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. )