Compendium of Celtic Crafts

Drawing on the timeless appeal of Celtic art and design, which has attracted artists and craft workers for centuries, this book shows how Celtic themes can be applied to a range of contemporary crafts. Beginning with Celtic illumination, this chapter guides you carefully through the intricacies of Celtic design, showing you how to construct and decorate a selection of knotwork, spiral, key and zoomorphic patterns. The next chapter covers the basic principles of Celtic lettering and decoration, and this is followed by chapters on jewellery making using Celtic knotwork designs, glass painting and paper crafts. In every section, the materials and equipment you need are carefully explained, and there are clear, step-by-step instructions guiding you through a broad range of projects. This book provides not only a strong grounding in Celtic art and design, but also abounds with beautiful things to make - from necklaces, bracelets and earrings to picture frames, decorated goblets and greetings cards. This is a fantastic practical resource that will appeal to anyone inspired by the world of the Celts, whether they are absolute beginners who wish to learn a new craft or more experienced craft workers who want to learn more about Celtic design.

Chapters 1 to 4 are based on the following books published by Search Press:Celtic Illumination by Courtney Davis (2001), Celtic Calligraphy by Vivien Lunniss (1999, Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewellery by Suzen Millodot (2006), Celtic Glass Painting by Judy Balchin (2000) and Classic Glass Painting by Judy Balchin (1999). The projects in Chapter 5 are by Judy Balchin and are based on those published in The Complete Book of Celtic Designs (2008).

Judy Balchin studied art at Cardiff College of Art. Following this, she specialized in graphic design at Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone. After working as a graphics assistant at the BBC Television Centre, she joined Adverkit International Ltd as a lettering artist. This began her love affair with letters, producing book jackets, logos and television titles over many years. During this time, she also became involved in the craft world. She has appeared on television, worked as a craft demonstrator, designed craft kits and run workshops. She has produced more than 20 books on various crafts and is the author of many articles for craft magazines. Judy lives in Maidstone, Kent.

Suzen Millodot has always loved arts and crafts, and is the author of the very successful books Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewellery and Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewellery. She is an accomplished artist, having taught batik for many years in Canada, Hong Kong and Wales. She first developed a fascination for decorative knots whilst living in Wales and later in Hong Kong. Her jewellery now incorporates knots from all over the world and from all periods of history, and she complements the knots with unusual and exotic beads she has collected on her travels. She and her husband now live in Wales very close to their daughter and grandchildren. She occasionally teaches and continues to make original jewellery and wearable art using knots and macramé.

Vivien Lunniss' interest in calligraphy began many yerars ago with the gift of a fountain pen set for Christmas. Since then, the transition from hobbyist to freelance professional calligrapher has been achieved by studying hard and attending many workshops and courses. As a Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Scoeity Accredited Tutor, she is an enthusiastic and committed adult education lecturer. She also teaches workshops at various venues in the North West and is an external verifier for City & Guilds. Vivien undertakes both private and public commissions and lives in Cheshire with her husband and three children.