New Gorget project part 2

Well, except for padding and lining the new gorget is finished. I learned a few things about compound curves and there are some hammer nicks. I decided to leave the hammered look instead of sanding and polishing. I feel it gives it character. It is surprisingly rigid for being only 22 gauge copper and brass. It fits perfectly and is lighter than my old aluminum one.

Oona has already placed a request for one. I will make her new belt this week and try to get her new shoulders done before Blackstone Raids and then I will make her a gorget.

Oona is making me a new fighting tunic from a honey colored linen we found a Joann's on sell at 50%off. It will look sharp with the gorget.

The new gorget project

So, I have an aluminum gorget that is to large for me and it bruises my collar bone. Last night I decided to make a new one. It gave me the chance to make something with compound curves and a rolled edge. It is just in the beginning stages but I hope to have it ready for Blackstone Raids next weekend.

Glass beads and boar tusk, Oh my..........

So I had all these beads laying around and I wanted to do something not metal related so I created a few necklaces for myself and Oona.

Sorry for the bad photos... I need a better lighting setup.

Oona's new shiny stuff:



My necklaces:

Copper Shoulders and other projects

So, my armor project is moving along slowly. There are many other things I have been doing, including setting up the workshop and forge in the backyard and getting the garage shop in a more organized condition. Up until now I have really only done armor pieces for myself but I was asked by a friend if I could make some copper shoulders for his new lamellar armor.

Well, I happened to have some copper sheets sitting around and I figured it would be a break from what I am doing for myself. The result was a shiny pair of shoulder cops. All that is left to do is add holes for attachment to the armor and holes around the edge so my friend can trim them in leather to tie in with the look of the lamellar.

A couple days before Celt Wars XII (April 3 - 5) I decided to make a belt buckle and tab from a piece of cow bone. I had read about a couple finds where bone buckles were found and then I read that a couple were found in Gamla Uppsala from the proper time period. These were found with both wool and silk on them. So, I figured why not make it for myself. It was an easy work with a coping saw and a hand drill. Now, I just need to decide on the design and get that carved. Then this winter I will learn to card weave and make a colorful belt for it.

This weekend I will be getting some leather strap for my armor and to make a new belt for Oona. I will also be making myself a belt. I am thinking about taking the buckles off my war belt to use for the project. My war belt is a little tight and I think a 3" or 4" belt might serve me better. Then I will use the leather from the war belt to make a sheath for my fighting saex. At least that is what I am thinking at the moment. I may change my mind by the time I get to the leather store. ( If you are in the Washington DC, metro area check out "Tricks of the Trade" in Great Falls, VA and support your local retailers. )