University of Atlantia

This session will provide a basic overview of calligraphy. I believe that, while many of the styles of illumination used in period really require some artistic talent, almost anyone who is willing to practice can develop a nice calligraphic hand. We will review the steps you can take to select a hand and some habits that can help you learn. We will also discuss different pens / writing implements, and papers / parchment.

This class covers tools of the trade, scroll layout and design, wording. Kind of a general “covers all the bases class.” There will be a cd for all who attend.

This class will cover the use of pearls, and other gemstones, in embellishing clothing during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Students will learn how to sew on individual pearls, pearls in a line, and how to fill in shapes. They will also learn how to sew drop pearls along an edge, how to purchase stones, and how to design decorations both to go on trim and to stand alone.

Charlemagne wanted writing that was legible for the entire empire, so he standardized calligraphers on what we now call the Carolingian hand. From the 8th century until it morphed into blackletter-style hands, it was in constant use and inspired the humanist hands of the Italian Renaissance. We'll look at its distinctive characteristics and practice writing it. If you have a pen, bring it. Class size is limited to 10. PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Calligraphy.

A rolicking review of heraldic terms for scribes who ask, "What's an orle?" or "How do I render a mermaid in her vanity?" Handouts will include various web site links, carefully illustrated stick figures and a full color rendering of all the heraldic tinctures used in the SCA today. Popcorn served.

Ever wonder how to do those knots between beads? Knots between beads add texture and elegance to your work and keeps you from losing valuable beads. Bring a pair of pointy ended tweezers and with some silk and beads, I can show you how easy it is to make a bracelet.

This session will give an overview of the different calligraphic hands used throughout the period covered by the SCA. We will look at which hands were used with some of the best known forms of illumination, which hands were used in conjunction with other hands (the hierarchy of hands).

bring pen and paper (felt tips are okay)

An overview of patterns found in the colored bars used with leaf and vine illuminations (white work).

This is a hands-on session that will introduce participants to Mark Van Stone’s simple method to produce knotwork (as popularized by Mistress Eowyn Amberdrake’s article on “Interlacing without Erasing”).

how to draw these shapes for the hopelessly art challenged. Bring pencil and paper.