Make Your Own Leather Pouch

A quick video showcasing some of the pouches that my students have made.

For more information about workshops, and to book in, visit http://thehappyviking.com.au/introduction-to-handcrafted-leather-workshops/

Curious about The Happy Viking's Leather Workshops?

Wondering what's in it for you?  Take a sneak peak then visit http://thehappyviking.com.au/introduction-to-handcrafted-leather-workshops/ to find out which date suits you and book in! :)



If you have any questions, contact me:



 email: info@thehappyviking.com.au



 mobile: 0418 435 990


 

Interest for Sydney Leather Workshops

Since I've been running leather workshops I've had a lot of queries from people who aren't able to make it to Maleny about me running workshops in Sydney. I'd love to do this. 'Keeping the Old Skills Alive' is what I'm passionate about so the more people I can share this with the better. If I can get the numbers, then I'm more than happy to travel.

So, let me know if you are interested. Comment in the section below or contact me - info@thehappyviking.com.au

Here's what some of the past students have said about what they loved most about the workshop:

"Completing a project and learning new skills. Definitely met my expectations. Lots of theory, hands on experience and individual attention. I thought it was all great."

"Lots of knowledge about leather. Learnt more than expected. Loved it all."

"Learning all about leather history. It met all my expectations and more."

"It was fun to find out how leather was made. It was better than I thought."

"Loved this course; enjoyed all of it."

"Learning a new skill - gaining an appreciation of the craft. It exceeded my expectations. I learnt so much and produced an amazing ipad cover to show for it. I now have skills to build upon."

"Tooling, seeing the project coming together and the information. Absolutely met my expectations. I learnt how to do a project from start to finish."

"All of it. I loved how relaxed the course was. It made it more enjoyable. Definitely met my expectations. I now can make the things I wanted to make. I am so glad I came."

"Learning a wonderful new skill that I can go out into the world and practice myself and at the same time making something practical and creative that will last for many years."

"The course is practical, informative and so enjoyable. Hands on from the first lesson, it has become the highlight of my week."

 

http://thehappyviking.com.au/interest-for-sydney-leather-workshops/

Queensland Museum's Medieval Power Exhibition

Last Friday was WONDERFUL!

Not only was I invited to demonstrate Viking leatherwork at Queensland Museum's Medieval Power After Dark Exhibition but I also had the chance to look at artefacts that are over a thousand years old.

If it wasn't for my stomach rumbling so loudly and having visions of people running scared, thinking that there was a dragon nearby, I would have stayed in there even longer. :)

Of course I would have to say that the Viking axe head was one of my favourite pieces but it wasn't the only one.  The Wingham brooch was absolutely spectacular - made from silver-gilt, niello, garnet, glass and shell; it is dated back to 575-625, from England.  Then there were the carved ivory pieces for which I can find no words to describe.  The amount of detail and the intricacy just blew me away.  I found myself wondering a lot about the tools that they would have used to create such masterpieces.  They must have been SO fine!  And, there were leather artefacts too!!!  The first one I saw was a Medieval shoe (from Italy I think).  It was stunning.  I stood there for ages looking at it, wishing I could hold it so that I could see it from all angles.  Such beautiful craftsmanship.  The other leather piece was a boiled leather knife sheath.  While not as captivating, for me, as the shoe I still loved being able to see leathercraft from another time and the method used for creating it.  Oh, and I nearly forgot the Lewis Chess king, made of walrus ivory, dating back to 1150-1200 and found in Scotland.  Wow!!!  That's all I'm going to say about it.  Just wait until you see it and then you'll know what I mean.

The Queensland Museum will be the first museum in the world and only one in Australia and New Zealand to host this incredible new exhibition curated by the British Museum.  It will be running  until 10 April 2016.

There will be two more After Dark Exhibitions - 18 March and 8 April.

If you love Medieval things and great craftsmanship, then make sure you don't miss this!!!!

Viking & Medieval Events in Australia - 2016

I thought, with Viking season upon us again in Australia, I would share some of the festivals/events coming up this year.

NEMAS EASTER GATHERING

THIS IS A PRIVATE EVENT - REENACTORS ONLY

The New England Medieval Arts Society invites Reenactors to feasting and frolicking in the Armidale Pine Forest. We attempt to be as historically accurate as possible, please endeavour to contribute appropriately to the cultures of the time.

This is my absolute FAVOURITE event!  It's so great to be able to completely immerse into the Viking lifestyle, away from the modern world.

HISTORY ALIVE

History is better experienced in action!

Fort Lytton National Park on 11 & 12 June, 2016 - Queensland’s most unique living history event.
Each day at History Alive is a combination of Roman, Viking, Medieval, Napoleonic, Colonial and World War activities to appeal to a wide audience. Colonial dance workshops, Viking cooking demonstrations, historical talks, Medieval Tournaments and WWI battle re-enactors are just a few of the opportunities visitors have to connect with history.

