Now wood burners, carvers, scrollers, and artists can adorn their finished work with custom Celtic designs. With more than 200 original patterns and clear, expert instruction, this book unravels the secret to creating Celtic knot work and its beautiful twists, braids and textures. More than a pattern book, artists of all skill levels, working in any medium, can learn how to create their very own stunning Celtic art. "This beautifully presented guide explores and explains the full spectrum of Celtic art during a critical period in its development. The in-depth instructions, suggestions, and demonstrations will make this an invaluable companion for artists wanting to master these intricate and timeless designs for their own work. But the wide appeal of this substantial book should also be stressed. The stunning and luxurious illustrations will delight anyone who is simply curious about the history of Celtic knot work and enjoys getting lost among its twists and textures." "This is an outstanding book that could be used in many different craft applications; from metalsmithing to wood block cuttings, to stationary design and more. I could think of many different ways someone could use this book to fit their craft medium, even t-shirt designs. The book even has a great feel to it. It is substantial, with slick pages and wonderful illustrations showing different Celtic patterns with details demonstrating how to re-create them. The first section of the book shows beautiful color illustrations of full blown Celtic designs that inspire. Chapter by chapter you will learn about patterns, plotting and graphing designs, and how to alter designs to fit within a specific format or space. Next you will learn about line enhancement and love knot designs, not to mention Viking animals, finials and fantasy creatures. While I had no prior Celtic pattern or design experience, I found this book to be inspirational and it provided me with great knowledge of Celtic designs that I could use in my crafts." Whether you are a designer, a craftsperson, or an artist, the Great Book of Celtic Patterns will offer you not only a historical overview of the origins of Celtic art but also a vast choice of designs from which you may create your own work. Take a Journey Through the Knotted Path of Celtic ArtIn Great Book of Celtic Patterns, nationally known artist and best-selling author Lora S. Irish introduces you to the influential art form known as Celtic Knot work and unravels the secrets to creating it's intricate and beautiful designs.With over 200 original patterns and easy-to-follow lessons that can be applied to a multitude of arts and crafts, you'll learn the basics of creating the knotted line and the simple twists and braids that form the basis of Celtic art. In no time, you'll be able to incorporate knot patterns and finials, such as animals, leaves, or scroll work, into an unlimited number of styles and layouts that can artistically stand alone or adorn any form of craft.Great Book of Celtic Patterns is the essential guide for any artist or crafter seeking to create the historical beauty of Celtic Art.Inside you'll Find:*The origins and history of Celtic art*Step-by-step instructions for creating twists, braids, and knotted lines*Easy Methods for crafting your own layouts and knot patterns*A guide to enhancing your work with color*A gallery of the author's Celtic knot work Lora S. Irish is an internationally known artist and author.In addition to her work as an author, in 1997, working from her home studio, Lora and her husband, Michael, created carvingpatterns website, an Internet-based studio focusing on online tutorials, projects, and patterns created exclusively by Lora for crafters and artisans. The website offers more than 1,500 patterns in various subject categories, including Americana, Animal and Wildlife, Celtic Knots, Dragons and Beasts, Nautical and Sea Life, Spirit People, and many more. Lora continues to provide new patterns-and inspiration to many artists-at the site. Lora also contributes a regular relief carving pattern column to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine and is a frequent contributor to Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts magazine.