Happy summer!
I know it’s been a minute but we have finally launched a new kit offering!
Now you can build on your skills with our Viking Posament Bracelet Kit. This has been a really popular online and in person class so we decided to create a kit based on this beautiful bracelet project with an instructional video so you can work at your own pace. This is also a great rainy day activity if you find yourself stuck inside on vacation.
We promote pewter thread crafts which are mainly associated with Sámi groups that created and used spun pewter threads for braiding and embroidery starting around the 16th century.
But did you know that examples of gold and silver spun threads have been found in Viking Age burial graves in Birka Sweden that date from the 8th and 10th centuries?
Small sections of gold and silver plaited threads were located around the head, chest and wrist areas so it is speculated by researchers that these decorations could have been attached to a headband or other pieces of clothing or textiles. It’s a bit hard to tell since the textile or cloth disintegrated over time.
“Posament is a technique where metal wires or threads are braided and knotted into ornaments and then sewn onto textiles. Braiding and knotting can be used together or separately. (Annika Madejska –Posament: Pretty knots from Birka)
Our kits are mainly comprised of braiding techniques using pewter thread whereas the Viking Posament Bracelet Kit uses a knotting technique called the “Josephine” knot. It has been speculated that this knot work resembles one of the many kinds of knots used by sailors at sea. Since Birka was a trading center during the Viking period it’s possible that these designs made their way into the culture of the time.
A variety of Viking Age posaments have also been found in Denmark, Gotland, Hedeby, and Huddinge. (Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor – Birka Posaments)
After a little digging on ye old Internet I also discovered the Josephine knot was named after Napolean’s wife in the European culture but it is credited as originating in the Orient and is referred to as the double coin knot. It is also known as the lover’s knot symbolizing eternal love.
Whether you are an experienced bracelet maker or a first time maker, please note that this project is a bit of a challenge so it can be helpful to practice the Josephine knot with some yarn or nylon cord to get the technique down.
I would love to see your finished bracelets so don’t hesitate to reach out with photos and or any questions you may haveJ
It’s “knot” hard so give it a try! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist)
Don’t forget to subscribe and take 20% off your first order.
Stay tuned for more stories from my American Scandinavian Foundation fellowship adventures and Sámi silver research🙂
Happy crafting!