Tag Archives: Sharing information

Early Medieval Iron Making

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

This movie is the first thing I ever saw about early iron production. And it fascinated me completely. Literally combining the four elements in the process to make something. Earth + water make cobb Air dries the oven Fire breaks … Continue reading →

Posted in Documentary, History, Living history, Movies, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FREE Vihuela plans!

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Yes you read it correctly. As a summer surprise I’m giving away one of my plans for free… A year ago some of my students at the Bouwerskontakt lutherie course asked whether they could make some historical instruments. A baroque … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Guitar Plans, Lute, Music, Projects, Research, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

A special parlor: The Grunewald “Harp-Guitar”

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

One of the perks of guitar making are the special guitars that sometimes pass the shop. And being a somewhat quirky person I somehow manage get some of the oddest pieces of guitar history. Like this 10-string “Harp-Guitar” made by … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Guitar Plans, History, Movies, Music, Projects, Restorations, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

King David and his pretty little lyres

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

When researching the old European lyres there are two pictures that always keep surfacing: The Vespasian Lyre Probably the most famous is the one of King David in the Vespasian Psalter (Southern England, 2nd or 3rd quarter of the 8th … Continue reading →

Posted in History, lyre, Music, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Dutch Tool Chest

Posted on May 13, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

During the days at the Batavia Shipyard it became clear to me that I want two new toolboxes, destined for the re-enactment events. The reason is that some of my tools are simply too dear to me to expose them … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Re-enactment, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Demodag at Baptist Tools

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Last Saturday I attended the “demo-day” at Baptist Toolshop in Arnhem. They invited three other woodworkers and toolmakers like Tormek, Record Power and Mafell to show their goods and innovations… My neighbour was bowyer Simon van der Heijden, who makes … Continue reading →

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Forging ahead

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It’s a craft that always captivated me: blacksmithing. The art of working and shaping metal into useable objects. I was always fond of the “Skippers of the Kameleon“, a Dutch series of childrens books, written by Hotze de Roos. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects, Research, Tools, Uncategorized, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A 17th century “Dutch Plane” – (free plans!)

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

In 1628 the Swedish warship Vasa set out for its maiden voyage. With 64 canons on 2 decks it was the pride of the Swedish marine. But this was shortlived; after only one mile she keeled over, water poored trough … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Lyra-cittern

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Time goes by rapidly. So much to do and so little time. But at least I am busy enough to keep me off the streets. This saturday my 2018 re-enactment season starts with two weekends at the “Batavia Shipyard” in … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Lute, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Carving along…

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

As you know I am always on the lookout for inspiration. This can literally be found anywhere: nature, books, movies, etc. But works by other craftsmen and -women often prove to be the best examples. Like this “Boerenwagen” (Farmers-wagon) encountered … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Lute, Research, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment