Roman Rainbows II: Colour Matching with Modern Paints

In Roman Rainbows, I talked about making paint from commercially made pigments based on texts like Pliny the Elder's Natural History and reports, such as the paper by Celestino Grifa et al. in the Journal of Archaeological Science. But, not everyone wants to make their own paint or has the ability, time, money, or other … Continue reading Roman Rainbows II: Colour Matching with Modern Paints

Will It Paint?: Lucia’s mixed dye lakes and Samii Orange

Straight outta Boukoleon. I had an excellent visit to Northshield at Knowne World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium '23 in the Barony of Caer Anterth Mawr, which was located on the Marquette University campus. It was a lovely time, including seeing some gorgeous exemplars in Marquette's special collection library. One of the things I most love … Continue reading Will It Paint?: Lucia’s mixed dye lakes and Samii Orange

Volunteer Retention in the SCA

People are far more willing to give if they are invested but not abused; cherished, but not made a pawn; loved for who they are while also giving them space to find ways to grow and learn. Don't badger people for why they don't have awards or things you think they need, but be willing to make space for them to figure things out on their own. As long as it's not destructive, harmful, or hateful, let people be.

Family Heirlooms: how heraldic inheritance really works

With the interest in heraldry growing from the funeral of QEII, there's something I've noticed a lot of lately from folks outside of the SCA, and that is (mostly Americans) not understanding how heraldry works. So, you know those heraldic shops at cultural festivals and renaissance faires and occasionally the mall? You know, the ones … Continue reading Family Heirlooms: how heraldic inheritance really works