Estrella Gift Scroll

Estrella gift-scroll to be presented to Atenveldt

Well, the annual Estrella War was held out in Arizona this past weekend. A while back, I received the assignment to produce something that could be present by Their Majesties to the Kingdom of Atenveldt, this is that piece. It was on display at Birka, however I felt it was inappropriate to post until after the event.

Gift of Words

Her Royal Highness, Thyra, presented a gift of words to Her Royal Majesty of Calontir, Queen Conna. The poem was written by Master Toki Redbeard.

Eleri of Nefyn (Augmentation of Arms)

Augmentation of Arms
Coronation, Last Court of Kenric and Avelina
Awarded October 13, 2012 AS XLVII (47)

Founding Charter EKRCP

Founding Charter for the East Kingdom Royal College of Performers
Coronation, Court of Edward II & Thyra
October 13, 2012

Details:
Calligraphy by Isabel Chamberlaine.

Paper: Pergamenata
Materials: Iron-gall ink, Mitchell #4 nib

Words by  Lord Tristan le Chanticler de Champaigne

Scroll ID: Isabel C XXXIII
Completed October 6, 2012

Bruni (Writ for Pelican)

Writ for Elevation to the Order of the Pelican
First Court of Edward and Thyra, Coronation
Awarded October 13, AS XLVII (47)

Ferall von Halstern (Kings Cypher)

Kings Cypher
Bergental Baronial Investiture
Awarded September 15, 2012 AS XLVII (47)

Joseph the Bold (Rams Horn)

Order of the Rams Horn (Concordia Backlog)
Sumer Archery Shoote
Awarded June 27, 2009 (AS XLIV - 44)

Alys Mackyntoich (Herald Extraordinaire)

Herald Extraordinaire
Known World Heralds and Scribes Symposium, Barony of the Bridge
Awarded June 23, AS XLVII (47)

Aelfgifu of the Hazel Thicket (Court Barony)

Court Baroness
Barony Beyond the Mountain Investiture
Awarded May 19, 2012 AS XLVII (47)

More photographs can be viewed here.

Preparing Pergamenata

NOTE: I will update this post with photo's as soon as I can.

When reading about pergamenata, it's often described as not needing any further surface preparation. However, experience has taught me, that isn't necessarily true and I offer this post to address the problems I have encountered, and the solution that has worked for me.

When painting on the surface, from time to time I would come across what I can only describe as oily spots. Paint would roll back from these areas like it had a mind of its own. Could it be oil transferring from my hand onto the surface, yes. However I also believe that some oils, or surface coatings from the manufacturing process remain and cause the problem areas.

Ingredients for pounce.

After much discussion with various people, both off and online I have found that preparing the surface by roughening it with pounce works wonders. Pounce, for this purpose, is a combination of ground Gum Sandarac and fine Pumice which has been mixed together and contained within a small piece of linen, held together with a rubber band. Both Gum Sandarac and Pumice can be purchased through John Neal Booksellers and a little goes a LONG way.

My process is as follows:

1. Mix together a small amount of Gum Sandarac and Pumice, maybe a 1/2 teaspoon of each.
2. Combine the mixture in the middle of a small linen square and secure it closed with a rubber band or other appropriate closure.
3. With clean dry hands, lightly rub the linen pounce sack, first, up and down, then left to right on your surface area. You are basically trying to gently rub away any residual oils from the surface and raising the nap a little for better "tooth". I usually finish off with large circular motions.
4. The surface is now covered in pounce dust, gently brush this away with a large, soft brush. I've been told that makeup brushes work wonderfully for this purpose, although I use a 2" artists brush I found at a craft store. If you're feeling frugal you can actually collect this dust for reuse.
5. DON'T TOUCH YOUR SURFACE WITH BARE HANDS from this point on as you will transfer oils back onto your working area. Instead, cover everywhere except the area you're working on with a barrier. Glassine paper is my preference and can be purchased in rolls from an art store.
6. Now work as you usually would, drawing your design then applying ink and paint.

Random Notes and Tips:

• I've found than I tend to wash my hands a lot when working, to keep them clean from oils and random mess. I like to apply 100% talc to my hands every time I wash them.
• Pounce is also great for cleaning up calligraphy mistakes. After I've scraped away the mistake with my knife I will carefully rub the area with my pounce sack.
• Occasionally I will discover a small area intended to be painted that I didn't prepare properly, I'll just grab my pounce sack and give that small piece a light rubbing.

Kings & Queens Rapier Champions

K&Q Rapier Champions
Gregor III and Kiena 
Awarded February 4, 2012 AS 46 (XLVI)