Fleurty Herald

When I first decided to make a Migration Period kit I wasn’t sure where to start. Fortunately I have some friends who gave me advice on a former Langobard duchy with grave finds exhibited in a modern museum located not far from Venice, a place I visit yearly. The duchy is was called Forum Julii (modernly Cividale del Friuli) and it was the first settlement of Langobards immigrating from Pannonia…

In creating a kit for a 6th-century Langobard Woman in Forum Julii (modern Cividale del Friuli in northern Italy) I had to start by understanding what would have brought her people across the Alps to establish the first Langobard duchy there. Well, I didn’t *have* to, but that is how my sociologist brain functions best. I need to know what informed this person’s lifestyle, beliefs, daily…

Ciao! I am excited to announce the launch of my new travel vlogs on YouTube! Join me as I explore some of the most beautiful destinations in northern Italy. In my first video, I’ll be sharing the itinerary for my one day in Venice during February of 2022. Coming soon are packing tips for travel in Italy, specifically tailored for plus-size travelers. Stay tuned for travel vlogs and Italy travel…

Gioco dell'Ocha ~ Italian Game of the Goose #sca #renaissance #games #gleannabhann

(as researched by Giata Alberti aka FleurtyHerald) This is a “path” game from the Italian Renaissance, invented by the Florentines and given as a gift to the Court of Naples from the Medici. Akin to the modern game titled “Life”, players use pieces to move along the path according to rolls of the die or instructions on the board. Players take turns rolling two dice and moving their pawn around…

Equity, Inclusion, and the SCA

Chivalry, Equity, and Inclusion Chivalry means protecting the vulnerable, refraining from wanton giving of offense, living by honor, fighting for the welfare of all, practicing fairness, and speaking the truth. Equity means fair access to the same opportunities as everyone else. Inclusion means welcoming, valuing, and including.  Chivalry = equity and inclusion. The Society for Creative…

Silk Routes Symposium 2023

A group of POC (people of color), who also happen to be historical costumers, have assembled and are planning a virtual symposium for early 2023. The theme, Silk Routes, is tentative and will be finalized after consultation with costumers who will be teaching for the event. Bookmark this page and also the Instagram account @costumersofcolor for updates! We are using the hashtag…

Virtual Vigil of Gianna Maddalena Alberti

This coming weekend of An Tir September Crown I will hold a vigil. For those not able to attend this one or the one I will hold at 12th Night I have developed a virtual vigil! I sent out “letters” to those who have helped me along the path to this offer. The basic text, based on a letter Caterina Sforza wrote the Duchess of Ferrara, was as follows:  I write you from contemplation at Francolino…

Being on vigil for the Order of the Pelican for the past month has given me a chance to reflect on the path that led me to this point. The pelican in the bestiary manuscripts was hailed as a fearsome hunter of demons and selfless protector of her children. -Anastasia Pineschi In the late Middle Ages it was customary for those in askance or thanksgiving to embark upon what we now call a…

Feminine Names from 15th Century Bologna

by Magnifica Gianna Madalena Alberti/ Giata Magdalena Alberti (Gigi Coulson)  These names are taken from the 1401 Registro della bollatura delle veste from the Comune of Bologna. This was list of clothing items that were declared to the record-keeper at a Parish location so that the item could be grandfathered in and not fined by the new sumptuary laws. Once the item was recorded it received a…

Just a few reasons I prefer Ferrara… –From The Guardian “An hour and a half later, hopping on a bus from Ferrara station, which is situated outside the massive, crumbling medieval walls, I found myself in a well-nigh perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance city, with barely a car or a tourist to be seen and with a prevailing soundtrack of bells – the bass ones coming from the churches and…

Carnevale in Venezia 2022

A small group of friends have decided to accompany me to Venice in February 2022! I put together a custom, elegant, boutique experience for them based on the places I’ve discovered during the past 10 years of solo Italian travel to historical sites both on and off the beaten path. I’m not a “tour group” type traveller so this trip is more along the lines of a private tour lead providing a…

Here are my tips on planning a trip to Italy. When I start planning my own trip I think of it in steps each time and I want to share that process for any who might be thinking of planning their own. In fact, I may host a bespoke trip in 2022 for a small group of people who want the historical/modern experience married along with all the secrets I’ve discovered during my 8 trips there over the…

Caterina Sforza Gli Experimenti Workshop I

Ciao Tutti! Welcome to the first workshop I’m hosting for translating the recipes of Caterina Sforza’s Gli Experimenti. First, let’s learn who she was, what the book is, and talk about the foundations laid by other researchers who have studied her work. The Author Caterina Sforza led a controversial and dramatic life, leaving us with letters, accounts, famous children, and a myth that is larger…

Salons of the Italies II 2021

Salons of the Italies II is happening across the Known World April 23-24, 2021. Email the event stewards (Tellina & Giada) if you would like to volunteer for a staff position! Our emails are on the website for the event and in the about section for the Facebook event. https://sites.google.com/westking…/salonsoftheitalies/home Fill out the class/demo form to teach!…