Celtic Alphabets: with Borders and Motifs

Jun 10

The eleven different alphabets presented in Celtic Alphabets range from strong and simple designs through to more complicated and intricate Celtic letters. Each alphabet is offered as a colored and black and white version. The colored version shows how the alphabet could look when it is colored, however the black and white version is likely to be the most flexible option. The black and white alphabets are presented with several letters on a page. Users can scan or photocopy these and resize the images. Ideas for projects and different techniques are dotted throughout the book. These give an inspirational insight into how the alphabets can be used. In addition the suggestions given in the book, the images can be used as templates for stamp carving, used as stencils, cut out from paper and used as embellishments for rubber stamping projects or transfered directly to a page by tracing to form part of a design. The Celtic letters have strong ornate outlines which work particularly well in papercraft as well as needlecraft projects. This is a useful source book and the addition of project ideas helps to present a book that is ideal for crafters of all experience levels.

Feb 10

Celtic art is enjoying a revival at the moment, its sinuous shapes, jewel bright colors and fabulous beasts appealing to a wide range of people. Here is a whole book filled with alphabets for you to use in your art and craft projects. Plain alphabets with simple dotted outlines, ones with curlicues, others with fantastic beasts or human figures...just about every type of Celtic alphabet you can imagine in short. Here too are instructions on how to transfer the image, tips on coloring and gilding as well as some project ideas. I was surprised that these were all painted, and comprise pictures, greetings cards, wooden plaques, book covers and boxes. My own first thought was for embroidering monograms, or even icing onto cakes, or painting onto acetate...but then this only goes to show how a book like this gets the imagination working. Maybe you have all that is needed here in quite a chunky book packed with alphabets which obligingly stays open while you copy, trace or scan in your chosen letters. A useful resource.

Mar 10

Another excellent source book from Judy Balchin. Here Judy shows us the techniques used in creating Celtic alphabets, so useful for all craft projects, and some ideas for their use are included in this book. Eleven complete alphabets plus borders and motifs that are easy to use as templates for your own designs are included and and will enhance many craft projects. In addition to the Celtic alphabet Judy has included numerals, borders and motifs in both modern and traditional styles. These wonderfully versatile letters can be used to decorate many craft projects. In addition to the alphabets themselves, popular author Judy Balchin has included numerals, borders and motifs as well as modern and traditional Celtic styles. All of the alphabets are presented both in colour and black-and-white which makes using them very easy. Throughout the book are the most beautiful illustrations of completed projects using the letters or the wonderful intricate and symmetrical designs so typical of the Celtic theme that will inspire any enthusiastic crafter.

June 10

The alphabets in this book come from the author being inspired by the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels, using the designs found therein to create new works for predominantly watercolours, crayons and gold leaf. There is also a section using numerals, borders and motifs to add to your work with the lettering.

The designs are bold and of a good size, and could easily be adapted to making stencils, applying fabric paint direct, or using stitch to transfer onto fabric. Each set of alphabets contains a black and white set at the end which you can use to enlarge or reproduce on the photocopier. It is also spiral-bound if you prefer to trace the letters, which helps keeping the pages flat. The alphabets are of varying styles and sizes, and there is a lot in inspiration inside, especially if you're interested in exploring the use of lettering in your work.

June/July 10

Monograms and lettering often feature in embroidery and the curling curves of Celtic calligraphy provide endless inspiration. Whether you choose to stitch a name, a quotation or even just a single letter, the numerous different designs offer plenty of inspiration. There are clear instructions for transferring the designs and adding colour. The techniques described are for use on card or paper, but they could also be used on fabric - and then it's up to you to decide on the style of stitching you want to use. Who knows - you could soon be stitching your own Book of Kells or Lindisfarne Gospel!