The iconic Fort Lytton is the perfect backdrop for such a unique event where more than 400 re-enactors and historians portray and display 2000 years of history. In 2015, these passionate hobbyists and volunteers shared their love of history with over 3,600 visitors from around Queensland and the world.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of times gone past in one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets – Fort Lytton National Park.

History Alive: A Journey Through Time is held on the second weekend in June, it goes off with a bang at 10am on Saturday, 11 June 2016.

You can buy tickets online now.

http://www.historyalive.com.au/

VIKING VILLAGE SOLSTICE

A celebration of “Light After the Dark of Winter”, the Viking Village Solstice is Rognvalds Lith's tribute to Lismore.

Focusing on the arts and culture of the Norse people of the 10 - 11th century, the Lith have invited other Viking culture clubs to attend this gathering for the Winter Solstice, and in doing so opening its doors and hearts to the local community to view, smell and enjoy. Rognvalds Lith is supporting the Lismore Lantern Parade with a static display at the Lismore Environment Centre from 10am – 2pm on Saturday and a spectacular Battle Re-enactment on Oakes Oval at 4.30pm, and of course will carry the lantern, Vingalot. The focus of the celebration will take part over Saturday and Sunday on Jolley Field, where you can wonder through the village and become part of the festivities.

Viking Family Hunters' Encampment

Rognvalds Lith showcases a typical family hunters' encampment in the heart of Lismore. This little encampment will demonstrate a Viking family unit's limited amount of possessions and their resourcefulness. The display will represent daily life and visitors will be able to speak to the Vikings and ask questions. The “hard lying” aspect of Viking life will be seen up close in the crude tentage and sleeping pallets of gathered grasses and animal skins. The basic gruel over the fire, an on-going cook up meal in the cauldron that gets added to as hunters bring more trappings in from day to day, may reveal some interesting odours. What will be on the menu today? Come along and find out. You will find yourself made very welcomed. Crn Molesworth & Magellan Streets, Lismore 10am – 2pm

About Rognvald's Lith

Rognvald’s Lith is a Dark Age medieval society based in Lismore, NSW. The group re-enacts authentic Viking ways of life in Europe from 800AD to 1100AD. This includes fighting styles, weapons, armour, crafts, clothing, cooking and living. All of the items are handmade and based on information gained from archaeological finds. The group regularly attends events such as the Abbey Medieval Festival and is available for school performances where children can learn about Viking times.

 Rognvald’s Lith meet and train every fortnight at St Mary’s Oval, behind Trinity College from 10am-2pm. New members are always welcome.

Contacts

Greg O’Meara (VVS Organiser) 0419 330 873
rognvaldslith@gmail.com
rognvaldslith.com
facebook.com/VikingVillageSolstice

Viking Village Solstice
Jolly Fields, Lismore
Enter off Uralba Street, next to Oakes Oval, Lismore
http://www.lanternparade.com/…/viking-village-solstice/p/110

ABBEY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

Transport yourself to a place where history and fantasy merge into a breath taking world at the Abbey Museum Medieval Festival in 2016. This premier event at the Abbey Museum in Brisbane transforms sunny Queensland into a medieval wonderland every July. Come for the exquisite detail of our re-enactment camps, cheer the jousting and falconry, gorge on the sizzling meats and fine mead, and leave with the taste of history on your lips and doublet. Our attractions beguile young and old, and won’t cost a king’s ransom.

Abbey Medieval Festival 11th and 12th of July 2015

When Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones goes authentic.

Medieval times inspire the fantasy and fiction we all love, so come and see an authentic recreation of this fascinating era. Our re-enactors bring you the sights and sounds of many medieval periods both familiar and exotic: Viking raiders and traders, Middle-Eastern warriors and nomads, and nobles and peasants from the great European households.

Over two weeks in July 2016 the Abbey Museum will host:

• The Medieval Banquet: Sumptuous medieval dining and entertainment, at two Medieval Banquets, Seats book out quickly!
• The Abbey Museum Medieval Tournament: Jousting tournaments, falconry, medieval villages, authentic medieval costumes, swords and shields, puppet shows, gypsy dancing, Turkish oil wrestling. Visit the Friar’s Folly Tavern for mead and medieval music and a Medieval Market offering an array of food, clothing, craftsmanship and more.

Kids Dig It! Medieval Family Fun Week: new to the calendar in 2016, kids and their families will be able to enjoy the Abbey Museum’s renowned children’s school holiday programs, at the Abbey Museum from the 27th of June until the 1st of July.

Of all Brisbane museums, the Abbey prides itself on being the one to bring history to life – come and live history at the Abbey Medieval Festival!

