'Dirt into Iron' - Smelting Experiments 2004
Members of DARC have continued their experimental archaeology project directed to rediscovering the techniques of Viking Age iron masters. In the year 2004, project leader Darrell Markewitz undertook a total of five smelts, two with the DARC iron team. A clear method has been established, surprisingly NOT what was suggested by European researchers. This preliminary report will detail what has been learned, how it differs from other experiments, and suggestions for further activities.
Speaker: Darrell Markewitz

A Dance of Love and War--Il Torneo Amoroso (2 hours)
"Il Torneo Amoroso", or "The Loving Tournament", is a sixteenth century court dance for two people. Published in the Italian dance manual "Le Gratie d'Amore" (Milan, 1602), the dance alternates pavane and galliard sections, and is distinguished by lively handslapping sections that suggest knights jousting at a tournament. We'll warm up with a fun dance and then I'll take you through the footwork, figures and courtesies of this Italian Renaissance dance. Footwear with soft soles, such as Chinese canvas shoes, will work the best.
Speaker: Janet Wason

Advanced Lucet
This class will cover using two colours of cord, beaded cord, picot edge. Bring your own lucet and yarn. Contact Tina Gaston if you would like her to bring extra lucets. Tina has 4 extra lucets available at $5.00.
Class is limited to 8 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Tina Gaston

Anglo-Saxon Cooking
Join us for a cooking demonstration and discussion. Topics to be discussed include: what foods were available, how were they prepared, and how did your menu vary based on the season. Weather permitting, a meal will be prepared both before and during the class using authentic cooking equipment over a fire.
Speakers: Beth Patchett, Aibhilin fra Skye

Anglo-Saxon Forging Demonstration (8 hours)
No description yet.
Speakers: Ken Cook, Sam Falzone

Arthurian Legends
Who was King Arthur? How did he come to be one of the most popular heroes in Western culture? This course will start with a look at the historical Arthur, then move through 1000 years of the development of the legend.
Speaker: Heather Dale

Bardic: Better Lyric Writing
This is a hands-on workshop class for all levels of writers from noviceto the advanced. We will do object writing practice and exercises inmetaphor and simile as well as other exercises as time allows. Exercisesaim to make the time you spend writing more productive and the writingyou produce more sensory oriented and evocative.
Speaker: Truly Carmichael

Basic Arrow Making
This class will talk about historic and current arrow making practices from a wooden shafted arrow point of view. We will discuss what material were used, how to procure them and how the arrows are constructed. If times permits a small hands on demonstration will occur. It is hoped that with this class anyone can either go buy or get their own materials and begin to make their own arrows to shoot.
Speaker: Russ Sheldon

Basic Mask Making for Kids
I will have supplies for up to 20 children. The children will receive a basic mask shape already attached to a wooden dowel. The masks are similar in construction to a Venitian Flag Fan and are child-sized. There will be supplies to make animal faces (beaks, funny noses, snouts, whiskers, feathers, etc), or just go for the glamour with beads, jewells, glitter, ribbons and fringe. There will be paint involved and I will bring plastic garbage bags to make smocks to protect clothes. Extra parental hands to help with the chaos are welcome. Donations gladly accepted.
Speaker: Janet Logan

Battle of Poitiers
A look at the historical Battle of Poitiers in 1356.
Speaker: Russ Sheldon

Beginner's Embroidery for Children
This class will teach children ages 6 and up the basics of embroidery.
Speaker: Stephanie E. Nyhof-Demoor

Board Games for Children - Alquerques
This class will teach kids how to make your own Alquerques board and learn to play the game. Materials fee will cover fabric for the board and game pieces. Children will be able to take a finished game home.
There is a materials fee of $2 for this class.
Speakers: Tina Gaston, Christine Olliffe

Board Games for Children - Hounds and Hare
This class will teach kids how to make your own Hounds and Hare board and learn to play the game. For anyone who does the morning class, they can bring back their game board and use it to learn to play this game. The boards are pretty much the same. Children will be able to take a finished game home. Materials fee will cover fabric for the board and game pieces, if you are taking this class without having taken the morning class.
There is a materials fee of $2 for this class.
Speaker: Christine Olliffe

