CRAFTS WORK

Many years ago, when I first got into reenactment, I knew that I wanted to make as much of my own kit and everyday use items. Unfortunately, back then, I didn’t have the crafts work tools available to me, in order to do so. That being said, I managed to cobble together some leather working tools for my desktop. Those first attempts at making historical item like pouches, belts and scabbards really brought me into the reality of what a 10th or 13th century craftsman might have gone through. Mostly, by trial and error I honed my leather working capabilities. The heap of discarded leather items finally grew smaller as I became more proficient.

The same can be said for woodworking. Back in the day, I had a hand saw and an electric drill. Not much to work with. My first project was a wood and leather folding stool, made from hardwood. I stained the wood, stamped the leather and then dyed it. It was to be a gift for a “royal” in the SCA.

Finally, in the early ’80s, I took a blacksmithing class from the late Toby Hickman. It must have stuck, because I still dabble with a gas fired forge today. One of my first projects back then was a 13th c. dagger with a jeweled pommel and brass quillons. I entered it into a SCA kingdom arts competition and came in second place. I still have the dagger, but it needs the velvet and wire on the grip replaced and a new sheath…wear and tear over time will do that.

So, that brings us to the present. What I intend to do with the website and the crafts pages is provide directions for my projects, in the case that they may prove to be valuable to someone else. That is my hope. The internet gives me a wide audience. It will be interesting to see if anyone chooses to use or modify my directions in making their own reenactment gear.

Do check out the other crafts pages on the site, if you have an opportunity. They may be of some interest to you.