Still very much a beginner, more so after 3 years away from the torch. Still, my 6th century Anglo-Saxon bead string is starting to take shape.  According to Sue Heaser, in Anglo-Saxon Beads 400-700 AD, the translucent blue and opaque red are some of the more common beads from grave finds. Thus it makes sense to start with these simple beads as I relearn my skills. 

These are from two sessions at the University of Oregon Craft Center where I rent studio time. (And yes, I accidentally used a different red (CIM Ladybug) for one of the four red beads, I will correct that in a later session!)

Many craftings are happening...

 Yesterday I picked up two glazed cups from the clay studio, and put a couple of dry ones onto the bisque firing shelf.  I'm not super happy with the reddish area where the blue celadon interior/rim glaze and the ombre body glaze meet.  But now I know that it does that!

I spent an hour today at the U of O craft center glass lab and made 9 beads that I hope are keepers, and utterly messed up another 4 beads.  I got tired and was pushing too hard on the mandrels with the molten glass, and broke loose the bead release coating.  Bleah.  The guy managing the lab was very nice about it, said not to worry about the 4 now-ruined mandrels (glass sticks to metal and doesn't release).  He reminded me that when you step away from a craft for a few years, you think you can come back where you left off but in reality it will take a little time.  Hopefully I will have bead pics next week when I go back for another session, and pick up the annealed beads from this session.

Finally, I wrapped up the evening by making another foot or so progress on the rigid-heddle plain woven belt. 

New Weaving: 49 Thread Warp

 This is the largest band I've ever done, being new to weaving and all.  

Collection of interesting weaving videos!

 

Comparing paper, horn, and wooden tablets for weaving:  

A series on Baltic narrow band weaving for the absolute beginner.   This video is part of a series.  Part one introduces the concepts, part two warps the loom and sets it up, part three shows you the mechanics of weaving, and part four teaches how to read a pattern and do the picks.  The bonus part five teaches how to chart your own patterns, though I found it went way beyond the level where I understand it-- still learning, never woven Baltic pick.  Find parts four and five on the creator's channel, I did not link them here.

Beads are in my future!

 Holiday presents this year included a hothead propane torch, a rolling stainless steel table to clamp it to, and this wonderful book, Anglo-Saxon Beads 400 - 700 AD!

A Mostly Finished Band!

It is finally done! There is a lot of variability in the band, reflecting my various learning processes with warp tension and such. But I am happy with it! 

Now the question, to wet finish or not? I think I am going to, but first I will go to the store and get some of these shout color catchers to keep the dark blue yarn from bleeding into the lighter colors.   Then I will either tumble dry and iron, or hang up to dry straight.  Not sure which is better, and there are a LOT of opinions out there, still researching.

A little sewing

 I've had a to-do item for a while to make more garb.  I have only 3 or 4 outfits, and Long Egils this coming May will be 8 or 9 days.   This past week I made a couple more peplos garments, one from blue linen and one from a wine-colored lightweight felted wool.  

I found the wool at a local art and fabric supply store in their used fabric section for $10 and hoped it would be long enough for a peplos.  It was!  I should really bring a fabric tape into the store with me to measure things, someday I may remember that.