AEthelmearc Academy Teaching Classes

I am teaching two classes for AEthelmearc Academy, one is Introduction to Elizabethan Jewelry (2 hr class) and the other is an Introduction to Bruegel Children's Games( 1hr Class). I was able to complete the handouts for both classes. Thought I post a pics of the pretty horde jewels from cheapside in anticipation, I hope to get folks in my courses.  Now to wait for June to come.

 In the mean time almost done with the Swedish custom order the beading is done. Working the last panel of the corset and will be all ready to ship. I hope I can get the straps worked out in the mean time. Selling gowns on Ebay and hoping that they go, really running out of room when making the new ones in progress.

My two good shire mates won crown tournament, now to help and prepare for the impending reign, its going to be and adventure for our little shire. Though this being full of firsts for us we are nervous but I am sure we can all pull it off.

Having more articles put on the shire website, so putting my knowledge out there. Very cool was even neater having one of my articles in the Aestel( Kingdom Newsletter) Always an honor of course.

I am going to War Practice next weekend, very excited to display my items from Ice Dragon. Thrilled to see Ilish Ducan and girls.  Also looking at being at coopers lake is always nice to go "home", will take some classes and hang out. Wish that I could stay longer but finances are not agreeing, selling the gowns would change that, but that is just the way it all works out.

In the mean time lots of prep and packing, got lots to wear but unsure of which ones to pick. Now that is a predicament I don't mind having.  Well got lots more to do before next weekend

Be Blessed,

Mairin

William Penn Said It Best

"No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown"- William Penn.

 On that note, I promised to post photos of my enteries once they were in the Novice Pentathalon.  Also mentioned their standing as they did in the Novice category.  I had two enteries that were cross entered into other categories with the appropriate information for the category.

 The Elizbethan Embroidered Gloves were entered in Needlework and Heraldic Display and won both categories. Very pleased these are finished, they were a sampler of sorts for me. I learned so many stitches while working on these that I was afraid the uniformity that is needed in a pair would be over shadowed from one glove to the next. So that was something I had to focus on while making the second glove and trying to keep them to match in stitch technique.Though I think they turned out really nice and they too garnered lots of compliments. I can't wait to accessories them with my Elizabethan gowns, they are just the neatest thing to brighten up the more somber colored Elizabethan gowns in my wardrobe.

 The String Marionettes were entered in Toys and won their category. I garned alot of complements on these. Childrens toys are a subject that takes alot of time to research. There are lots of out of period sources for later string marionette sources but I was looking for the medieval version and beginnging to their orgins to their secular use as a form of entertainement. The research is something I started in 2006 soon after I started in the SCA. These were the cullmination of many years of reasearch.

 The Tablet Woven belt was entered in Fiber Arts and Accessories and placed well amongst the other Novice enteries. This is my first tablet woven project, I recieved alot of very awesome comments on the handmade loom versus a commerically made loom. Which I didn't even think about it, but the looms we made would have been a very period act to make and then weave. So accidentally I did a period method. Which the handmade looms were much cheaper than the inkle looms I had previously thought of purchasing. Also got lots of compliments on my even and fairly distributed weft and warp, which Lady Aibell helped me get started on this so much, I can't thank her enough for getting me started on this weaving. Its a craft I have wanted to learn for a long time and now can make my own woven items to help accessorize my gowns and other accessories. I got to finish what is on my loom yet, though its going to look super nice when done. Been fun to experimnent with technique.

My Score was over 211 points which if placed with the Single Enterants I would have gotten Fourth place, still that is very good. I do have more to learn to get my documentation more finely tuned, though I am very happy with my Novice Pent win. Was totally in shock and didn't know how well I had done till Baronial Court to recieve my awards. I also recieved Baroness's Choice, which was also a total shock, what a wonderful story her Excellency told me about making her choice. I felt very humbled and honored she picked my Marionette Entry.  Thankfully I was in a great gown to go up in court too, in my full spring green Elizabethan floral embroidered gown with whisk collar and ruffs and nice long train, looked very period according my my good friend Lady Jaqueline. Looking period was my goal without looking garrish in the volumous dress and period hair. Both scrolls are framed, the Pent Scroll is in a shadow box with my three dragon medallions that denote my three category victories, thought they needed a place of honor next to the scroll, it is not glued in so it can be removed if needed. Got close up pictures so they can be read, click on them and they will appear bigger if needed.

