kolfinna in kyrra Ottarsdottir

Business, Clothing, Crafting, and More!

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This week in Bryn Gwlad we will be having our Business meeting in Zoom, Populace at the Park, Clothier’s Guild Meeting in Discord to cover hot-weather garb and an intro to Roman garb, and a maker’s night in North Austin. Check the calendar for details, addresses, and links! See you there!

DEI Focus: Disability During the Middle Ages

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Lady Elisabeta Fischer talks about disability during the middle ages and gives us a look into societal perspectives and the laws that effected people who were disabled during the middle ages. CONTENT WARNING: Strong Language & Discussion of Graphic Scenes Lady Elisabeta Fischer is a long time SCA member living in the Middle Kingdom. Although … Read more

DEI Focus: Trans 101 for the SCA

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As modern society becomes more open and accepting, transgender individuals are becoming more visible in their representation both in and out of the SCA. Topics cpvered included history, etiquette, basic definitions for the community, and an open forum for questions. for those attending. Better known as Samii, Samson has been in the SCA since late … Read more

DEI Focus: See Something, Do Something – Bystander Intervention

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This Week in DEI with Baroness Genevieve Choue discusses – See Something, Do Something: Bystander Intervention All too often, when unchivalric behaviors happen, there are people in a position to interrupt the behavior, provide education about the offensive behavior and/or be a support for the person who was the target of the behavior. Join “This … Read more

DEI Focus: Identifying and Addressing Cultural Appropriation

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In this class, Baroness Zahra will identify some of the different ways that cultures interact, including cultural appreciation, exchange, assimilation, and the problematic appropriation. We’ll talk about why cultural appropriation is so harmful, in both a modern and SCA context, and explore some ways of self-evaluating and addressing our own behavior to avoid it. A … Read more

DEI Focus: Impact vs. Intent, A Class

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Have you ever been in a situation where your intent has been misunderstood? Or you’ve been impacted by words or deeds that seemed dismissive due to different intent? This class will unpack the important relationship between intent and impact, the pros and cons to understanding each, how it applies to the SCA, and what can … Read more

DEI Focus: Chivalric Discussions

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Join us for a roundtable with six members of the Order of Chivalry to discuss how concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion have affected their journeys in the SCA and some of the different ways that DEI can and has already been incorporated into the armoured combat community. Our guests are: Duke Eliahu ben Itzhak, … Read more

DEI Focus: Inclusivity in Event Planning

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This Week’s DEI Focus Post is all about Inclusivity in Event Planning! Watch the discussion below! In this class, we will discuss site selection and evaluation, addressing accessibility concerns, potential pitfalls to avoid when planning an event, and examples of the many ways in which members of the SCA have successfully employed inclusive practices in … Read more

DEI Focus: “The Black Presence in Renaissance Europe”

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In “We Were There”, Harlie Des Roches will speak to her experiences as a Black reenactor and her research on the Black presence in Renaissance Europe. She’ll be reading a piece that she recently wrote called “We Were There” and answering questions afterwards. Baroness Sarafina Sinclair is a Laurel and Pelican living in the Midrealm. … Read more

DEI Focus: Invisible Illnesses

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Join us for a DEI topic focus round table discussing Invisible Disabilities and the SCA. Panelists include: Honorable Lady Castellana de Andalucia (they/them or she/her), Kingdom of Ansteorra Signorina Niccolina the Wanderer (she/ her), Kingdom of Atlantia Maestra Giada Alberti, Kingdom of An Tir Sir Donas (he/him), Kingdom of the Midrealm Lord Owyn De Wolfe … Read more

DEI Focus: Challenges Women Face in SCA Combat

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In “Challenges Women Face in SCA Combat”, Baroness Katrina (Wolverine) will be holding a conversation on what gender inequality looks like in the SCA fighting community from her experience of over a decade. She will discuss gender constructs in mundane society, how it affects combat in the SCA, and how we as a Society can … Read more

The “New World” in the SCA — join the class tonight!

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What: The “New World” in the SCA: Creating Accessibility and an Inviting Atmosphere for Non-Eurasian Personas and CulturesWhere: Public Live Stream via FacebookWhen: 630pm CDTWho: All are welcome to attendWhy: This is one of several Virtual Pennsic Classes that you can watch! Brief class description: With distinct actions such as updating the SCA Mission Statement … Read more

Join us virtually for Event Planning and Woodworking – Tonight!

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Join us tonight for two virtual activities! #1 Woodworking Our Woodworking Guild will be having a virtual meeting in the Bryn Gwlad Discord Server to talk about projects, tools, and the up-coming in-person meeting! Meet the guild, talk about your projects, or just hang out and enjoy the discussions. #2 Joint Event Planning Meeting Bryn … Read more

Joint Event Planning Meeting – Tomorrow, July 12th!

