An Online Visual Dictionary of Scythian Artifacts
Creating a shareable online visual dictionary for Scythian artifacts that can be visually sorted by material, use, decoration, geography or century.
Exhibit Category: Experimental Archaeology
Mobilier Medieval: From Tree to Chest
As my interest in vernacular furniture has grown, so has my curiosity about the processes which went into making household items. What tools were used to shape and join them? What were the materials and how were those materials prepared? What methods of production did cabinetmakers practice? Inspired by the late Jennie Alexander, author of “Make a Chair from a Tree”, and the continuation of her work done in partnership with famed joiner Peter Follansbee, I have been exploring the entire furniture-making process from harvesting trees through the finished piece.
Weaving Explorations and a Silk Purse
Weaving from more Baynard’s Castle finds to create hose for spouse.
As well, exploring more from the Song Dynasty, combining weaving and embroidery.
Explorations in fabric finishing.
The Art & Science of Throwing
A continuation of my research into the construction and use of the plumbata with a new conclusion on how best to throw them.
Silk Road Goods
Welcome. Join me in my journey through the Pottery and bookbinding methods of Tang Dynasty China and the land where the sun rises Japan.
Laurel
Experimental Archeology: “Scythian” Felt Booties and Stockings of the Pazyryk Altai
Pazyryk Bootie
Beyond the Mediterranean Triad: Reimagining a Middle-Class Roman Meal
Using recent archaeological discoveries, a study was made examining what is known and what new knowledge has come to light regarding the diet of middle-class Romans. Armed with this data, historical manuscripts were reexamined and interpreted with an eye to recreating what a meal might look like for a middle-class Roman family.
Bottle Gourds: seed to supper per 16th Cent. English techniques
Detailed accounts are written by pre-1600’s English plants peoples on how to grow gourds. Here is an account of a fun experiment growing Bottle Gourds following the historic techniques as closely as possible.
A Recreation of the University Curriculum of the Middle Ages
An exploration and recreation of the curriculum of the medieval university system.
Experimental Textile Archaeology of Firenze 1490
Working with fibre is like learning music: you can be taught the mechanics, but no-one can teach you the soul. I have gone down many rabbit holes and learning to weave cloth for Aspasia in 1490 Firenze is the focus of this presentation.
A 15th Century Recorder Case, of Laminated Leather
These clever cases made of laminated leather are astoundingly ubiquitous in museums and private collections.
I have been attempting to make them since 2018.
Today I will show you the particulars of one single project, from initial design to completion.
From Drill Bits to Data Bytes
Looking at building both skillset and toolset while furnishing an encampment. A series of online classes and discussions aimed primarily at newer woodworkers aiming to help people get started and discussing different ways to achieve an end result without investing in expensive specialty tools, all while I learn to adapt to a digital audience.
Beekeeping through the Ages
An overview of beekeeping from antiquity through modern times. Looking at hive designs, tools, methods, myths and theories.
A Study in Historical Banner Making Technique
A foray into the world of period banner making.
Exploring Etruscan Clothing
My exhibit is an overview of my dive into making a pair of Etruscan outfits based on extrapolations from funerary art and a handful of scholarly sources.
The Art and Science of Throwing
Research into and experimentation with a thrown weapon that was designed to be used in combat situations: specifically a weapon that the Romans used in the 3rd – 5th centuries AD, called a plumbata.
Reconstructing a Roman Dish: Putting Together the Puzzle Pieces of “Beans, Another Way”
An in-depth examination of a reconstruction of a Roman recipe.
So Many Hobbies, So Little Time: Crafty Times with Claire
A small selection of work I have done in various types, because I’m a squirrel and it’s too fun to stick to one hobby!
How I Spent My Spring Pandemic
A sharing of some of the woodworking projects I have undertaken in the past year. Covering online classes, furniture making, and a walk through of bentwood boxes from log to finished box..
The Arts and Sciences of Isabella da Firenze
An overview of the various arts and sciences I research including alchemy, indigo dyeing, shibori, and linguistics
Late 14th Century Tabby Weave Plaid Fabric
A sample of wool cloth based on an extant textile excavated from Baynard’s Castle.
Embroidery in silk based on extant finds in the eras around the Song Dynasty.
Practical Research into San Gong Chuangzi Nu, the Three Bow, Little Bed Crossbow
San Gong Chuangzi Nu appears in a Song Dynasty document. There is a good bit of talk about it but no consensus as to how it worked. This project seeks to remedy that.