I joined the SCA in Fall 2005 as a freshman in college. After finishing my undergraduate degree I immediately started a Master's program, so I took a year or two to focus on school. In all, it took me eight years before I felt that I finally had enough time to devote to exploring the medieval arts. I always said that I wanted to try illumination and calligraphy, but I don't like to start things that I cannot finish. I kept putting it off until I felt ready. I'm so glad that I finally started!
I wanted to ease my way into A&S faires and activities, so I decided to start with a Baronial A&S entry in the fall of 2013. The rules were to create something that could be gifted by our Baron & Baroness as largess, and to provide at least one page of documentation. I had received thank-you notes from Royalty in the past, and thought that an original illuminated work would serve nicely as a copied image for note cards - perfect for largess!
It took me a while to decide on a design because I wanted to find something suitable for blank note cards. I elected to reproduce a period miniature while I learned how to use my materials and gain a better understanding of medieval designs and techniques. I had never done SCA documentation before, but I was glad that it was required for my first project. It definitely helped me feel more prepared for future projects! I am also fortunate that I thought to take progress pictures for my first project, because that has become a standard practice for my documentation.
Here is my first set of SCA documentation, along with my note card design. I had the image printed onto note cards at a printing shop, and packaged them with envelopes to gift to our Baron Jaime and Baroness Eleanor for largess. I also kept a few sets on hand for gift baskets for visiting royals and other individuals.
Finally, I was shocked and honored to have been chosen as the Barony of the Flame A&S Champion for this, my first, project. Representing my Barony the next year at our Regional & Kingdom A&S Faires was quite the challenge, but I learned a lot in a short amount of time and it was the best thing that could have happened to further motivate me into exploring the arts.
I wanted to ease my way into A&S faires and activities, so I decided to start with a Baronial A&S entry in the fall of 2013. The rules were to create something that could be gifted by our Baron & Baroness as largess, and to provide at least one page of documentation. I had received thank-you notes from Royalty in the past, and thought that an original illuminated work would serve nicely as a copied image for note cards - perfect for largess!
It took me a while to decide on a design because I wanted to find something suitable for blank note cards. I elected to reproduce a period miniature while I learned how to use my materials and gain a better understanding of medieval designs and techniques. I had never done SCA documentation before, but I was glad that it was required for my first project. It definitely helped me feel more prepared for future projects! I am also fortunate that I thought to take progress pictures for my first project, because that has become a standard practice for my documentation.
Here is my first set of SCA documentation, along with my note card design. I had the image printed onto note cards at a printing shop, and packaged them with envelopes to gift to our Baron Jaime and Baroness Eleanor for largess. I also kept a few sets on hand for gift baskets for visiting royals and other individuals.
Finally, I was shocked and honored to have been chosen as the Barony of the Flame A&S Champion for this, my first, project. Representing my Barony the next year at our Regional & Kingdom A&S Faires was quite the challenge, but I learned a lot in a short amount of time and it was the best thing that could have happened to further motivate me into exploring the arts.