Yaga story; the death of Sir Gawain, told in Middle English by Master Grim; a chilling poem based on the Salem Witch Trials, by Siona; and a new tale about Loki, Thor and putting on shoes, by Cedar san Barefoot, of course. There was a song of meadowlarks, performed by Byrd; several songs of Pennsics past; and the beautiful notes of Drake Oranwood on his new lute-guitar.

The competition was won by Master Peregrine the Illuminator, with his lusty tale of illuminating the grape. Be sure to ask him to tell you that story when next you see him.

Arts & Sciences Salon to be Held on Saturday

18 Sunday Sep 2016

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img_9311On Saturday September 24, the Barony of Concordia of the Snows will be holding the second Arts & Sciences Salon, at the Scotia United Methodist Church. This event is different than a schola. It is all about relaxing and getting to enjoy your favorite art or science with no pressure to move on to another activity. There is plenty of time to speak casually with the ambassadors, and others who are passionate about their arts. At the same time, newcomers really enjoyed themselves last year, because they had the opportunity to investigate many of the things the SCA has to offer. They could move from room to room at their own pace, sampling many activities.

While some of the most popular arts and sciences from last year (calligraphy & illumination, fiber arts, metal working) will be represented again, we have made room for several new topics. These include glove making – an essential accessory for everyone in the Middle Ages; pewter casting – from carving the mold to casting your piece; brewing; and medieval plants. More than a dozen topics will be represented. This year we are offering some informal classes and demos in several of the classrooms. This is not meant to keep people from wandering in at any time, but rather as an aid to organizing your day.

Last year our persona development area focused on English and Indian personas. This year we are also focusing on Japanese culture and personas. Of course, whatever culture you are interested in, our ambassadors will be able to give you help and advice on honing your persona.

Ambassadors and other attendees will be bringing along some of their favorite research materials to share during the day. The reference library will include books and computer files on topics that are not otherwise being covered during the day. This is an opportunity for access to hard-to-find information.

Since this is a day about learning, the A&S display has a theme this year – “Show us your mistakes!” Making mistakes is an integral part of mastering any art or science. We have all made many mistakes along the way. We are asking people to show us their mistakes and what they learned from them. The populace will vote on their favorite mistakes, and a prize will be awarded at the end of the day.

For more information, see the event announcement: http://www.eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3046

 

Ambassadors Gather to Host the Arts & Sciences

24 Monday Aug 2015

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imagesOn September 12, ambassadors are coming from all corners of the East Kingdom – Anglespur, Bergental, Carolingia, Concordia, Rusted Woodlands and Smoking Rocks, to share their enthusiasm, knowledge and skills.  The Arts and Sciences Salon, in Scotia, New York, will be a day full of explorations into a wide variety of interests.

Of course the topics you might expect will be covered – culinary arts, embroidery, and glass bead making. But there will also be those areas of interest that might surprise you, such as dance, health sciences, heraldry and parchment making. A total of 20 different topics are planned for the day. There will be something for everyone, young and old, beginner and seasoned pro. Less structured than a schola, this will be an event where everyone is encouraged to share what they know.

Some ambassadors are planning informal classes throughout the day. Others will structure their room for round table discussions, demonstrations, or one-to-one instruction. In every case there will be a chance for hands-on work and play. In addition to rooms devoted to specific arts or sciences, a reference library is planned, which will include interesting and hard to find books and publications on many topics to advance your research, and room to relax and discuss whatever art or science takes your fancy.images (8)

Everyone is encouraged to bring a project to work on during the day or exhibit at the grand A&S Display. This will be a chance to highlight the great skills of the East Kingdom, and mingle with all the day’s participants. Be sure to bring your tokens to show your appreciation.

Bjorn’s Ceilidh – Concordia of the Snows Investiture

10 Monday Nov 2014

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Baron Pierre de Tours steps down

Baron Pierre de Tours steps down

Mistress Lylie of Penhille and Lord Jean Paul du Casse

Mistress Lylie of Penhille and Lord Jean Paul du Casse

Investiture of the new Baron and Baroness of Concordia, Jean Paul and Lylie, took place on Saturday among the festivities of Bjorn’s Ceilidh, our celebration of the Celtic New Year. Previous Barons Pierre, Angus, Balthazar and Emerson passed down the coronets to Their Majesties, while reciting the lineage of our Barony, so all would know our history.

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After First Court everyone joined in the festivities. The King and Queen could not pass up a chance to dance with their subjects, and the Baron and Baroness showed off their newly learned skills.

Edward and Thyra lead the dancing at Bjorn's Ceilidh

Edward and Thyra lead the dancing at Bjorn’s Ceilidh

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Many newcomers took part in our traditional games of sheep toss, haggis hurl and arm wrestling, and were skilled enough to take home prizes.

Among the pleasures of the second Court, Constantine became a member of the Order of the Tiger’s Cub, and Lady Pakshalika Kananbala was welcomed into the Order of the Silver Crescent.

The afternoon ended with a game of live chess. There was much worry when Queen Thyra was taken out of the game early, but her side played skillfully, and she was brought back in when a pawn reached the end of the board. The game was brought to a successful conclusion in time for everyone to enjoy a sumptuous feast. The evening ended with the traditional remembrances of those who have passed before us, and the lighting of the new flame for the new year.

Pakshalika Kananbala receives the Silver Crescent

Pakshalika Kananbala receives the Silver Crescent

The Order of the Tiger's Cub

The Order of the Tiger’s Cub

How To Prepare Documentation

01 Wednesday Jan 2014

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documentationThe following article was written by Lady Ose Silverhair as part of the Gazette’s ongoing “How to…” series.

Here in the East Kingdom we are lucky enough to have several events each year that celebrate the skills of our artisans and scientists. Are you thinking about participating in an Arts & Sciences event but are wary of those two words in the announcement “documentation required”? Here are a few tips on how to prepare. Continue reading →