A bit of New Years Navel Gazing

It's a new year, and while I look at the cold reality of my post-Christmas bank account I also find myself reflecting on what it is that I do and why I do it.

Yesterday, while I worked (irresponsibly during work hours) on a leather purse I am making just for myself I was reminded how delightful I find crafting. I walked away from my studio with a happy glow that kept going all evening. I took great pleasure in showing the bag to my partner, asking his opinions and working out the final details.

Leather purse, completely hand dyed, tooled and stitched. You can see the fabric I will be lining with peaking out. The dark pink will be more burgundy by the time I am finished.

Almost no day goes by in which I don't make something. If I am not at my bench making jewelry, I am sewing historical clothes for myself or my clients. I am embroidering something fun and interesting. I am leather-working in one of my two basement studios. In short, I am addicted to crafting. Hopelessly, completely, addicted. If I was not lucky enough to be able to (mostly) support myself crafting, I know I would spend every available moment that I wasn't working, making things.

Crafting is something I never have fight to motivate myself to do. Embroidery soothes, and delights me. Leather-working calms me. Jewelry and sewing challenge me and keep my mind busy. If I begin thinking about a project while I am trying to fall asleep I can keep myself awake for hours going over each detail. What will the materials be? Where will I get them? How will I form the piece? What colours will it be? How will I finish it? The best simile I can think of is one of a complex cake. Each layer and detail must be created in the correct order, in the right time, with the right tools and techniques. Rushing or inattention can be catastrophic. Some errors can be fixed, some can be incorporated into the piece, or if you have the flexibility on the project, you can find a new direction in which to go based on your mistakes. When I can, I love letting a piece grow organically, working each new unexpected detail or error into the piece in such a way that it is almost like the piece is making itself. Not only am I molding the piece to my will, but I'm also allowing it to flow into a final form that has as much to do with the complexity of the materials as it does with me. This was never a popular tactic with my teachers at college, but I learn so much this way, and it's one of my favorite ways to work.

A piece of embroidery inspired by a medieval bestiary, linen and crewel wool. 

The sketch for the finished embroidery.

I want to make things that will last. I want to make things that can be used, and cared for, and repaired and maintained for years. I think one of the reasons I was drawn to jewelry is that it can last indefinitely. A piece could be kept, and handed down through generations. It could develop a narrative, a character, a feeling of love and connection to someone special. A little part of me will get to take a journey though lives in that piece that I made, perhaps to be cherished long after I am dead.

A pair of medieval reproduction buckles which are soon to be plated gold and silver respectively. Brass.

I like to give people things that I think they will love. I have to stop myself sometimes from giving my work away, because if I think something I have made will please someone, that can seem so much more important than money. But I must eat and pay rent so I try to be judicious.

I have a lot to learn about business. I am slowly learning it (usually the hard way) but I know I am improving. I try to be patient with myself when I make mistakes and develop strategies not to make them again. I try to roll with the punches. Some days it's hard, but other days I get to create something wonderful for myself, or someone else, which I know will make them smile for years to come. And on those days, (most days) it all feels incredibly worth while.

The ninja-est engagement rings.

I was honored to be able to participate in a really fun and romantic engagement proposal a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share the story. It includes mystery, subterfuge, excitement, romance and of course jewellery, so it's bound to be a great read.

My friend Morgan suspected that her partner Ian might propose at a big music festival called Harvest. Being a good feminist she thought she should have something to give back when Ian  popped the question, so she had me make him a secret engagement ring as well. She was right, because Ian had already commissioned her engagement ring from me. also in secret, of course.  The rings were both finished the day that Ian had planned to propose, and as I arrived at Harvest, much later than I had planned, Ian and Morgan both came to meet me at the gates. I was in a tizzy as to how to get them each their respective rings without the other one catching on.  Morgan came over to my side of the car to chat with me, and Ian stayed on the drivers  side of the van chatting with my partner Chris. I sneakily handed Morgan the ring for Ian, and then while she was distracted I handed Chris the ring for Morgan to give to Ian. Still with me? 
Amazingly, neither one noticed the other pass off. It was truly the ninja-est ring delivery ever. 
We then took a walking tour of the site, and eventually we got to a tent, where Ian told Chris, "hold my beer". (So appropriate) And took Morgan inside. 
A few minutes later they called for us to come in. Ian was still on his knees with Morgan and around them were candles and lots of beautifully framed pictures of their life together. There was also a written sign saying "Will you marry me?" 
Morgan was tearing up and Ian was totally surprised by the ring she had had made for him. 
It was pretty much the most romantic thing I have ever seen in real life. And it was so wonderful to get to participate in this special moment. 

The rings are, for her: princess cut morganite ( for Morgan obviously) accompanied by two diamonds from Ian's grandmothers earrings. They are set in rose gold. 
For him: A rose gold base, with layers of antler, copper and maple, creating a striped band. It was a really fun challenge to make and I really enjoyed working with the organics especially the antler, since I am used to metal. 

I love making wedding and engagement jewelry. It's incredibly rewarding, and fun, but it was extra awesome to get to make the rings for my friends, and then be with them at this special time. 

What's been happening? Reenacting!

It's been a long while since I had time to blog or email, because for the last two months I have been working really hard developing some custom medieval belts and sewing historical clothes for people. After I built my blue swan belt, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to create some more. It turns out I love making belts. It's a really complex challenge and involves a lot of skills, from wax carving to leather work, and oh so many rivets, Each belt had close to 100 rivets, all done by hand. 

Belt plaques getting ready for mounting. 

I spent a week in Quebec, camping on a beautiful property in the 14th century, complete with medieval outbuildings and a fairy tree. I even got to learn the basics of willow basket weaving ( I still have a long way to go before I am much good at it) but I really enjoyed the process. 

Then it was belts belts belts, until August 13th when we headed up to Prince Edward County for our annual Deed of the Red Knight, event. It was pretty glorious, despite insane quantities of mosquitoes and serious heat.  I got to see my newly made belts worn around camp, which was really fantastic. 

Here's the company all lined up and ready for battle. Scroll down to see a gallery of belts! 

Thanks to Tasha of La Cote Simple, for this great photo.