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Join us tomorrow, July 11th, at 7pm in Zoom for our second Planning Meeting for our upcoming Joint Fall Event with Shadowlands! All are welcome to attend! Help us plan the event!Join us for the meeting!Bring your ideas! Primary goals of the meeting: Finalize the Name/Theme of the Event Choose a site We’re currently looking … Read more

Online Platform Survey April 2021 – View the Response Summaries Now!

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Webminister Badge

Last week, I conducted a survey of the populace in order to gather information related to how you use online platforms to engage with Bryn Gwlad online. I’ve summarized the results (and made pretty charts and tables), and have them available for you to view here!

I mention this in the slideshow, but want to emphasize it here as well:

The goal of this survey is NOT to change how people use online platforms, it’s NOT to create TODO lists for officers, and it’s NOT to prove one platform is “better” than another.

The goal IS to gather information, to understand how the populace use online platforms, to get a sense for how people engage with Bryn Gwlad, and provide interesting information to officers and the populace in the hopes that it can be made useful.

See the full presentation here!

Please feel free to reach out to be via email (webminister at bryn-gwlad.ansteorra.org) if you have questions, comments, suggestions, or more.

Lady kolfinna inn kyrra Ottarsdottir
Bryn Gwlad Webminsiter

See the full presentation here!

Garb – Constructing all the Things. Links that might help!

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Just sharing a few links related to basic construction of clothing and accessories. Happy afternoon! Archaeological Sewing Costuming links – leather and odds and ends Costuming links – hats, embroidery, decorations Having more links you want to share?Post them in the comments below!

Late-Period Construction, Some Examples

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In the SCA, “late period” is often used to refer to things dating between 1100 and 1600, though the term varies dramatically depending on what culture or geographic location you’re looking at. Here are some links to examples of late period construction: An Overview of Men’s Clothing in Northern Italy c. 1420 – 1480 Isabella’s … Read more

Early-Period Clothing! A couple of articles and videos for your afternoon

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Generally in the SCA, the term “early period” refers to things dating between 1100 and 1400 or anything earlier than that. (Yes, it’s a vague term and “early” changes depending on what geographic location you’re talking about. But, that’s okay.) Here are a couple of links that focus on early period “viking” construction. Check out … Read more

Research is Hard. Where do you even begin???

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This is by no means a comprehensive collection of research starting points. This won’t get you information on all cultures, but hopefully these will give you some starting points, some inspiration, and some educational spaces to explore. These links will take you to external sites. Ancient Origins – “Our goal is to highlight the very latest … Read more

Kingdom Round Table is Tomorrow!! Prepare to attend classes!

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Kingdom Round table is tomorrow! This is the bi-annual Ansteorran event where officers take classes related to their field, officers renew their warrants (by attending classes), and the Greater Officers of State give the State of the Kingdom presentation — the status report of the offices and affairs of the Kingdom. Officers, attend your classes! … Read more

Structures, Dwellings, and Tents

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The SCA is heavily centered on camping, gathering for weekend events, and decorating our homes away from home. But… what types of tents are out there? What can you make, what can you buy? Check out this collection of links and articles available from Stefan’s Florilegium! Specifically, this article detailing how to make a wedge … Read more

Invisible Disabilities and the SCA – Upcoming Panel Discussion

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What: Online Event, details and updates on FacebookWhen: Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1:30 PM CST – 3:30 PM CSTDuration: 2 hrPublic  · Anyone on or off FacebookTopic: Join us for a DEI topic focus round table discussing Invisible Disabilities and the SCA. Panelists include: Honorable Lady Castellana de Andalucia (they/them or she/her), Kingdom of Ansteorra Signorina … Read more

Ansteorran Woven Regalia – Inkle Loom Patterns!

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Do you have an inkle loom or another tool that lets you do warp-faced weavings? Looking for small projects to take on? Well, you can satisfy your need to weave and help the Kingdom at the same time! The Kingdom of Ansteorra gives regalia with some awards. It can range from circlets to cloaks, pendants … Read more

Hardened Leather Armour and Resources to Make It

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These are a few resources shared y Bryn Gwlad’s own Sir Maelgwyn. These should help you in your quest to make your own leather armour. First, this article at Greaving has good coverage of making greaves! There are seven steps to the grieving process:  shock, pain, anger, depression, hope, reconstruction and acceptance.  Many of these steps … Read more

Want to find people talking about SCA or Period topics? Check out these blogs!

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These links will take you to external sites that have no affiliation with Bryn Gwlad. The Realm of Venus Welcome to the Realm of Venus, a site about the clothing and accessories of the men and women of late Renaissance Italy, with a focus on sixteenth century Venice. Whether you are a costumer in the … Read more

Knights! Chivalric Combat! Heavy Fighting! What is it, and how do I get started?