Box Building (2 hours)
Class will learn how to build a kit box / sitting bench consistent with an English box seen in Chaucer's England. Kits containing: 1 @ 8' x 10" x 1" pine board, 25 @ #2 1 1/2" wood screws, 1 @ 1/2" dowel of any wood (one foot of this will do), and hinges will be available for those who wish to be hands-on in this class. Kit will cost $25 if provided by the teacher, but participants are welcome to bring their own materials. Please contact nwest@mhcp.on.ca if you desire the materials.
There is a materials fee of $25 for this class.
Speaker: Nicholas West

Calligraphy
Class is an introduction to the art of calligraphy. Attendees are welcome to bring their own supplies. Dip pens are preferred.
Class is limited to 10 people.   
Speaker: Elise Kingston

Cameo history- history, design, materials and construction
Cameos are much older than the one your Grandmother wears on her scarf. They have been coveted by the powerful, collected by the rich and given as tokens of affection by the royalty. They have a history that reaches almost to the beginning of time. Cameos were made of precious and semi precious stones of all varieties by craftsmen that would rival stone figure sculptors. Notable historical cameo enthusiasts, materials used both historically and modernly, motifs often used and techniques used historically and modernly will be discussed. If technology is available there will be an image presentation of some extant cameos, if not they will be included in the hand out in black and white.
Speaker: Kathy Page

Carving (2 hours)
Primarily geared to woodworkers, but applicable to carving in soapstone. This is intended as a workshop for individuals who have a project on the go or want to start a project, but could use a bit of help with the carving. Bring your project or your drawings, some sample materials provided for practice purposes. I will have some 'loaner' chisels available for the class but recommend that you bring what tools you have.
Speaker: J Caz Bentley

Chainmail - Second Steps (2 hours)
Beyond the basics: mail is the most versatile, flexible armour ever developed. Able to be shaped to every part of the human form mail can also be the basis for wonderful jewelry. In this class some different chain patterns will be discussed. A basic understanding of mail is required. Bring two pair of pliers. This class has two teachers who will be offering two different areas of focus. In addition to more complex patterns with standard rings this session will explore the use of smaller rings, or precious metal rings in decorative patterns and jewelry.
Speakers: Gary Snyder, Valerie West

Chainmail for Beginners (2 hours)
Why was chainmail the ultimate armour for warriors for over a thousand years? So versatile, it is still in use today. Historical background, ‘how to’, and ‘hands on’. Please bring two pairs of pliers.
Speaker: Gary Snyder

Costuming - Fiber Burn Test
How to determine whether the fabric you bought is a natural, a manmadeor a synthetic fiber. You will be given swatches of fabric and a box ofmatches, and we will discuss the characteristics that different fibershave: smell, smoke colour, flammability, ash, colour while burning. Youwill be given a reference booklet to keep for future use. You can bringsamples of fabrics for us to test in class if you wish.
Speaker: Truly Carmichael

Costuming - Finishing Touches (3 hours)
This class will teach a variety of techniques and information to help you make your garb more period and Wow! Specific techniques taught will depend on the wishes of the students but can include: - Seams and finishing - Collars (shapes and techniques - how to sew skin/fur - basic embroidery - button holes and buttons - beading and pearling - designing collars and making patterns - securing gems to cloth Other topics subject to time. This is for all skill levels. Materials will be provided however students are encouraged to bring their own scissors and needles. Embroidery hoops may be helpful.
Class is limited to 20 people.   
Speakers: Larisa Kallaur-Telford, Tom Telford

Costuming - Getting Started (2 hours)
A class which will take the students through the basics of material selection, pattern making and basic seams and hems of simple period garb. Required of students: 3-4m of material, pins, Sewing machines and some sewing supplies will be supplied by instructors but students are encouraged to bring their own kit (scissors, measuring tape, etc) if possible.
Class is limited to 6 people.   
Speakers: Larisa Kallaur-Telford, Tom Telford

Costuming - Men's 14th Century England
An overview of men's clothing circa 1340's England. The class will include a discussion of sources, material choices, design and accessories worn by middle and upper class men.
Speaker: Deb Mattingly

Courtesans of Renaissance Italy
This presentation addresses 4 questions: 1. What is a Courtesan? 2. What does she wear? 3. What do they really look like? 4. Who are they? Illustrations used in the class will include contemporary paintings, drawings and etchings and some more modern views on the 16th century courtesan and her life. Due to the subject matter and the content of some of the pictures, this course is not suitable for young children. Any young person under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Speaker: Bruce MacOdrum

