COSTUME MAKING NIGHT
—Courtly Love —
We invite you into a medieval fantasy of metal adornment. At this workshop, we’ll be crafting chainmail jewellery and wearables inspired by medieval regalia, ceremonial armour, and love tokens - reimagined through a queer, kink lens.
Join us for an evening of community, creativity, and hands-on making — a celebration of longing, craftsmanship, and chosen ritual.
Join us for an evening of community, creativity, and hands-on making as we prepare for Valentine’s Day at Courtly Love.
What we'll be making:
Participants will create chainmail and jewellery pieces such as necklaces, body chains, and hand jewellery that echo armour and adornment using rings, chains, pendants, and charms.
Whether your taste leans subtle and symbolic or boldly ceremonial, you’ll be guided in creating a piece that reflects your own version of courtly love.
WE PROVIDE:
All materials (rings, chains, connectors, clasps, pendants, charms)
Tools for assembly
Design guidance, templates, and visual inspiration
Support for beginners and experienced makers alike
WHAT TO BRING: Your Valentine’s energy, medieval fantasies, and any special objects you’d like to incorporate — heirloom-feeling jewellery, charms with meaning, found relics, or reclaimed chains. Pieces with stories are especially welcome.
No prior experience required — just curiosity and care.
YOUR GUIDE
The workshop is led by Jana, the maker behind Retro Renaissance - a part-time jewellery and wearable art brand exploring historical ornament through queer, contemporary, and kink-adjacent aesthetics. Jana has been creating chainmail jewellery and garments since early 2025, and regularly sells and showcases work at queer events. Retro Renaissance reimagines historical opulence and ritual adornment as pieces that feel devotional, erotic, and empowering.
ABOUT Courtly Love
This workshop is for our next large event for Valentine’s Day where we’ll be exploring all aspects of love through a medieval lens.