The 2012 Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Usually when I go the faire, I just go to see the shows (like Moonie and Broon), enjoy the atmosphere, and shop around but when I travel I like to get functional objects or at least learn something as my souvenir. So the Queen's College seemed like the logical place to try this year. The first few times I've attended the faire I thought the college activities were for kids but I decided to go anyway and I was pleasantly surprised to see that although there were kids the majority of students were probably teenagers and older. 

Here are the things I made at the Queen's College this year:

Leather Barrette

Leather Barrette (4/29/12): When I was making it and even when it was done, I wasn't sure if I would really like the end results. In the end, though, I really like it and can't wait to make another one next year. Next time, though, I want to use more of the stamps instead of the stencils. I enjoyed working leather more than I thought I would and have been toying with the idea of buying some leather working tools. For now though I'm happy with just visiting year after year. I just wish I had gone a little easier on the brown.

Easy Peasant Doll

Peasant Doll  (4/29/12): This came out cuter than I thought it would. I have named her Amelia. My only problem is that she needs a friend so I'm planning on making another one on my next visit. I'm also not a big fan of the raw edges on the fabric. I might take her apart and hem the edges before she starts fraying too badly.

Blackwork Bookmark

Blackwork Bookmark (5/20/12): I've fallen in love with blackwork for the sheer fact that it is identical on both sides of the fabric. It's beautiful and simple and I can't wait to use it on more functional items. It also has the added bonus that I have all the materials I need, so there is no start-up cost for me. It also reminds me of those dotted brain teasers. I see a sampler in my future. 

Next year:

• I want to make a Swedish belt for both Ren Faire use and if it fits, my archery quiver. 
• Play with the leather some more (maybe make a reversible gauntlet to use as my archery arm guard)
• and another doll because I think Amelia is a little lonely. Although, she is really easy to make, maybe once I have more scraps of fabric lying around I can make her some friends. I could also take the Fancy Peasant doll so I can learn how they make the hair and other accessories I saw them have.