Firstly, I think CDs should be during term time. We sometimes have one, sometimes two. Its happened before that the termtime one gets cancelled and the 8th week one happens. This is partly coz it takes a lot of time to organise a serious crafts day and we haven't got round to it in term time. it's also partly coz we've got more time in 8th. Often they've been 'maintenance' days, fixing spears together and fixing helmet straps, that kinda thing.
Secondly, I think they should have more focus. For example, if we want to make shields this involves first sourcing and obtaining the wood, getting the patterns, working out how many shields we can get from how much wood, getting the tools, getting a location where we can use the tools, cutting them out…and that's just to get the blanks. Some of this has been done by Jon already and we should liase with him further to get this going. if anyone wants to volunteer, i'll forward you the details i;ve got, as i really don't have time anymore.
That is a reasonable amount of organisation required. It needs somebody to be dedicated to the job of sorting it out, and it needs to be done weeks in advance. I would suggest to highlight the change of focus, although its just cosmetic/terminology, that it should be called 'Shield Day' rather than crafts day.
If we're doing other things, like onion dying, that maybe takes less organising? (Maybe not, I've not been involved). But as a rule, CDs require materials, tools, location (suitable for both tools and materials), patterns/instructions/experienced bods. Getting all these things together takes a fair bit of organising.
Right, i've just glanced over what i've typed and i've warbled. Summary: I think someone should have the specific role of 'CraftsMaster' or equivalent and deal with the logistics in the way that the Mistress of the Revels does with the feast. And I think that specific crafts should be focused on, allowing us to get them properly done.