Cryptography
Learn about the various means used to protect information from prying eyes - all the way from Ancient Greece right up to the real events behind the trial of Mary Queen of Scots! This will be a look at Codes and Code-breaking through the Medieval and Renaissance era, focussed on the ever-escalating 'arms race' between those who want to keep secrets and those who want to break them. Specific techniques will be discussed in some detail, and several significant figures on the timeline will be identified.
Speaker: Peter Westergaard

Dissecting and Emulating a Design Style
The emphasis in this course is to develop analytical techniques of looking at an authentic work and figuring out what the characteristics are that define it as belonging to a particular style. The examples used will be from visual art forms but may be transferable to other types of work.
Speaker: J Caz Bentley

Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived
The wives of Henry VIII of England continue to fascinate us 458 years after the death of the King. Come meet the Queens and discover for yourself why their lives continue to inspire books, plays, and films.
Speaker: Catherine Ollerhead DeSantis

Dyers' Round Table
Come and join a variety of dye enthusiasts to discuss natural dyeing. View their samples and resource materials. See their failures and successes, and discuss tips and techniques of the craft.
Speakers: Sarah Hughes, Karen Peterson, Vandy Simpson, Jo Duke, Nina Bates

Eleanor of Aquitaine
Was there ever so fascinating a woman as Eleanor of Acquitane? Queen of France, Queen of England, wife and later prisoner of Henry II, mother of Richard the Lionhearted... Eleanor was always at the center of her own whirlwind life. Join this class to learn more about this intriguing and powerful woman.
Speaker: CANCELLED

Europeans in Japan
In this class we will look at the influences of Europe from their discovery of Japan in 1543 to their expulsion in 1636.
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Fighting in armour with the sword
This class will introduce the principles of fighting in armour including guards, footwork, attacking vunerable points, defenses against attacks and transitions to wrestling with the sword. Based on the teachings of Fiore Dei Liberi, 14th century Italian Sword Master. Weapons will be provided, class size is limited to 12 people for either class. Armour is not required however participants are encouraged to wear arming coats, gloves are strongly encouraged.
Speaker: Brian McIlmoyle

Fighting with the sword in one hand
This introduction to Medieval Swordsmanship will include foundational information on footwork,guards, timing, attack, defense and entering. Based on the teachings of Fiore Dei Liberi, 14th century Italian Sword Master.
Speaker: Brian McIlmoyle

Genpei War
This class will discuss the build up to and execution of one of the most influential wars in Japanese history.
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Green Sleeves and Duckies - their roll in late period costuming or how to find your inner trucker
A discussion on the importance of fit, function, materials and constrution of late period clothes, from the inside out.
Speakers: Nina Bates, Heather Galoska

Hardened Hides: Making Leather Cups, Bottles, and Armour Bits
The class will cover the stages in the manufacture of water and/or wax-hardened leather items (so called "cuir bouilli"), including drinking vessels and simple armour parts. Participants will come away from the class with the means to make a leather tankard.
Class is limited to 6 people.   There is a materials fee of $6 for this class.
Speaker: Marcus Burnham

Havamaal: Words of Wisdom
"Too much beer is not good" is just one of the many jewels of wisdom we will be dropping in this class. Join Neil as he brings out the norse wisdom for a quick exposure to daylight..
Speaker: Neil Peterson

Herbal Practicum (2 hours)
In this two-hour workshop, we will discuss the use of humors and its application to not only herbology, but the lifestyle of people in the middle ages. Then, in groups, you will create your own recipe and make your own salve. There is a three dollar fee with this course, but you will take home a good sample of your very own concoction. "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble. Cool it with a baboon's blood, Then the charm is firm and good." ~Shakespeare
There is a materials fee of $3 for this class.
Speaker: Paddy Gillard-Bentley

Historical Sheep
Not all sheep are the same! This session is a survey of selected historic breeds with emphasis on fibre quality and its influence on textile processing and industry. Aimed at spinners, but everyone is welcome.
Speaker: Anne Cox

Introduction to Glass Bead Making (2 hours)
This class will cover the style of bead making known as Lampwork. A history of bead making, their uses, and trade. The modern process of lampworking to make a bead will also be demonstrated.
Class is limited to 6 people.   There is a materials fee of $5 for this class.
Speaker: Jean Ross

Introduction to the SCA
Calling all newbies! This class will cover everything that you could possibly want to know about the SCA, and will be geared to the interests and experience level of the participants. You will also recieve a booklet to take home with you.
Speaker: Grace Carr

