Celtic Design and Symbol Books, Knot Work, Motifs at Mehndi Skin Art

	Aidan Meehan has a great ability to combine solid art history with the never-ending fascination of Celtic artwork without putting the reader off with excess pedantry. In this book in particular, his historic discussions surprised me on several occasions. My initial belief that Celtic art as an isolated form is that of a rank amateur, and Meehan does a fine job of disabusing me and showing how Celtic decoration and illumination started with oriental influences which then mixed with Teutonic and Viking to create a beautiful synthesis. Of course , the history is framed with Meehan's own renditions of the artwork, each with appropriate discussion of both their unique features and the interlinked development as Irish and Viking met first in conflict and then in trade. Since Meehan's primary audience is artists, he spends the best part of the book showing not just the patterns, but how they are formed and woven into a whole. Read more
	This book is an excellent clipart resource for those who have Celtic projects in mind. It has a variety of designs from smaller, comparatively simple knots, to intricate frame style knot work borders, bands, zoomorphic designs, key patterns and spirals. There are also two complete Celtic knot work alphabets, one uncial style alphabet, and another that's not really Celtic but very pretty nonetheless. I've used it already for several tattoos, and some graphics for my website as well. As with most of the Dover clipart books, there are very few Copyright restrictions, which is a great value at this price! Read more
	If you haven't seen the Courtney Davis Celtic t-shirts you may not know who he is. If you have, you probably own several, and already know to get this book. You may even have some and not realize it, many examples of her work are sold at Celtic fairs. The designs in the book are clear and good, can be used (with a little work with scissors, transfer pencils and plastic sheets) for either stencil, embroidery, a background for the paint-on stained glass decals, or scanned in for any purpose you would like. It's definitely a book to buy if you are building your Celtic crafts collection. Read more
	If you want to learn to draw Celtic knot work, you need this book. It explains in detail and excellently detailed color diagrams how to plot the points for many different kinds of knot work. From simple two-strand braids all the way up to interwoven animals, it is simply gorgeous and completely easy to understand. I can barely draw a straight line, yet I can use this book to create intricate designs for t-shirts, jewelry, embroidery and more. I've even had a couple friends who are tattoo artists borrow it to improve their techniques. Read more
	For artists, designers and craft workers 125 copyright-free designs depicting birds, human figures, mythological creatures, interwoven patterns and more, all meticulously adapted from centuries-old rune stones, religious symbols, furniture, manuscripts, sword hilts, cooking utensils, and other... Read more
	What is it about the arts of the ancient Celts that makes them so fascinating for today's fashions and jewelry, graphic design, and even architecture? It's as though their ancient magical powers still cast a spell over us. Feel the power, as you become familiar with the stories and the representations of the 50 most important symbol groupings. Illustrated texts reveal dozens of cultic figures featured in ancient Celtic rituals, including wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish, trees and flowers, numbers, spirals, crosses, circles, and many other designs. Each spread depicts the qualities and values they symbolize, with examples of characters and stories from ancient myths that can be incorporated into your favorite designs today. 304 pages, 5 6/8 x 7 1/2. Read more
	This is a great kit and a wonderful gift for any rubber stamper. It comes with black inkpad glued to the box top, 18 stamps, and a nice booklet that tells a little about Celtic people, their history, & the designs themselves. The images are not die-cut, but cut square as typical with plain foam mount stamps. However, unlike other cheaper kits, they are all ready indexed on a thin sheet of wood. Conveniently, there is a permanent stamp index on the bottom of the box so you can easily place the stamps back is their proper place. A variety of stamp designs and sizes are included. Designs feature mostly knot work and spirals. The biggest is a circle about 2" in diameter. There are 4 tiny stamps that measure about a half-inch. My favorite image 1 1/4" circle with knot work and three horses. Read more
	Courtney Davis has been one of the leading exponents of Celtic art for over 25 years. He has exhibited his paintings worldwide and since self publishing his first book in 1984, has been involved in the publication of over 35 more, many of which have become classics of Celtic art. He lives near Bridport, Dorset, England. Read more