From the Inside Flap
In Medieval times many families worked together to accomplish the many chores that needed to be done. Families would also take in other people from outside to help. These groups of people lived together in house 'holds'. A 'hold' is a protected area of a village or castle. The house was given the name of the person who owned it, and that was how everyone referred to that home; for example House Smith, House Cooper, or House Drakstonne.
I was introduced to the Society for Creative Anachronisms in 1989, and was enchanted. There were so many people who wanted to 'Live the Dream' and work together. Several of my new friends and I got together often to learn more about the Middle Ages and began sewing costumes and making jewelry at my home. I chose the name House Drakstonne to represent our group; Drakstonne means 'Stone of the Dragon.' (I just love dragons!)
We started selling jewelry and costumes at Medieval events, and began looking for more medieval items people could not find. We did leather work and branched out into feast gear (eating equipment). Feast gear was very important during the Middle Ages. People had a set they would carry with them when they traveled. This usually consisted of a wooden bowl and a mug, but sometimes a plate and eating utensils, too. We searched through thrift shops all over the city, and collected a great assortment of rescued feast gear.
This led to the development of our own medieval wedding in 1994, and this great collection of research and resources.
About the Author
A true Gemini, Vanessa HandBeard has spent many years cultivating a variety of skills and interests such as jewelry making, web page design, painting, medieval studies, multimedia arts, psychic work and has even been a crew chief for a hot air balloon company.
Currently she is working with her psychic abilities in mediumship and intuitive work, along with her writing.