 Also collected for fellow shire members who left the site for a party, so I was able to deliever good news when I got back to the hotel where we were staying. Its good to be a bearer of good news, it was a great day for our shire. We had a member become part of the Order of the Chivalry, a beautiful ceremony and it was witness by many but felt very intimate. We are so proud of our shire knight, Sir Havoc the Wild, Vivats!!! Thank you to Lady Antoinette de Lorraine for the pictures of my enteries and Lady Jacqueline of my court picture.

I also mentioned shopping in my previous spost, I will get pics of the neat things I bought. A few from folks I found out I know through Etsy, very cool to see their lovely items in person I must say. Will post more pics later on these awesome finds but for now its time to go back to the mundane.
Scadian Dreaming,
Mairin

Packed and ready to go!

Well I spent last weekend on the finishing touches. Finished the control portions of the puppets, and made sure they worked. I also finished labeling my Ice Dragon entries with the 3x5 card with information. I hope doing this ahead of time will save me some aggravation and stress on the day. I still have to finish my name cards for each and need to punch holes in the papers to get them put in their individual folders. It was challenging since I do have two items cross entered into other categories.

I still have alot of car related things to get done before I leave, just want to make sure its all set to go with new struts, oil change and inspection before I leave. Its needed but I hate car repair bills but its a necessary evil.

Currently I am working on an Elizabethan whisk, its the wing like standing collar that is used in alot of portraits from the period. Decided yesterday my gown needed some extra decoration, so I used some hanger wire I had been saving for a supportass ruff holder.  So I worked that and wrapped and taped intersections to keep them firm and secure. The sharp ends are wrapped in tape to not snag the silk organza. I began sewing the trim on the edge which covered the wire and have to sew the organza to the trim and cover both sides. Did finish the train that will attach to the whisk.

This will be my first time wearing such a collar but I am excited! Used my larger organza ruff for the trim, it needed reworking and wasn't sitting properly. I wanted to make a robe to match with trim but it didn't pleat quite right. Though I am happy with just the long veil train and the whisk for this gown. Over the weekend also made an organza hat with the same trim to match the chemise and whisk, so it will all look coordinating, love it!

I am not sure how easy it will be to wear all this but I want to give it a dry run this week and hope that it all works out. Making the packing lists now and will pack up for Ice Dragon over the next three days. Hoping all my hard work and planning pays off.

Here is to Success,

Maureen

P.S. Leaving the puppets to be a surprise will post pics after Ice Dragon, check out my Elizabethan gown though in the next post.

Sewing and Documentation

Well the kitties have made it through their colds, though a little lighter for the experience. The tips I looked up online have been invaluable and I look forward to using them in the future, when needed. Kitties seem very appreciative they feel better and despite not being happy with me about the medicine treatments.

I recieved the silk from India, finished with the outter kirtle with skirt and finishing the stomacher sleeves, hat. I made major progress in the past few days, suprise even myself with my speed. While I was waiting for the silk from India,  made up pleated skirts and bodices for the yellow and green Elizabethan gowns. So they are started, in the meantime almost complete with a red and white damask venetian Italian gown, have some more decorating details to finish. So gorgeous I am super excited to get it done and take some pictures for everyone. Its so beautiful and I think it will be a stunner for sure.

 Still have lots of work on the commission but I was at a standstill so not much can go on without fabric. Though I am excited to get rolling and with working on the other gowns in the meantime.

Though that doesn't mean I have been lazy and not working on anything. Over the past two days I wrote three complete drafts for my documentation for my Elizabethan Gloves for Ice Dragon. So very good in that respect now to edit, complete the final drafts, print and put into folders. That will cover three categories; heraldry, embroidery, and accessories. Finished the paper on the 16th century hand puppets and am making them from scrap fabrics. I am entering a card woven belt in fiber arts  and examples of on 16th century hand puppets in the toys, so that makes my 5 categories. Working on the documentation for the card woven belt but not sure how that is all going to work out at this point, need to find some books on my list for sources found lots of website. Though I need to get these papers ready asap, so that is a goal this week.

