12th century inspired Lion pattern
12th century Block Print,  12th century projects,  12th century tunic - printed yellow raw silk,  12th/13th century stamps (misc),  12th/13th century teardrop stamps,  Hand-Sewing,  Misc.,  Projects,  Projects - Block Printing,  Projects - Tablet weaving,  Racaire,  romanesque teardrop stamp,  SCA,  Tablet woven bands

Blockprinting & stamp cutting – my new obsessions…

Some of you might be wondering what else I was up to besides my move from Kentucky to Florida and then our final move into our new home. Well, I would say that I embraced two new art forms completely – blockprinting & stamp cutting. And if I may say so, I think I got pretty good at it.

I had the great honor to make the elevation clothing for (now) Sir Brealthen’s elevation. Her elevation happened at last Gulf Wars (March 2019). She looked amazing in her lovely red 12th century tunic when TRM of Trimaris put her on vigil. Furthermore I also made the fighting garb she was wearing when she was finally elevated into the order of chivalry on the next day. And if I may add another thing – I also painted her shoes to make the bling really complete!

Sir Brealthen's elevation clothing made by Racaire's Workshop for the elevation at Gulf Wars March 2019
Sir Brealthen’s elevation clothing for Trimaris court before being put on vigil. Made by Racaire’s Workshop for the elevation at Gulf Wars March 2019. Photos courtesy Baroness Cordell of Phoenix Glade at coronation 2019 with kind permission of Sir Brealthen.

 

Sir Brealthen's elevation clothing made by Racaire's Workshop for the elevation at Gulf Wars March 2019
Sir Brealthen’s elevation clothing and painted shoes for Trimaris court before being put on vigil. Made by Racaire’s Workshop for the elevation at Gulf Wars March 2019. Photos courtesy Baroness Cordell of Phoenix Glade at coronation 2019 with kind permission of Sir Brealthen.

 

Sir Brealthen's elevation clothing made by Racaire's Workshop for the elevation at Gulf Wars March 2019
Sir Brealthen’s elevation clothing for her elevation into the order of the Chivalry – a fighting tabard & fighting tunic to be able to participate in the fighting scenarios after her elevation. Made by Racaire’s Workshop for the elevation at Gulf Wars March 2019. Photo courtesy by Sir Brealthen 2019.

All the projects I made for my husband were somehow leading up to this moment. You might remember one of my last postings before my break:  “…the start of a 12th century printed silk tunic project 🙂 ” Well, this project is also finished for a long time. My husband really loves his printed raw silk tunic:

Conrad vom Schwarzwald - tunic handprinted raw silk and hand sewn by Racaire's Workshop
Conrad vom Schwarzwald wearing a 12th century tunic. Hand printed raw silk, printed with hand carved stamps, embellished with tablet woven bands and completely hand sewn by Racaire’s Workshop

Though this picture was taken before I attached the hook for the side-slit neckline, it should give you a good idea of how the completed tunic looks like. I simply always forget to take a picture of him while he is wearing his garb for an event. About the tunic – I used raw silk which was hand printed by hand carved stamps. The black fabric is lovely good weight linen. I used two tablet woven bands for embellishment which I wove by hand and yes, this tunic is completely sewn by hand.

And all these teardrop stamp and their prints, which you can see on this lovely yellow raw silk, where just a warm up for the stamps I cut for Sir Brealthen’s elevation: the 11th century Arabic Lioness roundel stamp and the 12th century lion stamp, which you can see on the following picture:

12th century inspired lion stamp
Handcut 12th century inspired lion stamp by Racaire’s Workshop.

…and this is just to name a few of my projects which are dear to my heart.

Most of my time I actually enjoy cutting stamps for fun and make tunics, tabards and bags for my little workshop. Here are some bags I am working on right now:

Handprinted bags by Racaire's Workshop
Handprinted bags in the making by Racaire’s Workshop.
12th century inspired Lion pattern
12th century inspired Lion pattern – printing process of heavy soft cotton canvas for a fighting tabard project.

With the help of my beloved husband, my workshop is setting up as merchant at events in Meridies, Trimaris and Gleann Abhann. There is a good chance to get to see my prints in person if you reside in one of this kingdoms. If you don’t live nearby, I am doing my best to stock my new webshop here on my website with all the items I make as soon as they are finished. I am still working on putting my existing stock into my webshop.

Racaire's Workshop set up as merchant at an event.
Racaire’s Workshop set up as merchant at an event.

I am posting about all of my creations and more via Instagram and Facebook. Why? Well, it’s so much easier and happens all directly from my phone without any computer needed. It makes it so much easier to keep up with what I am doing and working at. If you would like to follow my projects more closely, I heartily invite you to join my pages Instagram and Facebook. I will still use my blog for everything that can’t be put into just a short text field. However, most of the time I am just making things at the moment and tremendously enjoying it!