Class Descriptions

Steam baked breads
Baroness Ardenia ARuadh (OP, OSC)
Come learn this exciting, simple and sanitary technique for baking breads over a fire or camp stove. The technique, though modern in equipment has period roots and myriad options for SCA camping and event applications. No special equipment required! Handouts will be available for $1.00

Soap Making
Lady Freygerðr in stórràða Halladóttir, called "Frigga"
Come, learn the history of as well as the simplicity of creating pure, all-natural, biodegradable soap. All ingredients and supplies will be provided. This class will mainly be demonstration, with some hands-on in the final steps. Length of class: Two hours Minimum age to attend alone: 18 (due to use of lye, which is a dangerous chemical) Minimum age to attend with a parent: 13
Fee: $4 per person, includes handouts and at least one pound of soap! (For handout only $.50) Please wear long sleeves and have a way to tie hair back (or kerchief). If you have a particular scent of choice, please bring several drops worth for your own soap! Likewise, scent can be omitted altogether, if desired. Max number of participants: 10

Bead Embroidery
Lady Freygerðr in stórràða Halladóttir, called "Frigga"
Come, learn the simple technique and method for machine-washable, eye-catching bead embroidery! Newcomers as well as the seasoned embroiderers are welcome! Length of class: one hour Minimum age to attend alone: 16 Minimum age to attend with a parent: 12 if have previous stitching experience Fees for materials or handouts: $2.00 (For handout only $.50) A complete kit will be supplied that includes: handouts, beads, beading needle, fabric, embroidering hoop, beading thread. Please bring scissors or sewing supplies if desired. Max number of participants: 8 max number of observers: unlimited (free)

Calligraphy 101
Eva Woderose
A hands-on introduction to medieval calligraphy. Includes words of wisdom, sources and most valuable of all, a chance to try out this fun art form. I will cover how to hold a calligraphy pen, some basic strokes, and we will start learning a basic hand. This class is two hours long.
No children under 10, please. If you have your own supplies, please feel free to bring those, but I will provide pens and paper. $2 for materials. No more than 6 participants and 4 observers.

Pre-Heraldic Display
Ulric von der Insel
Looking into how some European cultures showed their identity visually in the days before formalized heraldry, and/or in the cultures that didn't do the European heraldic thing. The content area will shift and flow depending on the interests and personae of the students present.
Length of class: 1 hour Ages 10+

How to Be a Herald
Ulric von der Insel
Being a discussion of What Heralds Did, What SCA Heralds Do, and How to Be a Herald with *Style*. In this hour of time, more emphasis will be given on what a beginning herald should consider studying, doing at events, suggested activities between events, and incorporating into their persona.
Length of class:1 hour. Ages 12+

Beginning Rattan Combat
Thane Aethelhafoc Caegfindan
A primer for those interested in starting heavy weapons combat either as an adult or progressing to Youth Division 4 combat. The class will cover armor standards, weapon types and making, authorization procedures, training strategies along with basic combat tactics. Common mistakes and safety issues will be high lighted. Participants will not need any additional equipment, however if they have rattan combat weapons or armor they are welcome to bring them. Ages 16+

Movement in Heavy List
Thane Aethelhafoc Caegfindan
A basic class on understanding and practicing various strategies for controlling distance in armored combat. Specific techniques for in line, angular and lateral movement will be presented, as well as discussion of distance in individual and group combat situations. Individualized tactics for maximizing defense or offensive skills will be demonstrated. Participants are encouraged to wear non constricting clothing, but will not need any additional equipment. Ages 16+

Period Two Sword Techniques
Thane Aethelhafoc Caegfindan
An advanced class, giving an overview of three Italian sword masters and their specific teachings regarding combat with a "Case of Rapiers". Translations of period writings and wood cuts from the original treatises should add interest. These teachings will then be demonstrated and broken down into tactics which may be used in armored combat in the SCA. Strengths and weakness of the styles will be analyzed in terms of usage in the modern middle ages combat. Depending on the experience of the class participants, the forms will be practiced either in or out of armor, with or without contact. Ages 18+

How to Dance to Live Music (Middle Eastern)
Sean o Wode and Rudth of Ruthin (whose dance name is Vashtia)
Basics of middle eastern dancing to live music. Learning the names and tempo of the rhythms so you can ask for the music that you can dance to. 1 hour Ages 16+

Beginning Middle Eastern Drumming
Sean o Wode
Basics of middle eastern drumming. Learning a few basic rhythms and how to play with other drummers. 1 hour Ages 16+ Bring a percussion instrument, preferably drum or tambourine