Irish Dress
So, you've chosen an Irish persona because it seemed like a neat thing to do, but now you can't find anything to wear? While it's not the easiest type of persona to develop, there is information out there if you know where to look. The class will be an informal discussion of Irish dress in the Medieval and Renaissance eras, focusing primarily on extant finds. Resources and the instructor's own garments and patterns will be available for students to examine.
Speaker: Jackie Wyatt

Knights Templar, who were they?
This session is a repeat of last year's presentation about the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon. It will examine the rise, proliferation and ultimate destruction of the most powerful religious Order in medieval history. Time permitting, the class will also look at some of the legends surrounding the Order and examine the discoveries that have been uncovered in recent history.
Speaker: Nicholas West

Kumihimo - The Art of Japanese Cordmaking (2 hours)
A hands on intro to Kumihimo. Starting with a short history and intro to terms, tools and uses. Participants will then be shown how to set up and create a Kumihimo braid. Observers welcome. Materials fee of $5.00 for 20 active participants.
Speaker: Melanie Robbins

Kumihimo for Kids
A hands on introduction to Kumihimo, aimed at children. Less history and more of the art itself. Kids will be shown how to set up and create a basic Kumihimo braid.
Speaker: Melanie Robbins

Latin Poetry (2 hours)
A look at Latin poetry, starting with the late Empire and continuing through until the High Middle Ages. The focus of this talk will be on scansion, metres, and the gradual popularity of end rhymes. A knowledge of the Latin language is NOT required for this class.
Speaker: Ann Graham

Making Tassels and Tassel Dolls for Children
Learn how to make the simplest style of tassels and tassel dolls and take a couple home with you. Older children can also learn how to make a home-made tassel into a doll for play or decoration.
Speaker: Laurie Woodward

Market Place Gemnology
What to look for in gems in general (and which stones break those rules), how to spot a fake, which stones are most frequently mislabeled, tips and tricks on seeing when a deal is too good to be true without having to lug a microscope around. Please bring anything you want discussed or identified on the fly.
Speaker: Norah Kerr

Medieval Cheese-Making (2 hours)
There is very little of our rich cheese heritage in the cheese we eat today. This class will provide a opportunity to make and eat a basic soft cheese, reminiscent of the medieval unripened cheeses that were a staple of the working person's diet for centuries.
Speaker: Clare Stanworth-Cunnane

Medieval Clothing for Children
Class discussion and pattern swap. Discussion will cover tips and tricks for making children's garb more durable, and last longer.
Speaker: Tina Gaston

Medieval History of the Kremlin of Moscow
The Kremlin of Moscow is a grand citadel with a rich history, a strong religious significance, and a marvelous melding of grand, large scale architecture and the art of the Masters of many media. Come take a short tour through the history of one of the most renowned sites in the world.
Speaker: Laurie Woodward

Medieval Tiles
A short historical overview of mediaeval decorated English floor tiles, with an emphasis upon the 13th and 14th centuries. Numerous historical tile reproductions and their moulds will be on view. A practical demonstration of tile making will be included. Copies of the lecture notes and accompanying illustrations will be available at cost.
Speaker: Foote the Potter

Mongol Invasions
This class will discuss the two attempted invasions of Japan by Kublai Khan and his Mongol Horde. In it, we will talk about the generally accepted theory as to why the invasions did not go as planned and we will dispell some common myths prevalent in this theory.
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Naalbinding Hands-On
I'll show you mine if you show me yours! Actual practice with some of the more common and easier stitches. If we're feeling risque, let's compare our most difficult stitch. If you bring your own (real, 100%) wool, you can start a project. A limited number of wool and needles will be available, but bringing your own would be helpful. In the absence of a nalbinding needle, a modern tapestry needle of any sort works splendidly.
Speaker: Kim McAuley

Naalbinding in History
Examine the widespread use of this technique before and during the medieval time period as well as photographs of actual archeological finds. See photos and videos of 3 techniques as well as a handout with photos to help you start out.
Speaker: Kim McAuley

Ninja and Warrior Monks
In the first half we will take a close look at the enigmatic Ninja as he was in history, not as he has been portrayed by Hollywood. In the second half we will examine one of the lesser known warrior classes of Japan, the fanatical sohei-- the warrior monks.
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Norse King's Sagas
Come hear the history of the Norse Kings as told by Snorre Sturlason in the Ynglinga Saga. Learn why one shouldn't trust dwarves whispering from rocks and hear the truth about the origins of Odin.
Speaker: Richard Schweitzer