Though I preregistered and am as ready for 2013 pent as I will ever be, got lots of preparation in the meantime and best get back to doing it.

Hope to be ready soon,

Maureen

Feathery Puppet Fantasy Magic

      

Simic Guild

Izzet Guild

With the tax returns in and refund back, Justin and I found a few things to purchase. We already got one box of Magic the Gathering: Return to Ravinca to add to an already interesting compilation of decks. I have an awesome Dragon Izzet blue red deck that is pretty mauling. I dabbled with Azorious white blue deck, though its has some kinks that need to be worked out yet. My green white centaur Selesyna deck was tweaked by Justin to be a populating nightmare for those facing it. Return to Ravnica has proven to be one great set for multicolor or theme deck builders like myself.  We also got one box of Magic the Gathering: Gatecrash and are planning to buy a second. Which I am making a blue green deck based on the Simic guild and its array of interesting. I am hoping buying a second box pays off and I am able to get a legendary blue green merfolk creature, guess we will see. I love the artwork and challenge of strategy even-though I have to improve my skills with deck building.

I also found the most beautiful phoenix from Midsummer Knights Dream(MSKD), one that has peacock feather accents. I wanted to get a Jhari's cat with these accents but have not had any luck seeing them in the inventory to pick up. Though I would love to get a custom peacock puppet from MSKD, I am not sure how that would work and if it would be worth it now that I will have a peacock accented phoenix. Its purple, blue, and green the color combo I really like and will be opposite from the yellow, red, and black in my Phoenix, Miracle. She was at one of the renaissance fairs for sale down south, somehow no one bought her. A few folks on the fan site say it was meant to be, so Fate is her name. I also picked up at bright colored gryphon, which I named Keylime after the color of her fur. Tooks some pictures for you to enjoy.

Aso got some terracotta fabric for the gown I am working on commission finally found the color at the right price. Now just waiting for it to come in from India. In the meantime I will finish the undergarments and be ready to cut the pattern by the time it gets here. Excited to see it all come together for this commission.  Well I better get back to the sewing machine.

Regards,

Maureen

Homeward Bound Gryphon

I wanted to share the newest member of the Plotts Gryphon Conclave! That is what I call my gryphon woodbaby collection at home, lol. This new one yet to be named, will be joining us after the New Year. Also in puppet news I decided to sell off all of my Imaginarium Galleries Drabbits! Even though I like Drabbits with their very interesting style difference, available my local renaissance faire, and Imaginarium Galleries has Drabbit giveaways. I discovered much more happiness and contentment with my Midsummer Knight Dream Woodbaby collection and the company that makes these wonders of art.

My reasons for the total switch to Midsummer Knights Dream Woodbabies are; better and wider variety of creatures, much better prices for the puppet you receive, much better communication to customers, and options to order a custom puppet without waiting weeks for a reply. Even though I cannot get them at my local renaissance faire and I adopt them online, my feelings have leaned this way for sometime.  The staff at MSKD is so more engaging, friendly, and attentive to answering questions and flexible to my needs. I guess customer service means alot to me and MSKD has it.  

Hoping the sale will help with Holiday bills and will make room for me to move my Woodbabies from the cold front sewing/computer room, to the areas in the living room on top stereo a place of real honor. I have lots of interest with folks wanting to adopt the Drabbits I have at home and space should clear soon.

A Furby for Christmas 2012

Voodoo

Greenman

      

Completely off topic, but its fun to find things that are fuzzy and amusing.I have a habit of collecting fuzzy non traditional pets, that affinity has led me to seeing these little guys and just gushing over them.

  Well found something really cute and fuzzy for Christmas, the new Hasbro Furby for 2012. They come in really cute textures and fur colors, have moving expressive glowing LED eyes, can more more than the old ones. They have the capacity to change personality depending on treatment, so the learning capacity is more developed. As well as they changed the design on how they look and interact. You can get a free app for Apple products and later aftermarket Android app for Furby. I hear the app works well to get Furby to try different foods and hear the reaction, though you can also feed the traditional way.

