Parade Shield- Part 2

A little progress on the Ex Libris Living History Parade shield! So far, I've done three coats of gold since I'm not doing actual gilding, and agonised about whether to do a border or not.

I decided to go with a black border and I'm glad I did. I feel it does make it stand out a little better. The writing under the squirrel's feet will be white with a thin black border, so I think that will work well too.

Fingers crossed!

Pins of Bling!

I've been meaning to cross this off my list for quite a while too. Making some cute pearl-headed and carnelian or garnet headed pins to use for my medieval veils. Finally, I gave it a try.

I'm pretty pleased. I had some flat headed pins bought from our local craft shop. They came in a few sizes, so I chose the ones with the sturdiest shanks and the flattest heads. Then I looked through my leftover beads and pearls to find some with holes which were not too big or small. Because they aren't made properly and don't have a little twist underneath the bead, I used glue to stop the beads from slipping.

Then I clipped the pin end with little metal snips and sharpened the tip by dragging it on fine sandpaper.

They are not historically correct made that way, but are 90% okay and I'm pleased to make them myself for me!

Parade Shield- Part 3

Finally I got around to making a start on the actual squirrel. I'm having a heck of a time getting the blending of the paint right, but I found myself at a point where I should stop and breathe before a spoiled it altogether. Hopefully, more time to spend on the weekend on this and it will get to a place where I am happy with it.

So far, I'm having a lot of feelings.