Celtic Jewellery
Twenty To Make Series

by Amanda Walker

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Some things are timeless, and the art of the Celts appeals just as much to us as it did to them, over a thousand years ago. All that complex knotwork, fantastic beasts and swirling patterns are not just good for adorning manuscripts and metalwork, however; it also looks great turned into eye-catching contemporary jewellery.

This book makes the most of the vast array of craft media available these days and interprets Celtic style using such diverse materials as PMC, scrapbooking paper, novelty brads, fabric flowers, felt and a variety of yarns. Tie knots, work with some lovely Celtic beads, braid, use buttons, and twirl silk-covered wire to great effect, making twenty different pieces and having another twenty variations to get the creative juices flowing for your own designs. Some prior knowledge of the chosen media is useful, and in many cases essential, although instructions are given for each piece. These books are small, and if you are hoping for photographic step-by-steps you had better look elsewhere. For those, like this reviewer, with plenty of craft experience and lots of bits and pieces, this is a great addition to your library as it gets you to find new uses for all sorts of things you would not think of making into jewellery. A useful and often surprising book.