Totally remind me of the 80's flick Gremlins, but in more bright colors and missing arms or legs like appendages. Found out the resemblances had the movie production company considering a lawsuit back in 1998, fascinating. They are not the same though makes you think. Anyway I really like the "Greenman"  the most, reminds me of a baby abominable snow-monster. Told my husband and good pal about these though not sure if I will end up with one.

Not sure how the cats will react to a noisy moving ball of fur, theory is Jasper will run and hide and Tabbi will attack them. Would love to get two so they can talk, but they are pricey at 69.99 retail. You can find them cheaper but it takes work. Well guess I will have to see what Santa brings.

Still have to decorate the house, not motivated or in the spirit much this year. I think its melancholy left over from the new job not coming the way I wanted this year. Figured out what I am getting Justin, checked and he doesn't have what I am getting him. Looking forward to seeing his reaction on Christmas day.

Got to get Motivated,

Maureen

Art meets Form meets Function is so my forte!

Well I completed my first panel for the Embroidered Elizabethan/Jacobean Jacket. Along the way I learned the detached buttonhole stitch, which was easier than I thought to completed. I also found away of weaving some really neat 3D peas using the same stitch. Which I am thrilled, my sister Karen, who was in for a visit thought it was impressive. I also did some weaving effects, beaux stitch, satin stitch, split stitch, and french knots. I plan on using bullion stitches and really having fun with each panel, I want to complete all the sleeves first and sew them together.  The body panels will take the longest but will be really a joy to see develop.

Though I did make a decision on the colors, I am going to make all the flowers in red, yellow, corals and oranges. I will be using some greens and purples with fruit and nuts. I will make the peacocks on the jacket in their natural colors to match the same colored trim. I feel the color choices should work well with the pink coral lining I am using for the collar and cuffs. So with all the gold lace, shell in pearl decorations, and other finery, this should be one really impressive project when completed.

I pleated the skirt and its stitched into the waist band, the hem is cut but needs finished. I have enough fabric to make a marvelous hat with embrodered caul, which was a sample I made from Embroidery Guild. Love when needlework examples can become functional garments or accessories. So on my way with those! Oh I also want to make a fancy collar for my wonderul fox puppet, who is going to become my "flea fur" I am so happy I had him custom made, what a wonderul tool for the kids events. He is deserving of a grand Renaissance collar and golden lead. Though I may whip up something embroidered for him, Loxley is in need of something special.

Well I am hoping that I can make good progress today. For a change of focus last night I painted miniatures for an army that Justin and I will be starting soon. I forgot how much I missed painting, it was a welcome change of pace. Though I will not get this project done if I am talking about it, so going to get started on the next panel.

Regards,

Lady Mairin

A Foxy Woodbaby, Concert, and Life Off Topic

I have a wonderful news this week, my fox woodbaby puppet is done finally. I ordered the custom sculpted puppet over a year ago, there was a backlog of custom order with the company. I sent a full fox pelt with an idea of making a full fox puppet to their office and had other repair and refashioning of other puppets done at the time. Thinking about peacock woodbaby puppet in the future, but its going to be a while.Looking wonderful and very realistic, including some photos for your enjoyment.

Going to Mayhem Music Festival, in Camden NJ soon. Looking forward to hearing some of the main stage bands that I haven't heard before. Not planning on buying anything unless I find some CD's I really like or an T-shirt, and paying for food of course. Though the ticket and hotel room are paid for and such, so that helps. Will let you all know how it goes.

I have 5, M13 mixed decks, they are mixed with  M12 and Avacyn done for the current block of editions. I am pleased with how they are working but I know they will need some improvement. Though since the concert is coming up, I don't want to put much more cash into the decks.  With my liking of theme decks, I was able to make the ones I wanted to try on my list. I have a white knight and soldier deck, a blue merfolk and drake deck, a red blue drake dragon deck, black blue wizard deck, and a white green elf cat deck. Though in Avacyn edition, I made a white angel deck, and a red green werewolf wolf pack deck, and green treefolk deck. They are all good fun though they win infrequently.

I do find a challenge in making a theme decks and make them work properly. Though I know changing my approach with some of my tatics and theories will help them work alot better. Sadly I find that the random draw of the cards is one factor you can't change regarless how awesome of a deck your create. Going back to the shop to play today, but that is just for something to do in the afternoon.

