Prizes for tourneys and competitions

[helwen]

I've been paying attention this year to the sorts of gifts and prizes that other groups have been giving out and decided that now that we're a little more settled, Bergental needs to get with the program and upgrade a bit. Lyle is starting to plan out a six-board box and wants to make a prototype, then make another one for our feastgear. I was thinking that maybe the prototype, which would still be pretty nice, would make a good prize. Which it would, but the cost of materials is pretty high, thanks to increases in housing construction costs and Katrina. But we might be able to pull off making a few small trestle benches.

I'd like our prizes for the next year to mostly be things that help promote a medieval appearance, things that people would actually use regardless of their level of enthusiasm for genuinely medieval stuff. There's a lot of really cool stuff out there that isn't that far a reach for modern people to like or understand. So one of the things I'll be shopping for is cups, because the basic beaker form still exists and is still very popular -- it's just more commonly called a tumbler nowadays. I already have some good prospects at some of the local stores, and will be at them in both the usual area and also in bath accessories. Bath accessories often has things in metal right now, so getting an affordable silver/pewter-looking beaker is pretty easy. Some people don't like metal because they want to use the same cup for everything, including hot stuff. But most drinks at events aren't hot, and my friend Eli, who has interesting vision issues, has a problem with breakable things like ceramics and glass. Besides, if that many drinks were hot historically, why are there so many examples of metal cups? So I'm planning on hitting Target (metal), Christmas Tree Shops (?), and Pier 1 Imports (for glass ones) for sure. Might even hit the dollar stores, just for thoroughness.

I've also been looking at napkins, and doing research to try to get decent-looking linen ones (search on linen kitchen towels or guest towels). Not a lot of luck there, but one or two possibilities. I may end up making some for Yule. Been trying to find some kitchen towels like the ones my friend Cialia gave me years ago -- linen/cotton, white with blue woven stripes of design. I took 4 of them and sewed them in pairs so that the stripes would be horizontal instead of verticle and they are a fair cop on Perugia linens.

Interesting thing though -- yesterday when I was looking at lots of pictures online, I noticed that most of the people with visible napkins were servers, not people being served. So should I be looking for smaller napkins for people who are dining? That would be a lot easier, and more affordable.

I also have to start looking for metal or ceramic plates for me and Lyle. I love my wood ones, but sadly they appear to be used mostly be 'ordinary' people, and therefore not suitable for a baron and baroness. Ceramic is prettier, but metal travels better, in general. Although I'm going to be making padded containers for our various ceramic cups, so that we can take them to other groups' events, so I could probably make something for ceramic plates too...

I'm only making the containers out of fabric, as I have any number of scraps that would do for that, which I'd otherwise would be throwing away. And I've seen some evidence of padded fabric containers, like that one for a royal seal. Not that I _need_ to document it, but heck, people travelled in medieval times, went hunting, etc., so why not use the same solutions they did? For those interested in this sort of thing, they also made leather containers, not only for books and dishes but for things like treasured ceramic flower pots as well.

I have managed to clean some of my old table linens successfully, and they are all nice and white and new-looking again. We have three, so I'm thinking of making one of them a prize.

I've also been thinking about other medieval accessories, like salt cellars and candlestick holders. The latter are a problem as many sites require enclosed flame, but the former I think I can work with -- they still make them, and some candle holders and candy dishes might work as well. I'd love to get the repro stuff, but most of it's out of Bergental's budget at this point. Still, these prizes might inspire some people to go for the repros, and overall they'll add to any event's medieval atmosphere, so I think it's all good.

If anyone has examples of medieval/renaissance enclosed flame, please let me know.

If anyone has ideas on other things I can look for, please let me know about those too!

Comments

[baronessmartha.livejournal.com]

Try Homegoods for the napkins or table clothes. You have to be careful because some are seconds, but usually they are fine. If you tell me what you are looking for and give me a budget I will check the one in E. Longmeadow for you.
On benches:
I have a friend whose husband won a bench in a tourney. She sent him back the next year to get another. heh.

Prizes

[helwen.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip! Will see if I need to make the trip or ask you to...

I made it to Christmas Tree Shops, Target, and Sears (no hits on the last one). Got a couple of blue glass tumblers (sort of cobalt), a pitcher, a metal tumbler, and 2 cups/goblets that have a very short foot and acanthus design going around them. Those last 2 are actually pewter, which was a nice bonus.

When I saw the pitcher I had to get it, because it reminded me of the French pitchers that were found in Wales (late 13th - early 14th c): http://www.walespast.com/article.shtml?id=18

Not exactly the same, but similar form, including the type of spout, and for only $3.99, who am I to argue? I might pick up a couple more for high table... I'd get all they have, but they're a little smaller than the ones we currently have for the group and servers would really have to book to keep them refilled. Besides, they aren't stackable, and most folks are pushed for storage space as it is. But they'll look nice at high table.

More shopping tomorrow!

[ellid.livejournal.com]

Interesting ideas...you might want to check out flea markets or Brimfield for ship shaped salt cellars. They were called nefs, and are *very* period.

Also - icon love :)

[prince-hring.livejournal.com]

I personally like capstan cellars. Easy to make out of wood on a lathe, and wooden originals can be used to cast in metal (eg: pewter). Heck, I've even slush cast a couple for myself 'way back when.

-H.