Oh man was I torn on how to go about this one. Meara had requested a personal commission based on the Vespasian Psalater, but the wording didn’t quite work out for that layout. I could have made it work, but it would have been a little more limiting if I stuck with that style. So I elected on a legal document, with a Cadel directly from the Mira Calaigraphea. This also gave me the opportunity to include a pen drawing of the actual Cornet being passed down to them. The cornet was passed to them as they were the next in the Protege family to receive a Court Barony. This is a first for me, so I was kind of excited!
The cornet was in my wife’s possession at the time, so I was able to grab a large amount of black fabric, created a backdrop and started taking pictures. Now, I’m no professional photographer, and my phone is only so good (iPhone 11), but I managed to get what I wanted. Next up was to try and get something of a line sketch of it. I opened it up in GIMP, converted it to B&W, then threw the “find edges” filter at it.
From there I was able to throw it on my tracing board, throw the perg over top and go to town. I decided to not attempt the metal shading, I’m not that brave yet with my pen work. Next time I think I’m going to print two, one for under the Perg and one to compare against as I’m going. I’m pretty happy with the sresult.
Words – by Aislinn Chiabach
Let it be known that We, Matthew and Fiamuin, Majesties of this Eastern Realm, by right of Arms in this office, in Our Barony of the Bridge, have this to say:
Where therein the Black Rose Ball is held
When there are no leaves, and the winds do blow
As dancers twirl with elegance beheld
Carefree in the hall’s comfort and free of snow
Here therein, a solid story forthwith
Of one when called, dropped all to lend their aid
Haring through the days for kingdom and kith
Showing how they enjoyed this roll they’ve played
For their staunch persistence on every task
Their joy when enacting this vocation
Favored such acclaims so now they can bask
In clear light of deserved recognition
These days praises sung to the assembled throng
As described so, they’re set to go forth strong
And such by Our will, We declare for Meara MacNeil this Barony of the Court is theirs.
With arms thus: (get thee to a book-herald)
