Category Archives: Arts & Sciences

Apr. 2 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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UFOs (UN FINISHED OBJECTS)

We all have some project that’s been sitting around for too long. Maybe it’s a dress where you can’t get the sleeves to go on correctly. Maybe it’s a chainmail coif that you just need to sit and work on for 2 hours, but you’re tired of looking at it so it never gets done. Maybe it’s that section of your research paper that you got stuck on, and now you’re so discouraged you want to set the whole thing on fire.

Whatever it is, bring it to the meeting in all its messy, unfinished glory. I find a laundry basket is often useful for this task. Sit at a table and have some company while other people also work on the unfinished thing that has been haunting their work space for way too long. I will provide snacks, so let me know in advance if you have any allergies.  Bring a friend!

WHEN
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Home of Minister of Arts & Sciences, Simona della Luna, 613 Timber Wood Blvd., Newark, DE 19702.  There is a cat (in case of allergies) and a few steps to enter the house.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact Minister of Arts & Sciences Simona della Luna

Mar. 26 A&S Night (Dover, DE)

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KUMIHIMO, A JAPANESE BRAIDING TECHNIQUE
We will be learning about Kumihimo, the traditional Japanese art of braiding multiple strands of yarn (or silk or ribbon) to create cords, used since at least the sixth century. This is a make and take class; everyone will have the opportunity to create their own cord or bracelet. Supplies will be provided, no charge.

When
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Please plan to arrive and depart promptly.

Where
Kent County Library, 497 S. Red Haven Lane, Dover, DE 19901

Questions?
Contact A&S Minister (South), Lady Dionise O’Towie, by email.

Mar. 5 – A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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Image shows engraving by Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473-1531), a German painter and designer of woodcuts, of a European, probably German, medieval workshop / mint.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR THE SCA
We will very briefly survey some non-SCA online resources that are particularly useful to SCA folks (take-home list will be provided). The main focus will be on SCA-specific online resources – what’s out there, where to find it, and how to use it. East Kingdom A&S Champs will have been the previous weekend (1 March), so I’ll also report back on the experience.

Bring a friend!

Optional steps to take before the class:

WHEN
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Home of Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna, Newark, DE 19702.  There is a cat (in case of allergies) and a few steps to enter the house.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact Minister of Arts & Sciences Simona della Luna

Feb. 26 A&S Night (Dover, DE)

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Announcing Our first A&S Night in Dover!!
Join me to jumpstart our themed A&S for the southern region of the Shire (of course, northerners are welcome too!)

What’s the theme you ask?
We are going back to basics with the thing that is the foundation of many different types of arts: THREAD. On the 4th Wednesday of each month, we’ll dive deep into all things string, rope, cord, floss, fiber, yarn, filament, and twine! If you have a related or adjacent topic you are willing to teach, let me know!

We will be KNOT MAKING this month. This is a make and take session! First a little history, then some instruction, then some practical hands on knots. Kits to be provided. You might leave with a necklace or be on the way to a cool new project!

When
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Please plan to arrive and depart promptly.

Where
Kent County Library, 497 S. Red Haven Lane, Dover, DE 19901

Questions?
Contact A&S Minister (South), Lady Dionise O’Towie, by email.

Feb. 5 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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SCA PERIOD CRYPTOGRAPHY AND SECRET MESSAGES
Learn about how to use the cryptography and steganography developed by Johannes Trithemius and others, and write your own secret messages.

We will also try some simple letterlocking techniques. Letterlocking was an early modern technique for keeping your correspondence private and secure. If you’d like to get some practice in ahead of time, the YouTube channel “Letterlocking Videos” has excellent instructional videos. https://youtu.be/PCT1h3Rt2Hc?si=9EPOix3ZFfqIudQB.

Bring a friend!

WHEN
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Home of Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna, Newark, DE 19702.  There is a cat (in case of allergies) and a few steps to enter the house.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact Minister of Arts & Sciences Simona della Luna

CANCELLED Announcing our first A&S Night in Dover!!

