Quite the weekend

  This weekend was a bigger event for the SCA so I was doing my regular demoing.  I helped 4 different people try their hand at blacksmithing and they had varying degrees of success.  But still, they all had fun and reminded me while I do the demo stuff.

  I did have enough time to make a prototype for a gift for individuals within the SCA.  I have to make 5 items and I actually decided to make 5 pairs of sconces.  They are a fleur pattern.  The prototype looked pretty decent and will post a picture of that tomorrow.  I also managed to sneak a little bit of work in on the clock.  Very nice tight fitting joinery.

  Then the big surprise of the day.  I was elevated to the Order of Laurel.  For non-SCA types, its the highest level of honor they can give for the arts within the SCA.  So that was pretty cool and very humbling.  It feels very odd to have so many people congratulate you for something that you have received.  Still doesn't feel real...

  The other bit of really good news was old news that I was not aware of.  At last years Florida blacksmithing convention, I put my reproduction of the Mastermyr chest in the general gallery area.  I really put it in as an afterthought.  As a matter of fact, I didn't put it on display until halfway through the day.  I was really wowed by the items on display and felt a bit odd putting my piece out.  I had to attend a work related conference so I cut out a bit early.

  I just found out today that I actually won the "best of show" award.  I had been given a big hunk of real wrought iron but I thought the gentleman was giving it to me for another reason.  Apparently it was the prize.  So that really surprised me as well.

  So to wrap up, it was a very overwhelming weekend.  I'm still waiting for the alarm clock to go off...