Blackwork Embroidery
Clothilde von der Insel
This class will cover a counted thread embroidery technique known as blackwork.It is a counted thread embroidery technique using a double running stitch to create linear design on linen fabric. 1 hour No minimum age requirement, but the participant should be able to handle needle and thread on their own. Note:there will be scissors and sharp needles involved. Fees for materials or handouts - 0 Embroidery supplies will be available, but feel free to bring your own supplies (scissors, embroidery needles, hoops/frames, floss) Number of participants : 10

Pattern Darning Embroidery
Clothilde von der Insel
This classs will cover a counted thread embroidery technique known as Pattern Darning, which is based on the running stitch, so its really easy! It is related to the Holbien Stitch used in Blackwork Embroidery and mimics woven-in designs on fabric. 1 hour No minimum age requirement, but the participant should be able to handle needle and thread on their own. Note:there will be scissors and sharp needles involved Fees for materials or handouts : 0 Class supplies will be available, but feel free to bring your own supplies (scissors, embroidery needles, hoops/frames, floss) Number of participants : 10

How to avoid a Borgia Feast: Applying Food Safety in the SCA
Lady Catriona nic Pharlain
As the SCA grows, so does our potential for Food borne Illness. In this class we will explore ways to apply modern food code in an "Enchanted Ground" situation. References will be given including Period Guild Laws, Roman, Chinese and Hebrew food code. Topics will include basic sanitation, cross-contamination, allergies and food sensitivities and transporting food to and from events. Class includes handouts with historic references, charts, signage for encampments, suppliers and information on becoming certified. While this 1 hour class will not certify you on a state or local level, it will teach you enough to be able to spot potential problems both at events and at home. Class will involve lots of discussion. 1 hour All ages welcome. Recommended ages 10 and up, or younger if said child is interested in serving feasts, being a page, or interested in cooking. No fee - donations cup for handout cost will be on table. Bring a notebook if you want to take notes. Maximum number of students: 20

Naalbinding: Oslo Stitch
Dalla Olafskona
Making wool mittens, hats, and socks will make weathering those cold, dark Scandinavian winters a lot easier! Come see how a piece of string can turn into something. 2 hours Ages 16+ Materials and handouts provided for free. 6 maximum participants (due to limited materials and hands-on teaching methods), no maximum number of observers

Roman Line-Board
Deroch Negotiatorix Vini
How to add, subtract, multiply and divide using a Roman line-board (ancestor of the abacus). Square roots if time allows. Ages 12+ unless accompanied by a parent. No materials or handout fee. No maximum class size, but handouts will be limited.

Basics of Arrow Making for Adults and Children
Robert Toxophilus of Werchesope assisted by Lisette la Vinhala
The class will provide the basics of arrow making and will include discussions and illustrations of the importance of the spine, weight, and straightness of arrow shafts on the performance of arrows. The culminating project will be building a half dozen usable SCA type arrows with birch shafts. (Cost - $0.20 per arrow for the point, birch shafts and feathers fletchings are free. If you want a better grade of arrow, bring your own cedar shafts.) The class is 1-1/2 hours long and will be limited to five because of the available equipment. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by a parent who can help them if necessary. We will be using non-period glues (superglue and epoxy) and if you are careful it will not get on your garb. However, as a precaution you may want to tie up loose sleeves and have some sort of covering, like a apron.

A&S 50 Challenge Meet and Greet
Albreda Aylese
The Arts and Sciences 50 Challenge is to do 50 A&S projects between now and AS 50, in 2015. You can find out more at ArtAndSciences50.org. Anyone already participating in the Challenge or interested in hearing about it is welcome to join us! 1 hour All ages!

Preparing for Northern Lights
Albreda Aylese
The awesome competition known as Northern Lights is being held in this very building next Spring! I will tailor this class to whomever is in attendance, but we'll cover, at a minimum, what the different categories are, how judging works, how to write good documentation that judges will love, and how to display your work to best visual and functional effect. Please feel free to bring entries or documentation if you want me to give you some personalized feedback. 1 hour Ages 10+

Creating the Northern Navy
Owyn of Mountain Freehold
Ever dream about putting a period vessel out on Lake Champlain, the Connecticut, or even the Atlantic? Come share resources, building techniques, and daydreams of what it would be like to be part of the Northern Navy! Roundtable format. 1 hour All ages

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This is the recognized Web Page for the Shire of Mountain Freehold of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. This page was last updated on Thursday, November 06, 2008. The maintainer of this page is Alaxandar an Chobhlaigh mac Lochloinn, ( alaxandr@mountainfreehold.org ). This page is not a corporate publication of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., and does not delineate SCA policies. In cases of conflict with printed versions of material presented on this page or its links, the dispute will be decided in favor of the printed version.