The Armour Archive

(This is an odd topic so I wasn't sure where to place it, this forum seems as good as any other)

So with the pending knighting coming up I have a plethora of folks offering to do this, that and the other to ensure everything goes smoothly.

It occurred to me today that I should probably arrange for gifts for these folks to express my gratitude.

Its probably best to arrange unique personal items but with time short (and plenty to do between now and then) a mass order of loot might be easier.

I was wondering what others did when they were in this situation.

Thanks in advance!

I would consider buying either beer/wine glasses or plain bottle openers, then use a stencle to etch a design on to them add some cord or a leather strap to hang from the belt.
A cricut machine works well to cut the stencle.

Depending on the quality cut can run $1-5 plus about 10-20 minutes per piece. less if you have experiance or do large numbers at once.
Last time I did this I used armoretch cream, a heraldic stencle, and cut the image into a sheet of overhead transparancy by hand.
One laurel made cloth game boards with silkscreen and included the game pieces for nine man moris. Instructions where printed on 1/2 sheets of aged resume paper, I think they sead the longest step in the process was sewing the button holes for the draw string.

Glass beads.
I've seen strings of glass beads used for "gifting" both while on vigil (singel bead per vistor) and full strings for people who did cool stuff, like food, garb, et al.

AND its very viking!

You volunteering to make em?

Halvgrimr wrote:You volunteering to make em?

If I had my studio up and running yes. But, I don't. However, Roise and Sorcha (part of Eringlen's and Alethea's household) are all about the bead making.

You could also strike some coins. That would be pretty cool.

InsaneIrish wrote:You could also strike some coins. That would be pretty cool.

I agree.


P1010319 by Derian le Breton, on Flickr


P1010331 by Derian le Breton, on Flickr

I made a bunch of fine silver bracteates for my vigil, they were a hit!

-Derian.

Booze is always an appropriate gift in my neck of the woods.

Hmmmm
Booze.......

Do you sell custom coins?

Derian le Breton wrote:

InsaneIrish wrote:You could also strike some coins. That would be pretty cool.

I agree.


P1010319 by Derian le Breton, on Flickr


P1010331 by Derian le Breton, on Flickr

I made a bunch of fine silver bracteates for my vigil, they were a hit!

-Derian.

olaf haraldson wrote:Do you sell custom coins?

Infrequently, and I have a looong queue at the moment.

-Derian.

Another period option might be to give armrings. A length of thick copper wire is not too expensive and can be obtained at Home Depot or Lowes. Each armring would take maybe 10 mins of work to cut, hammer and punch your designs then bend to shape.

Since cooking is my art form, I gave everyone a small bottle of long-pepper and paprika infused olive oil.

Finnvarthr Finnbogason wrote:Another period option might be to give armrings. A length of thick copper wire is not too expensive and can be obtained at Home Depot or Lowes. Each armring would take maybe 10 mins of work to cut, hammer and punch your designs then bend to shape.

I like this!!

Or maybe an arm ring around a bottle of booze for Kelby....

I had a surprise vigil and had no gifts for those that threw together my knighting. I personally don't know any knights that gave gifts back. I didn't give gifts to people that got me wedding presents either, but thank you seemed to cut it.

Do your best to set a good example and many will be gifted.

Uric

Blackoak wrote:I had a surprise vigil and had no gifts for those that threw together my knighting. I personally don't know any knights that gave gifts back. I didn't give gifts to people that got me wedding presents either, but thank you seemed to cut it.

Do your best to set a good example and many will be gifted.

Uric

I like this.

Although, in Calontir, it's not unheard of for the person receiving the peerage to give "cool dubius's" out to those who really worked hard on the occasion. It's not required, nor expected, but it's not all that uncommon around here.

I gave out small painted boxes (think ring box sized) filled with my favorite diet killer - M&Ms. To those that helped out we gave some small sewn pouches with a variety of little knicknacks. Not even the least bit period or authentic, but keeping with my and my lady's quirky sense of humor.

Oh, and two open beer coolers Saturday night. That was a big hit.

I like the idea of a "thank you" feast. It seems appropriate, and adds to the fun. Not that I have any experience with vigils, I'm just saying I like food and beer after I work hard



Marcus

Having just finished my vigil for knighthood in the Midrealm, I think I can say that there was no perceived expectation of gifts from those that came and spoke to me. I was told that the small feast outside of my vigil room was my way of saying thank you to my visitors.

I certainly understand wanting to give back though and personally plan to make thank you gifts for those that helped me out with setting up my vigil and preparing for my elevation ceremony. I plan to personalize the gifts to the person and have no intention of hurrying on them. Those that helped did so because they wanted to and I think will be touched regardless of how long it takes.

Gregoire de Lyon wrote:I certainly understand wanting to give back though and personally plan to make thank you gifts for those that helped me out with setting up my vigil and preparing for my elevation ceremony.

My knight had me set up my own vigil tent. He told me had volunteered it for something or other.
I was simply told to "shut the fuck up" as I complained about him always volunteering ME for everything!

I got a ton of humility out of that evening, so I guess that counts as a thank you for me from me.
It remains a very surreal memory.

Congrats again Hal.

Uric

Blackoak wrote: My knight had me set up my own vigil tent. He told me had volunteered it for something or other.
I was simply told to "shut the fuck up" as I complained about him always volunteering ME for everything!

I got a ton of humility out of that evening, so I guess that counts as a thank you for me from me.
It remains a very surreal memory.

Congrats again Hal.

Uric

Funny, everytime I tried to help with something they told me to shut up and sit down. Maybe different people get different lessons. Who knew?

Congraulations Halv, you earned it. My wish to you is that your vigil and elevation be just as wonderful, just as profound, and just moving as mine was.

All My Best - Martin

Thanks guys!

I am used to wrangling cats, making lists and to some extent micro managing things so its odd because I am getting the 'don't worry about anything its all taken care off' thing too:)

I got some outstanding folks handling things though so I know it will go well:)

I also understand its not expected of my to grant gifts but I am pretty big believer in the ideals of largess:)