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.

This online class will be conducted via Zoom, and though the class will take place from 9 am-3 pm, you won't be staring at the computer that whole time. 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.

NOTE: To make sure we can ship your materials in time, registration for this class closes September 28.

You will need the following tools for this class:

You will need a laptop or tablet and reliable internet to access this live online course. A phone can work in a pinch but a laptop or tablet works much better.

Each student will receive a mailed packet that will include all the materials needed for the project.
In addition to the mailed materials, you will need to have on hand:

• Scissors
• Rubber cement or tacky glue
• Magnifier glasses if needed for close work
• Thimble (if needed) for sewing

Feel free to have with you your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.