Norse Shoes
This course will be an hour long, hands-on course in the techniques required to make a pair of early period turnshoes, based on the Oseberg/Hedeby pattern of shoes.
Speaker: Brad Hovenden

Norse Wire Knitting - Advanced (2 hours)
The Advanced class will focus on how to insert stones and other ornaments into the knitting, and how to knit for embrodiery.
Class is limited to 10 people.   There is a materials fee of $3 for this class.
Speaker: Deborah Welch

Norse Wire Knitting for Beginners (2 hours)
No description yet. Fee includes class notes, a length of wire to start with, a small flat piece of wood to start your piece on, a wooden dowel to weave over and a small basic draw board to finish the piece with.
Class is limited to 10 people.   There is a materials fee of $7 for this class.
Speaker: Deborah Welch

Old English Country Dance - Beginner's Steps
An introduction to Old English Country Dance. Dancers will be introduced to the history and origins of the most common dances as well as the basic steps that are universal to all English country styles. Some easy dances will be taught. Please bring appropriate footware.
Speaker: Diana Glennie

Old English Country Dance - Second Steps
This class will begin where the last class left off. Dancers will learn harder, more complex sequences along with corresponding dances. The number of dances taught will depend on the amount of time available. More dancing will happen after the Dessert Revel.
Speaker: Diana Glennie

Oseberg Ship Burial
The Oseberg Ship burial is the most spectacular Norse find to date. Thispresentation is an overview of the artifacts found in that site and what they tellus about that time.
Speaker: Dave Cox

Pastimes of the Vikings
"It's all fun and games when someone loses an eye!" Actually, Norse pastimes tended to be a little less violent than that. This class will cover the basic rules of Tafl, as well as examining other past-times that can be used to fill those long hours of leisure time.
Speaker: Neil Peterson

Pewter Casting - Advanced
Demonstration - From spoons to candleholders and salt cellars, the secrets of creating large, complicated soapstone moulds will be discussed.
Speaker: Richard Schweitzer

Pewter Casting for Beginners (2 hours)
Practical Walk in with an idea, walk out with a pendant of your own construction and a mould to make hundreds more. Basic construction techniques will be taught for carving and casting two part soapstone moulds. Fee covers soapstone and pewter needed to make a pendant
Class is limited to 10 people.   There is a materials fee of $3 for this class.
Speaker: Richard Schweitzer

Philosophies of Re-enactment
What the #$@% we're up to, from experimental archaeology to baudy songs and beer. Six approaches to doing re-enactment and living history, why they're good, when they're good, who does them well, and how you can make the SCA even more insane. Includes in-persona, 3rd person, and mixed approaches, doing it for yourself vs doing it for others, and why the SCA kicks ass.
Speaker: V.M. Roberts

Playwrighting - a workshop (2 hours)
Shakespeare used a metrical pattern consisting of lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter, called blank verse. His plays were composed using blank verse, although there are passages in all the plays that deviate from the norm and are composed of other forms of poetry and/or simple prose. In this two hour work shop, we will discuss iambic pentameter and blank verse. Then, quills poised, you will write a short scene using this style. When the writing time allocated is up, we will, using what I'm sure will be extremely talented readers, read through each scene with a short commentary following each one. The play's the thing the world's indeed a stage/ As words begin their plummet to the page/ That else wise would forever linger mum/ Dadum, dadum, dadum, dadum, dadum. Dare to pen, do bring a pen, and something on which to write.
Speaker: Paddy Gillard-Bentley

Pouch Making for Kids
I will provide paper patterns and instructions that the children can take home, the material, needles and thread. I can teach about 8 kids but more are welcome if some parents can help supervise (untangle knots etc). I will provide wool and larger tapestry needles (they are not so sharp) and some material if parents want to help children 7 and under make their own pouch as well.
Speaker: Janet Logan

Practical Flax
Discussion will include basics of how to process flax into linen - from harvesting to weaving, and will place the production of linen within a historical perspective.
Speaker: Anne Cox