Well that is all for now,

Maureen

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree and other photos!

Pictures of this years Christmas Tree, I put my woodbaby puppets in for something different. Its a fantasy theme, turned out really cute. Love all the gifts underneath, looks like a happy Christmas for all.

Though I lost my tree topper, I plugged it in and it made a popping noise, so its done unfortunately, going to have to pick up another with the after christmas sales. Will have to check Walmart and such. It was a really cool color changing 8 pointed star. Hope I can find another one just like it, its so pretty.

I included a picture of my new drabbit, this is Tourmaline the Glistening. The check is cashed and she should be on her way. I hope to see the UPS man soon so I can find a spot for her on the entertainment center with her brothers and sisters.

I also got my Citrine jewelry in the mail, looks lovely as ever. More updates on presents to come.
In the Spirit of the Season,

Maureen

Parrot Woodbaby Puppets

Well I am a bad bad girl again. I was given two good offers for two woodbaby Parrot puppets. I took the offers, though I know its worth it for these they are super special birds. Not going to get anymore woodbabies or drabbits till after the wedding, but we will see how long I can hold out. I worked lots of overtime so this is my reward. Will get them in the mail soon my owlet, Athena will be happy to have these other birds around for company. She doesn't know what she is in for it with these two party animals.

The first parrot is a purple and orange combo, a very stunning color combination that is awesome to behold. Looking online it seems to be a variation of a red and blue lory parrot, mostly blue though. The second is a rainbow colored parrot, not sure if it follows a specific breed but it looks super close to a Military Macaw breed of Parrot. So I could tell the inspirtation from real life for both, they are really cute for sure. Will have them perched on our katanna display for temporary, they sit so upright with these since they are close to the wall, its cool.

Sigh, will have to make more videos for Youtube showing them off. Its going to be interesting to say the least to get them to behave. Well I have an idea to dig out my birdcage and put them on top and put my owlet inside. Though will have to find room to put it up, now that I have more feathered friends this would be a good idea. Oh so much cool stuff and so little time and room, need a bigger place for our awesome stuff. Though that is a task that will take much longer to fill. I may have to find room on my dresser with my large handmade peacock, will have to ponder this carefully ;-)

Most feathery thoughts,

Maureen

Off Topic Drabbit Videos

Hi all,
Just wanted to let you all know beside my costumes and all things renaissance. I have recently posted more videos on my youtube channel. My Midsummer Knights Dream Woodbaby Puppets are all up to date with videos for your viewing enjoyment.

Right now there are four new Imaginarium Drabbit Videos I added on Oct 10th. There are lots videos to enjoy with the woodbaby puppets and now drabbits too. Here is the link to my channel:
www.youtube.com/user/faerydustcollector

As far as sewing I have decided to work on a french hood while roleplaying tonight over skype. Its going to be a interesting with the plans I came up with while sleeping last night. I get some great dream dress inspiration from time to time. Will post more when I get things done and some pictures of my work.

TTYL,

Maureen

Some Drabbits for Fun

Hi all,

I found a drabbit for sale from California on Craigslist. I am hoping he arrives in the mail soon. Looks like a nice fluffy one but seems to have angry expression on his face. Since this one seems to be so blackhearted. That is how I came up with the name Obsidian Black heart of Poe. For an interesting touch I added Poe as the area he is from, for a touch of gothic feel since that seems the emotion he eminates. He reminds of the bird vulture like creatures out of the dark crystal, though more dragon vulture conbination. Must be those eyes that give him the fierce personality.

I am also looking into getting three other drabbits from a fellow in Pennsylvania, he had advertised some drabbits from before. I am looking into a purple, green, and blue ones. I posted prvious pics of these characters but its good to show again so you know what I mean. These are all large drabbits, I feel lucky finding such nice ones for a good price and the man is nice enough to hold them for me.

As soon as I finish selling somethings on ebay, then I would be happy to buy the other three. I am not sure if I want to buy a red one at the Pa Renaissance Faire, it all depends if I can find one I like, guess we will see. Well that is all for now working in hats and we will see if I get them close enough to post photos.

