Overview
Medium: Vegetable tanned leather; Fiebings leather dye; brush-on gold leaf; polished brass hardware
Technique: Pattern tooling; brush dying; large format embossing
Completed: January 2025
Origin: Contemporary (SCA, badge of the Midlands)
Commissioned By; Created For: Master Roland de Sullane
Notes
This piece was commissioned to serve as a traveling award for the regional rapier champion of Illinois, the Midlands Prima Spada (which translates to “First Sword of the Midlands”).
I was given pretty free reign in the design of the baldric, provided that it clearly visually represented the Midlands.
Taking inspiration from the Midlands badge, I set about creating the feel of leather made from the hide of a dragon, dyed red for the primary color of the region.
I also thought it fitting to have the badge itself on the piece, and created two custom stamps to emboss the image of the Midlands dragon on the shoulder and hip sections. The shoulder dragon was colored with brush-on gold leaf, and the baldric assembled with polished brass fittings to incorporate the badge’s gold.
I normally try to get the best pictures I can, but honestly these don’t do it the justice it deserves. I was honored to be asked to make this piece and hope it serves its purpose well!
Angist Arts 