Practical Trebuchet
If you want to build a mini trebuchet out of popsicle sticks and hot gluethen this is the wrong class for you. In this lecture you will obtain thetheoretical and practical knowledge required to design and build your ownSCA legal trebuchet for combat purposes. Lessons will be heavy on math andpractical tips as well as useful resources for more information. Bringpencil and paper, you'll need them.
Speaker: Jerry Penner

Presenting the Past - Approaches to Re-creating History
Creating an effective Living History Re-creation is more than wearing a costume. One step back from this are the various principles of history, archaeology, and interpretation that are chosen and utilized by re-enactors. Although it is true that no one can exactly duplicate the past, understanding the theory can help guide a serious re-creation. Historic re-enactors are also often asked to mount presentations for the general public. Experience has shown the most successful of these are the result of careful planning, and in fact are designed presentations. Exactly WHAT is shown, HOW it is depicted, and even WHO is involved should be considered. This panel style discusion will merge museum theory (under moderator Darrell Markewitz), past prsentation experience (by DARC and others), and input from the audience.
Speakers: Darrell Markewitz, Catherine Ollerhead DeSantis

Rebated Steel Combat Demonstration
This class will consist of a discussion and demonstration of rebated steel combat, by members of Regia Anglorum. Regia Anglorum is a Norman / Saxon / Viking living history and re-enactment group, based in Britain, but now with branches in North America. Rebated steel combat is fighting with blunted steel weapons, using authentic armour for the period.
Speaker: Mark Patchett

Reckoning, a first lesson
We will introduce the counting board (often called the exchequer board, or abacus) and learn a little about its use. While the Indo-Arabic numerals have made it easier to record very large numbers - and even to perform some advanced computations - the counting board was easier to understand and easier to use for everyday computation.
Speaker: Cary Timar

Recreating Jewelry
Notes on what was possible when, focusing on discussing underlying techniques and technology and how little they have changed over time.
Speaker: Norah Kerr

Resource Depletion and Surviving the End of Empires
In this talk, I shall explore the issues we all face with respect to humanity's use of one of the key resources for the maintenance of modern civilization: oil. I shall first provide a broad outline of the extent to which we are dependant on oil for every aspect of our modern lifestyle, most crucially in terms of our food supply. Then, the current status of oil production capacity and reserves will be examined, in addition to what options we have to substitute or replace the role of oil in our modern economy. Based on the material presented so far, it will become clear that the production of petroleum worldwide cannot grow indefinitely, and that the era of cheap oil extraction will not outlast our current decade. This will in turn lead to a discussion of the likely consequences of the impending peak in worldwide production of oil. Drawing parallels from other epochs which have been though the decline of a crucial resource, I propose that the activities sponsored by this conference are likely to morph from being hobbies practiced in people's spare time to become crucial in the economic well-being of those who possess real know-how in low-tech skills.
Speaker: David Porreca, Ph.D.

Sengoku Jidai (Age of warring states)
This class will cover the careers of the three Unifiers of Japan; Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Speaker: Brendan Smith

Sharpening Tools Workshop
Many times I have seen work done by individuals that was good work but for the fact that it was done with dull tools. Sharp carving chisels are easier to use and more effective, here's how to sharpen them effectively.
Speaker: J Caz Bentley

Silverpoint Drawing
Learn to draw in the style of the Renaissance master draughtsmen. Drawing with a silver stylus on a prepared surface. A hands on drawing workshop with bibliographic notes and explanations of how to prepare the materials.
Speaker: J Caz Bentley

Sound and Fury, signifying... ?
This class will attempt to examine the relationship between text and performance, with some time spent on how text can influence a song writer's choices in creating music. Although the approach is modern, the class will use several historical texts as discussion material. Teacher notes that this class will be better if you attend "Bardic: Better Lyric Writing" first, but it isn't necessary.
Speaker: Tim Jennings

Stripes and Diamonds in Sprang (2 hours)
Come and learn how to put stripes and diamonds into your Sprang articles. Please bring your sprang loom warped for a finished 6" article . Please contact jmc@igs.net with any required material questions.
Speaker: Judy McKay

Tablet Weaving - Advanced
This class is for those individuals who have some experience with tablet weaving or who have attended the introductory class. Observers are more than welcome.
Speaker: Rob Schweitzer

Tablet Weaving for Beginners (2 hours)
A hands-on introduction to tablet weaving. The participants will be shown how to string up a loom, as well as a few basic techniques and patterns. Observers are more than welcome.
Speaker: Rob Schweitzer