Bye,

Maureen

P.S. Sold a dress and can get all three :-D excited as all get out.

New Pictures I Want to Share

I posted updated photos of my woodbabies, drabbits, and my other fuzzy creature friends. They turned out so nice I wanted to share them all with you. They are totally off topic but are a fun edition to the other posts I made earlier. This should be it for puppet photos for a while until I get my fox puppet later this year.

We will see how it goes, though everything should sewing and embroidery related for a while just a FYI. Though I have lots to be done with gowns since I have two velvet Tudors and I finally ordered the faux ermine fabric, so its time to make them into gowns. I have way too much fabric laying around right now and need to make something. I just hope I can find sometime, I am thinking of tonight since Justin is going with Jason. We will see how its goes will post photos when I get something done;-)

Talk to you all later,

Maureen

New Creature Friends

I know I have been posting alot about the new OOAK creatures I have at home. Not sure if everyone was clear on why I am attracted to them and my purpose on posting about them besides being cool to look at.

Though they are medieval in inspiration, lots of gryphons, dragons, and unicorns. Its something I also do for the SCA Youth Activities believe it or not. Its a research of sorts to see if I could find ways of these being inspiration to make puppets of some sort for a take home craft. I also and researching the history of puppets myself for an Arts and Sciences project. Its been one that has been in development as long as my Tudor Doll A&S Project, about 5 years or so. I want to make a string marionette in full 16th century detail for a long time but have not found the time to hand carve the whole thing right now. Though I have plenty of ideas on how to go about making it work.

I would have to say the creatures I have are more of a modern take on a puppet and use cables to control their life like head movements. Fun to wear to renaissance fairs, great way to attract kids to the youth table, and all around fun to play and look at. With that, I have a new one for you all to take a look at, this one I received in a trade from my friend Genevieve. I had traded with my black and white gryphon for a posable gryphon stuffed animal, its not a puppet but is cool looking. Posted photo is above, he is really unique fellow. I am thinking about custom ordering a dark teal and green dragon from her but not till much later when I get the wedding payments underway. So many friends and so little space and money, ah its a catch 22.

Well nothing on the sewing front, I will not be able to get a foothold till my next day off. I have work over the whole weekend and that is cutting into my time but it won't be long till the extra hours is over and its back to regular paychecks. Guess I will see how everything measures out in the end. Though still excited to see how it turns out, thinking of working on the outter dress first, which will make up quicker than the shirt. After I am satisfied with the result of the outter gown; I am going to plot the pattern for my shirt, embroider the whole rose pattern on the silk, cut and sew the pattern and before full assembly add the gold lace trim as appropriate to the original painting shows. It will be one fancy shirt when its all done, at least that is the plan ;-)

Well that is all for now, can't think of much else I have floating in my mind to say that I haven't repeated from post past.

Make Your Day a Great One,

Maureen

More Drabbits

Well I recieved the drabbits in the mail the first two look just like the photos, hope that i can get these the blue and green drabbits above, though I am waiting till after we visit the Renaissance Faire this year. I want to get a Ruby Red drabbit of some form. I will see if there are any more left from this guy from craigslist afterwards. I like his yellow one too but not having to get it right away.

Decisions, decisions. Well on the sewing front I have been doing good. I finally finished my custom gown for the lady on ebay, it looks great but I want to get a photo of her in the gown not on my dress dummy. We will see if I get one from her later. As of right now no more custom orders have come in, though I have been posting on Ebay frequently for work in the aims of raising money for my wedding. I am also taking on overtime at my job as a back up. Hey every little bit helps.

On the new projects front I am available now to start my rose embroidered shirt and peach satin gown. Very exciting, been dreaming of this dress. I am making a hat for my blue floral Elizabethan, so it won't take me long to post photos of that. Debating between a French hood, Elizabethan riding hat or Elizabethan flop hat, I will have to see how much trim I have left.

Well that is all for now ttyl,

Maureen

Pictures my Drabbits

Smokey Quartz is the name of the beige colored one and Citrine is the name of the orange one.

Here are the pictures of the two drabbits that I got from cragislist, hope to post better pictures soon. Feel free to leave comments on what you enjoy about my blog anytime.

Thanks for reading.