I have been a scribe of the Middle Kingdom in the SCA for more than 12 years. Over that time I have come a long way in teaching both myself and others the methods for creating award artwork. To me, making scrolls (and helping others to be come scribes) is more about a service than art. Modernly, I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) and I work as a professional graphic designer. When I first explored doing illumination and calligraphy in the Society, I never thought that creating scrolls was something that I could do. I’m here to tell you: it’s not daunting. You CAN do this and let me try to help you in succeeding. Good work only comes with time and practice. It’s important to document everything you create so you can review it from time to time to see how far you’ve come and remind yourself of the lessons learned.
Below is a sampling of some of the awards that I have had the pleasure to create for the Crown of the Middle Kingdom. I believe I am approaching about 80 scroll assignments for our Kingdom. To list them all would be a huge task. If you are the owner of one of these scrolls…I’d love to hear from you!
Heilvé Sunnasdorrior - Order of the Willow
Ermenrich von Duisberg - Purple Fret
Istvannak A Szlau - Evergreen
Ysabella L'Ebiere - Purple Fret
Barekr inn Silfri - Gold Mace
Gregor Reinhardt von Holstein
Genoveva von Lübeck - Purple Fret
Agnoletta Monferatti - Purple Fret
Bearden of Three Hills - Silver Oak
Kestral Altara Von Barton - Dragon's Barb
Arthur Bear - Doe's Grace
Finn Finneghin O'Flynn - Purple Fret
Aeffe Thorsdottir - Dragon's Barb
Godaeth se Wisfaest - Dragon's Barb
Kasha Alekseeva - Order of the Laurel
Genevieve Rose - Dragon's Barb
AElfric Greensword - Dragon Heart
Kasha Alekseeva - Award of the Evergreen
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Heilvé Sunnasdorrior - Order of the Willow
It was a pleasure to work on this Willow scroll for my friend Heilvé. Since the recognition was specifically for Tutor clothing, I chose something from that period and included the iconic Tutor roses. The Queen also requested that I include something with an apple tart — which was a dish that the recipient had apparently made for Her Majesty. You can see that on the blue flag on the right. I also included towers and of course the elephant since they are symbols of our Barony. And, the dragon and the MidRealm Pale on the flag, too. The original can be found at the link below (view more, then scroll down) -
Ermenrich von Duisberg - Purple Fret
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Istvannak A Szlau - Evergreen
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Ysabella L'Ebiere - Purple Fret
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Barekr inn Silfri - Gold Mace
This scroll was based from a 10th Century, Anglo-Saxon manuscript that included a Norse looking dragon-prosed ship. I had located this source about a year before the scroll assignment and when it was received I was glad to be able to use it. I added the shields on the side of the ship to include the recipient's household, the kingdom and the badge for the award of the Gold Mace. He was quite happy with the scroll — as am I! You can see a copy of the original at this link -
Gregor Reinhardt von Holstein
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Genoveva von Lübeck - Purple Fret
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Agnoletta Monferatti - Purple Fret
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Bearden of Three Hills - Silver Oak
This Silver Oak Scroll was inspired by Gaston Phoebus Book of the Hunt. This is a great source for archers in our Society! It shows off many bows and thrown weapons used for hunting. Since Bearden was receiving an award for making bows — it's a fitting inspiration. -
Kestral Altara Von Barton - Dragon's Barb
This scroll for Kestrel was inspired by "St, George and the dragon" (ca. 1120). I used the figure from the inspiration and changed it out to be a woman -- as well as the weapon being used! The original can be viewed by clicking "View More" below. -
Arthur Bear - Doe's Grace
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Finn Finneghin O'Flynn - Purple Fret
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Aeffe Thorsdottir - Dragon's Barb
This scroll, and it's partner scroll done for Lady Godaeth, were designed to be hung together on a wall. They are designed from 14th c French examples showing many ladies practicing archery. They 2 of my most favorite scrolls. -
Godaeth se Wisfaest - Dragon's Barb
This scroll, and it's partner scroll done for Lady Aeffe, were designed to be hung together on a wall. They are designed from 14th c French examples showing many ladies practicing archery. They 2 of my most favorite scrolls. -
Kasha Alekseeva - Order of the Laurel
This scroll was presented to Her Excellency Kasha for her elevation to the Order of the Laurel this past weekend. She did a completely researched and executed vigil and ceremony with an 11th c Japanese persona. She really wanted a Sumi-e style wall hanging for her scroll. This was created using Sumi-e ink and red Windsor Newton inks for the chops. It was done a blank wall hanging made from rice paper with a decorative paper backing. -
Genevieve Rose - Dragon's Barb
Based on selections for Gaston Phebous Book of the Hunt -
AElfric Greensword - Dragon Heart
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Kasha Alekseeva - Award of the Evergreen
This Evergreen award scroll was created for Kasha for Val Day AS 50. It was designed using a 14th Century French ballade titled En la maison Dedalus (In the house of Daedalus). She was given this elevation because of her knowledge of translating period music so I wanted to find something she'd be delighted with. I love this piece because of the music staff in the background is actually a maze. The song (done in French) describes a maiden who is trapped and seeking release. It's lovely and Kasha has since learned to sing and play the music.