The History of the Rom (Gypsies)
Brief history of the Rom from India on, with some discussion as to timelines and countries visited. If time permits, there will be a discussion on culture and clothing.
Speaker: Karina Bates

Tools, Technique and Ritual of the Early Medieval Hunt - An Introduction to Gaston Pheobus' Le Livre de la Chasse (The Book of the Hunt)
This class will cover a brief introduction to Le Livre de la Chasse (The Book of the Hunt) written in the early 15th Centruy by Gaston Pheobus, Count of Foix and a Master of the Hunt. This work is considered to be the finest text on the technique and ritual of the great hunts of the middle ages. Topics to be covered include: -The role of hunting in the Middle Ages -Tools and animals used by hunters -How hunts were conducted -Ritual and Tradition fo the Medieval Hunt -The hunting persona within the SCA If time and interest permit, a brief discussion of the history of coursing and its role in the SCA will conclude the class. A variety of reproduction hunting tools will be on display as will the presenter's 2 greyhounds. ** Note to all perspective attendees - The speaker is NOT a practicing hunter and this class is not intended as a lesson in how to hunt. Information provided is for historical interest only, but may be graphic in nature. In addition, there will be two dogs present during the class. If you are allergic or uncomfotable around large dogs or sensitive to discussion of a graphic nature, this class may not be for you. **
Speaker: Chris Kerr

Ukrainian Costumes from 1000-1600
An overview of Ukrainian costumes from the Kievan Rus until the Cossack Age. The Ukrainian costume evolved over time and as well being influenced from other culture. This talk will look at the changes as well as recreating them.
Speaker: David Blanchard

Ukrainian Names and Heraldy
Ukrainian to-names became formalised into hereditary last namesa round the XVIth century. According to scholars of the time there were 5 distinct classifications of last names. Find out what they are. Ukrainian heraldry reflects that of Poland, and not that of Western Europe. Find out how it differs from Western English heraldry.
Speaker: David Blanchard

Venetian Martedi Grasso masks-history and construction
It all started with a victory party... The Venetian obsession with mask wearing started out as an annual event and ended with ten months of the year everyday affair. In a place as small as Venice, they learned a way to prize their personal space through wearing masks. The history of the Martedi Grasso, mask wearing in every day life and the associated laws that grew around their use, the caricatures often used based on surviving art and how to reproduce these masks in a variety of media will be discussed. Examples of the major steps involved in making masks will be shown. Hopefully there will be a slide presentation of images, if not they will be included in the printed handout in black and white.
Speaker: Kathy Page

Viking Ship Building (for Dummies)
This presentation is a brief look at the archeological evidence of Norseshipbuilding. We will examine the design, tools and techniques used to createthis definitive piece of the Viking Age.
Speaker: Dave Cox

Virtues and Vices in Medieval Society
Most people have heard of the Seven Deadly Sins, or Vices. The Seven Virtues which counteract these sins are perhaps a little less well known. The Virtues and Vices were important concepts in medieval popular religion and were common topics in art, literature, and drama. Find out what constitutes a deadly sin--and what happens when one is committed -- the medieval concept of the priest as "doctor for the soul", and how all of this played into the development of the concept of the ideal knight.
Speaker: Susan Carroll-Clark, Ph.D.

Warp-Weighted Loom - questions and theories
What did a Norse loom look like? This session will examine archaeologicalevidence and discuss some reconstructions and interpretations of this importanttool. Special emphasis on unanswered questions.
Speaker: CANCELLED

Weaving on a Warp Weighted Loom - hands-on introduction
This style of vertical loom dates from the Swiss Neolithic Age to as recently as the last century in Norway. The weaver beats upwards, and the unused warp below is held under tension by tied on weights. It was commonly used by the Norse and Saxons in throughout Europe and the North Atlantic 1000 years ago. This class will attempt to show the many stages of setting up a warp and weaving on a warp weighted loom, including making a tablet woven header. We will compare the method with weaving on modern, horizontal looms as well as giving students a chance to try their hand at weaving. Some previous weaving experience is preferable.
Speakers: Jo Duke, Karen Peterson

Witches, Witch Hunts, and WitchTrials, in period and beyond
This class will be an exploration of the witch hunts and trials of the 16th and 17th century. Particular focus will be on modern misconceptions about 16th century society and attitudes about witchcraft.
Speaker: Stephanie E. Nyhof-Demoor

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