It took me a while to decide if I was going to enter the Queen's Prize Tourney at A&S Faire with the parchment, or be an assessor (June 23rd in the Hael, Lockport, NY). The parchment is a cool project, but it tends to be stinky, and there is enough of a 'hurk factor' that I was unsure about sharing with the world at large. After a lot of encouragement I decided to enter with as complete a display as possible; but contained as much as possible. Mistress Elska a Fjarfelli, empress of awesome displays, sponsored me and her advice was invaluable. The only element missing was a small stretched hide because I didn't have enough lead time to make sure it was dry and not smelly.
Anything that smelled was sealed as tightly as possible, but there was still an odor of sorts from the jars. Unless I'm doing a full mini-demo, the "specimen jars" will be staying home. I must say that the frilly lid covers helped reduce the psychological ick factor by a lot. It suddenly went from Igor's Laboratory to Aunt May's Kitchen unless you were right up close. Putting them in a box also minimized who had to see them; unless you were right in front the jars were not immediately in view. This also provided a top shelf for sharp objects.
The try-it station with parchment, paper and perg along with metal pen nibs and feather quills was a huge hit. I also provided paint and brushes, but there weren't any takers on that. Some people decided they preferred paper, some loved the parchment, very few liked the perg over the other 2. (Note the beautiful cutting board made for me in one of the Artisan's Exchanges; I've never used it for food, but it has become an integral part of my scribal kit).The goal of displaying this was two-fold: show how parchment was made in period, and give a bunch of it away. Both goals were accomplished. I distributed a lot of parchment, and had to excuse myself in order to eat and use the lady's room; though other artisans said the same, so I would call the whole event a success. I got to geek out over my gross stuff with people who appreciate both process and final product. What I did not expect, and specifically did not anticipate, is that our beautiful and inspiring Queen Siobahn inghean ui Liathain would find it just as fascinating as I do. She decided to award me the Queen's Prize, and I am thrilled to know that my work is appreciated by more than just the scribes who write on it and the illustrators who paint on it. The scroll by Rhys Penbras ap Daydd is very nice, and the gift basket from Her Majesty has some really wonderful things in it made by various artists; hand dipped bees wax candles, a lovely ceramic cup, a silk & wool needle book, a paternoster, and a spindle with some sample fiber to add to my collection. Elska's sponsor gift to me was a knife to work the hides. I will try it very soon. My friend and good advisor, Elisabeth brought me two gifts from Germany; a bear and a coo-coo clock.
Special shout-out to Rhys & kitchen crew: OMG AMAZING sideboard. Researched, documented, labelled and positively delicious. My mouth went from one exquisite flavor to the next and I cannot even begin to tell you in words how much I loved everything I tried.
Another thing that came of this display was a conversation with Edana the Red, in which she suggested creating a guild of parchment maker's to facilitate donations. I've approached my fellow parchmenters and the Signet's office, and we may be able to get that going. My ultimate goal for the scribes of AEthelmearc is to see more of us working on the correct period substrate. While I know that I personally cannot supply parchment to every scribe for every scroll that goes out, one every now and then is worth the work. This week and next, I will not be making more parchment, I will be using what I have made to create something beautiful for someone who is dear to me, and I hope it turns out lovely, and that she loves it. After that, I will put another hide up on the stretcher, and we will see how that comes out.