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This program has been CANCELLED. We’ll move the topic to our February gathering. This Thursday (1/23/25) from 6pm to 8pm, join me to jumpstart our themed A&S for the southern region of the Shire (of course, northerners are welcome too! 😆)

We will be doing KNOT MAKING for January. This is a make and take session! First a little history, then some instruction, then some practical hands on knots. Kits to be provided. You might leave with a necklace or be on the way to a cool new project!

What’s the theme you ask?
We are going back to basics with the thing that is the foundation of many different types of arts: THREAD. So let’s dive deep into all things string, rope, cord, floss, fiber, yarn, filament, and twine! If you have a related or adjacent topic you are willing to teach, let me know!

Important info: see the Shire Calendar for the address. Please be aware that there are cats here. It’s okay to park in the driveway. Please plan to arrive and leave promptly 6pm to 8pm. My house is not young child-friendly, sorry. You can reach me via Messenger Chat and I will gladly share my contact information that way, but not posting it for bots and weirdos!

Questions?
Send me, Lady Dionise O’Towie A&S Minister (South), an email.

Jan. 8 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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HERBAL MEDICINE
This will be a make and take class with Lord Malcolm teaching us how to transform herbs and solvents into properly prepared salves and tinctures.  We’ll make a batch of healing salve during class and each participant will take some home. Bring a friend!

WHEN
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Home of Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna, Newark, DE 19702.  There is a cat (in case of allergies) and a few steps to enter the house.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact Simona della Luna, our Minister of Arts & Sciences

Dec. 4 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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Image shows engraving by Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473-1531), a German painter and designer of woodcuts, of a European, probably German, medieval workshop / mint.

TAVERN GAMES & SNACKS
Come out and learn the rules and a bit of history for several period table games and have something fun to share with your friends and family over the holidays! 

We will be using instructions from TheRavensTable.org for Alquerque, Glückshaus, and others. Feel free to look them up if you want to learn ahead of the social.  I’ll also be making some period food. Feel free to bring your own culinary experiments to share if you’d like.

Bring a friend!

WHEN
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Home of Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna, Newark, DE 19702.  There is a cat (in case of allergies) and a few steps to enter the house.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact Simona della Luna, our Minister of Arts & Sciences

Oct. 2 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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LATE PERIOD MUSIC!
Lovely gentles! Strummer will be teaching a class at A&S Night on late period music. Learn about and listen to several styles of music and the instruments they were played on. (She’ll bring her lute for show & tell!) We will also discuss easy ways to begin playing/singing period music at home on modern instruments.

If you’ve ever wanted to be the bard, but have been intimidated by the sheer mass of musical know-how, this class is a great way to get your feet wet. If you already have experience as a period musician, please come and bring your instrument for music-making! 

Share the event and bring a friend!

WHEN
Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Home of Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna, Newark, DE 19702.  There is a cat (in case of allergies) and a few steps to enter the house.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH
Contact Simona della Luna, our Minister of Arts & Sciences

Aug 7 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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Image in brown tones shows Engraving by Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473-1531), a German painter and designer of woodcuts, of a European, probably German, medieval workshop / mint.

Period table games: Alquerque, Glückshaus, and others
Learn the rules and a bit of history for several period table games, then play them. We will be using instructions from TheRavensTable.org. Feel free to look them up if you want to learn ahead of the social.

WHEN
Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Contact our Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact our Minister of Arts & Sciences

July 3 A&S Social (Newark, DE)

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Pennsic War prep and general kit maintenance
Even if you’re not going to Pennsic this year, now is a great time to assess the state of your general SCA kit and garb and see to any needed repairs or upgrades. We’ll cover basic leather care, simple garb repairs and alterations, and ideas for easy-to-make garb for hot weather. If you use a packing list or other planning tools feel free to bring it and share with us!

WHEN
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WHERE
Contact our Minister of A&S, Simona della Luna.

HAVE QUESTIONS or WANT TO HOST or TEACH?
Contact Simona della Luna, our Minister of Arts & Sciences

A&S Socials Are Continuing!

