Some of the most fascinating objects demonstrating medieval craftsmanship have come from Viking burials of the 9th and 10th centuries in Sweden. The term “posament” refers to a method of knotting and braiding wire into ornaments used to decorate textiles. In this online class students will practice the art of posament using nylon cords to perfect either a “Josephine” or a triangular series of braided knots. We will then construct a length of knots using pewter coiled thread (96% tin + 4% silver) and sew the finished braid to a softened leather strip to create a bracelet. A pewter button finishes off the bracelet. We'll decide as a class when to take breaks and turn the video screens off to work on our projects individually, coming back together at key moments throughout. 

*Note: Students will receive kits with all the necessary materials included by mail in advance and are welcome to practice posament knots using the enclosed nylon cord and printed visual directions before the class date.

Required Tools

• Scissors
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Rubber Cement or Aleene’s Tacky Glue
• Thimble if needed
• Good lighting
• Extra magnification (cheater glasses or other if needed for close work)

Optional Tools

• Tweezers