See the magic for yourself. Tickets for the 2016 Abbey Medieval Festival go on sale mid February.
https://abbeymedievalfestival.com/

 

The Abbey Medieval festival fondly known as the Abbey, and the Abbey Medieval Tournament is Australia's premier medieval event, held annually each July

IRONFEST

15-17 April 2016

‘An Arts Festival with a Metal Edge’ – Ironfest celebrates working and playing with metal. Held annually in Lithgow on the closest weekend to Anzac Day, Ironfest brings together artists, designer/makers, blacksmiths, performers of all kinds, musicians, historical re-enactors and machine enthusiasts & hobbyists from all over Australia, and the world.

http://ironfest.net/

 

 

 VIKING CULTURE DAY (Jorth Gar NVG)

Sunday 11th of September 2016

102 Curtis Road, North Tamborine (Tamborine Mountain) QLD 4272

Come watch and talk with Jorth Gar NVG Viking mercenaries at our very own show. Featuring displays of skill at arms with armoured combatants, blacksmithing, weaving, food, archery targets, live archery (you get to shoot at the armoured warriors), javelin and axe throwing competitions, and more.

Join our Viking Culture Day Facebook page to be informed of changes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/450934854940791/

ST IVES' MEDIEVAL FAIRE

24-25 September 2016

Get ready for two of the most exciting days you’ll ever have!

Join thousands of other Sydneysiders and enter a magical world at the third annual Medieval Faire at St Ives Showground.

The two-day festival is unlike anything you will see in Sydney. This eye-popping event is designed to keep you and your family bedazzled all day.

Watch some of the world’s best jousters compete in the Tournament of St Ives. Witness battle scenes from history re-enacted by costumed warriors. Marvel at birds of prey as they swoop and attack on command. This is a truly medieval experience in your own backyard!

Dress up as your favourite medieval character and be in the running to win great prizes.

A spellbinding event from open to close!

http://www.stivesmedievalfaire.com.au/

For a list of more festivals/events around Australia - visit http://thehappyviking.com.au/events/

6 Reasons to Learn Leatherwork (or any new skill)

 

6 Rewards of Learning Leatherwork (or any new skill)

When you make the decision to learn a new skill, your main focus might be what you’re going make and perhaps what you can do when you finish the course or workshop but you might not have thought about the other rewards.  I’m sure there’s more but here are 6 that I can think of:

1.    Brain exercise

Our brains are lazy!  Generally they don’t like working out, thinking or problem solving.  Learning a new skill is like exercising your brain.  It expands your mind.

2.    Something to look forward to

Whenever we have something new in our lives, there’s always a level of excitement and anticipation.  When you learn a new skill you will be thinking about the possibilities, what you’re going to be able to make and what’s coming up in the next lesson.  Just as important as being in the now, having something to look forward to encourages us to move forward.

3.    New conversation piece

Next time you talk to your friends and they ask what you’ve been up to, you’ll have something new to talk about!

4.    New opportunities

Who knows where your new skill may take you.  You could discover your passion or calling in life – something you felt was missing.  Doors can open, opportunities for making money may come your way and the people you meet might change your life.

5.    A different perspective

We all see things differently but think about watching a movie for the first time, being captivated by the scenery and the story line and being taken into another world.  You’re probably not thinking of much else.  Then think about watching the making of that movie.  If you watch the movie again, you won’t see it the same way.

Learning a new skill is the same.  You’ve probably seen hundreds, maybe thousands, of leather products during your life but never thought more about them other than you like them or you don’t.  Once you understand the characteristics of leather, learn about it’s history and what you can make with it, you will have a whole new appreciation of handmade craft and a completely different perspective.

6.    It’s great for your soul

Taking a break from your usual routine, getting out of the house, giving yourself time to focus on something other than what goes on every day is refreshing and revitalising for your soul.  It charges your batteries and gives you confidence.

As I said before, I’m sure there’s more.  If you can think of some, feel free to add them.
Interested in learning a new skill now?  Take a look at The Happy Viking workshops and learn leatherwork

Learn How to Make Leather Products of Your Own

For years people kept asking me if I would teach leathercraft but my answer was always "no".  It wasn't because of not wanting to be with people.  I'm a people person!  :)  I guess I was just scared.  Fear held me back.  I used to think, "What if the students ask me a question that I don't know the answer to?"  Now I realise that no one ever knows everything about a topic - no matter how much of an expert they are.  So, if I don't know, I can just be honest and say, "I don't know but will find the answer for you!"  It's not hard is it?  Funny how we (people in general) always seem to let those fears get in the way of greater opportunities.

Not now! :)

With my 5th workshop coming up, now I'm wondering why I let that fear hold me back for so long.

The workshops have been GREAT!  Students have been really enjoying learning the history of leather, the characteristics and seeing how much work is involved in making a piece.  The most common statement from the workshops so far has been, "Wow!  I never realised it would take so long to make this."

Learning how to make leather products completely by hand; punching holes, sewing saddle stitch, tooling, burnishing edges and more, students gain knowledge, skills and confidence to create their own products as well as gaining a whole new appreciation for leathercraft.

Workshops are held either over :

• one month - one morning a week for four weeks, or
• a weekend.

Held at my home in beautiful Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, these workshops are limited to 3 students to allow the individual attention that each student deserves.

For more information on these workshops, please visit: http://thehappyviking.com.au/introduction-to-handcrafted-leather-workshops/

Testimonials: http://thehappyviking.com.au/courses/testimonials-student-photos/