When I'm working on a novel, especially when I'm just feeling my way back into something after a break, I don't allow myself to read fiction. Instead I've been poring over delicious pictures of Anglo-Saxon jewellery, almost pornographic in their lusciousness. These web pix don't do justice to the brilliance of the stuff--Anglo-Saxons absolutely loved their sparklies--perhaps they'll give you an idea.
Here's something called the Kingston Brooch, mainly gold and cloisonne enamel.
a belt buckle (a belt buckle!)
necklace, in cabochon garnet and gold
and here's a detail of the ear flap on a helmet
This stuff makes me understand the A-S stories of dragons and their hoards. Just looking at it makes me feel all lustful and dragonish.
Oh, and I've just counted and realised this is my one hundredth blog post. I forget, sometimes, how young this venue is: just a little over three months. Thank you all for stopping by and joining in.