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Come on Out! Bring a project, bring a friend, visit with friends and new comers! Everyone is welcome! There is no fee, no garb required.

WHEN & WHERE
The first Wednesday of each month, from 6-9pm.  See our Calendar for locations.

Generally the first hour of our Socials will be a class, with the remaining time used for projects and socializing. These gatherings provide an opportunity to work on your A&S projects in good company. Trying a new stitch? Need tasters for your medieval recipe? Crafting in leather or metal wire? Or, if you’re having trouble with a project or a research question, bring it with you and we can figure it out together. Come with your own project or learn something new!

CURRENT SCHEDULE for 2024

Wed., 5 June – Project management for artisans
Manage your time and resources effectively and prevent burn out so your result truly showcases your skills. No prior experience with project management is needed; and buzzwords will be kept to a minimum. We will briefly cover digital tools, but everything we will teach can be handled with a pad of paper and some sticky notes.

Wed., 3 July – Pennsic War prep and general kit maintenance
Even if you’re not going to Pennsic this year, now is a great time to assess the state of your general SCA kit and garb and see to any needed repairs or upgrades. We’ll cover basic leather care, simple garb repairs and alterations, and ideas for easy-to-make garb for hot weather. If you use a packing list or other planning tools feel free to bring it and share with us!

Wed., 7 August – Period table games: Alquerque, Glückshaus, and more
Learn the rules and a bit of history for several period table games, then play them. We will be using instructions from TheRavensTable.org. Feel free to look them up online if you want to learn ahead of the meeting.

Wed., 4 September – Heraldic display!
Bright banners, decorated shields, and color-coded allies are a key part of our game. Learn all about ways to incorporate heraldic display into your SCA kit. We will cover general concepts and principles as well as specific techniques for making garden-flag sized tent labels, and for appliqué.

Wed., 2 October – topic TBA – have an idea contact our Minister of Arts & Sciences

Wed., 6 November – topic TBA – have an idea contact our Minister of Arts & Sciences

Wed., 4 December – topic TBA – have an idea contact our Minister of Arts & Sciences

WANT TO HOST OR HAVE SOMETHING TO TEACH?
If you would like to host a gathering, or teach a subject or skill, contact our Minister of Arts & Sciences.

QUESTIONS
Contact our Minister of Arts & Sciences.

A&S Activity Survey

Featured

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Eadwine the Scribe Writing His Psalter

Hi everyone, I’m Simona della Luna, your Minister of Arts and Sciences. I’ve come to Caer Adamant from Ansteorra, where I played since 2011. I’d like your help in answering a few survey questions. I will use this information to plan A&S activities in the Shire. Aggregated results (without personal information) will be shared with the Shire at large, but individual responses will not be made public.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/ffmirDu2cta5CtMZ9
Questions: Contact Honorable Lady Simona della Luna

Mar. 20 A & S Night (Wilm., DE)

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Omne_Bonum_1360. The picture shows an initial from folio 329 of the second volume, depicting a painter or his assistant with dishes of color.

Come and join Shire of Caer Adamant at our monthly Arts & Sciences Social!
Bring a project, bring a friend, and visit with friends and new comers! No fee, no garb required, site is food-friendly if you want to bring your dinner. The site is ADA accessible.

Time:  6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location:  Greenbank Mills & Phillips Farm, 500 Greenbank Road, Wilmington, DE 19808

Questions:  Contact Lady Motte Nachfalter

Feb. 21 A & S Night (Wilm., DE)

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Omne_Bonum_1360. The picture shows an initial from folio 329 of the second volume, depicting a painter or his assistant with dishes of color.

Come and join the Shire of Caer Adamant at our monthly A&S Social. Bring a project, bring a friend, and visit with friends and new comers! No fee, no garb required, site is food-friendly if you want to bring your dinner. The site is ADA accessible.

Time:  6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Location:  Greenbank Mills & Phillips Farm, 500 Greenbank Road, Wilmington, DE 19808

Questions:  Contact Lady Motte Nachfalter