Of Books and Battle Bonnets

Been a busy week so far. I'm still frantically making things for my stall at the Tolkien Festival in a few weeks, and am hoping these will work well with my other items.

Been doing some bookbinding, its a bit on the rustic side, but I like the finished effect. The pages are 130gsm artists cartridge paper, hand sewn into books then bound in leather or in the case of the smaller ones, in polished walnut boards. The inside is finished with mulberry paper and skeleton leaves..
I've also made another Dwarven Battle Bonnet, this one with a few small modifications to the overall pattern, such as the tassel on top. The pattern is still available if anyone fancies making one of their own.

Elf warrior helmet

I was making some felt Gandalf hats yesterday, mostly with the Festival in the Shire in mind, and thought I'd indulge myself by making something suitable for an elvish warrior whilst I was at it. This is the result. I'm considering dyeing it a bluey-grey or a greeny-grey then adding embroidered highlights before stiffening and blocking the whole thing to make it even more architectural, but I think its rather fun.

Regency Reticules and Silk Purses

This week I have been mostly working in silk. I'm stocking up for a number of shows including the Festival in the Shire next month, and I want to be able to take a mix of historic and rather luxurious historically inspired work with me as well as the pointy hats and Dwarven Battle Bonnets.

So, here's the current stock of silk purses, one lot Regency style reticules, the other of little tassled purses with fingerloop braid strings inspired by knitted relic pouches.

I do love working in silk, the colours are so jewel bright and the finished textures are so luscious!