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Are you interested in chivlaric combat? Reach out to our Knight Marshal to ask about upcoming practices or check out the resources below! A big part of getting into chivalric combat involves identifying what weapons, armour, and equipment you will need to buy or make. The links below are a small sampling of the options … Read more

Wool and Linen — Staples for Constructing Clothing

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Do you have ideas for clothing, but don’t know where to shop for fabric or accessories? Don’t worry! It’s where we all begin, and we are happy to share resources. There are many, *many* vendors that sell fabric or clothing that fit the SCA aesthetic (anything pre-1600). Take a gander at these sites for inspiration. … Read more

The History of Bryn Gwlad — The Beginnings of the Barony

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Check out this piece of Bryn Gwlad History as told by Cynric of Bedwyn, Historian of Bryn Gwlad circa 1994. THE BRYN GWLAD CHRONICLE Cynric of Bedwyn, Historian Final Version, 10/21/1994  Part 1 Before Bryn Gwlad  CAVEAT: History is, under the best of circumstances, subject to the interpretation of both  chronicler and reader. While the following account does … Read more

Dialogue and Debate: What should we strive for?

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The SCA is composed of a diverse population. We have different experiences, we have different beliefs, and we have different backgrounds, and we are all committed to valuing the worth of all individuals and promoting a safe and respectful environment. We want to work together to explore our histories, our passions, and our hobbies. But, … Read more

The Lions Den Presents “Creating Accessibility and an Inviting Atmosphere for Non-Eurasian Personas and Cultures”

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Tonight! 9PM CST Zoom! Details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/427702998235464/ Summary of details for this public event: Full title: The “New World” in the SCA: Creating Accessibility and an Inviting Atmosphere for Non-Eurasian Personas and Cultures. Although the class starts at 7:00pm PST we will be online at 6:30pm PST and hope many of you … Read more

You have the power to Recognize others!

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Have you seen someone making great SCA art? Have you seen someone doing awesome research? Have you seen someone demonstrating combat skills? Have you seen someone teaching? Have you seen someone volunteering to help with things? Have you seen someone you think should be recognized for what they’re doing? Our Fall Event is fast approaching!This … Read more

Taverns, Castles, and Keeps! Oh My!

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Our virtual event is quickly approaching! The month-long building challenge in Minecraft starts on 1 September!!! As part of our event will be a building competition throughout the month of September up to and including the weekend of the event.  What: Minecraft Building Bryn Gwlad challenge Where: Bryn Gwlad hosted Minecraft server, Bryn Gwlad Discord server When: … Read more

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

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What is this? WALKING IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOESAwareness Training Activity (Feb 2019)Gigi Coulson, Interim Society DEI Officer This is an Awareness Training Activity created by Gigi Coulson. The activity consists of two parts: Reading the experiences and feedback shared by people on the following categories Comfortableness with the Climate of DEI in the SCA Do … Read more

Equity and Inclusion 101 – Slides

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Equity and Inclusion 101DEI in the SCA Gigi Coulson, May 2019 Goals of the presentation: Build a shared understanding of the concepts of equity and inclusion Increase awareness of DEI in the Society Develop skills to promote equity and inclusion Sections of the presentation: Terms DEI Officer, SCA Mission, Core Values, Chivalric Virtues, Agreements we … Read more

DEI – What does that mean?

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You’ve probably seen or heard the terms “diversity”, “equity”, and “inclusion” before. We’ve said them a number of times in this blog already. …but what do they actually mean? What does it mean to “be diverse” or “foster diversity?” Can you have a “diverse person?” What does it mean to “be inclusive?” What does it … Read more

Automatic Cross-Post from Website to Email List

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Good evening! Your neighborhood, friendly Bryn Gwlad Webminister here! I have been working on a project to establish an automatic cross-posting from our website blog to the Bryn Gwlad Email List. This will allow us to move one step closer to having a centralize source of Baronial Announcements and Info (the next step will be … Read more

Purpose for the DEI Blog

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“The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office of the SCA is committed to promoting the values of inclusion throughout the SCA. The focus is equity, which is just and fair inclusion into an organization in which all can participate, prosper, benefit, and reach their full potential.” https://www.sca.org/dei-office/ What do “diversity”, “equity”, and “inclusion” even mean? … Read more

Virtual Combat Resources!

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Have you been searching for a way to keep up your combat skills while we are sheltering in place? Well, SCAdians all around have been putting together online classes, demos, and discussions that you can join in on! Knowne World SCA Virtual Fighter Practice (Facebook Group) SCA Virtual Classroom and Artisan Display (Facebook Group) Virtual … Read more