The Shire of Bastile du Lac presents...
Queen's Prize Tourney
The Queen's Prize Tourney is a supportive space designed to celebrate growth and craftsmanship. Whether this is your first time sharing your work or you're looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through every step of your journey from novice to competitor.
Welcome, New Artisans!
Step 1
Choose Your Craft
Explore historical arts and sciences to select a project that inspires your curiosity.
Your Artisan Journey
Entering the tourney is a rewarding process of growth and discovery. Follow these clear steps to bring your historical craft to life.
Step 2
Find Your Sponsor
Connect with an experienced artisan who will guide you through technical skills and documentation.
Step 3
Document Progress
Maintain a record of your process, failures, and successes to share at the final display.
Step 4
Tourney Day
Bring your completed work to the event to receive feedback and celebrate with the community.
Simple Rules for Simple Success
- Work Must Be Yours: Everything you show should be created by you. It’s okay to have help, but the vision and craft must be yours. Must have been made in the last year or so.
- Documentation: Keep it simple! A few pages explaining where you got your idea and how you made it is perfect.
- Everybody wins! Enter the tourney, get great feedback, leave with a prize. One entry per person.
- You must be present during the tourney to recieve feedback.
Finding Your Sponsor
Entering a tourney can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. Our community is built on the tradition of passing down knowledge. Sponsors are experienced artisans, holding a Grant or Peerage in the Arts, who volunteer to offer technical advice, documentation review, and moral support to help you shine. Whether you're refining a new skill or just need a friendly guide, we'll help connect you with someone who understands your craft.
Newcomer FAQ
Do I need to be an expert to enter?
Not at all! The Queen's Prize is specifically designed for novices. It's a supportive environment focused on learning and growth, not high-level competition.
What if my project isn't finished?
We encourage showing your progress! You can enter works-in-progress to get valuable feedback on your techniques and direction from experienced mentors.
Is documentation required for novices?
We ask for a simple summary of your process. Don't worry about academic perfection; just tell us what inspired you and how you made your piece. A photo, slideshow, or other media instead of a written work is always welcome. Download the handy form for ideas!
How do I find someone to help me?
That's what our sponsors are for! Ask your local group, join the Facebook page or reach out to the Wrangler to match you up with a member of the Order of the Crucible or Order of the Laurel.