Draw Your Own Celtic Designs

The utilization of simple step-by-step illustrated instructions for creating Celtic designs is the best I have seen in any book. The use of grids or graph lines helps beginners to develop a 'map' for drawing out the lines, curves and other design components. Helps build skill and confidence in being able to draw increasingly complex patterns.

This book is attractively done and contains a number of photographs of actual Celtic work which is helpful. The book contains chapters on Knots, Spirals, Key Patterns, Animals and Beasts, and Celtic Lettering. All of these chapters are well done and would probably be helpful and interesting to even those who who have experience with the subject...with the exception of one chapter.The chapter on knots, the chapter that many readers will be most interested in, is (in my view) not as good as the other sections of this book. David James uses a grid system which seems a little more complex than some other grid systems, and that grid system is presented with little explanation of how it works in the drawing of Celtic knots. Also the use of 'break lines' is introduced without explanation of why they are important, or how they function. Because of that, beginners may find it difficult to distinguish between the line of the knot and the break lines that control the configuration of the knot.It really is a good book, but those who have a particular interest in the drawing of knots might need to supplement this book with another on that subject.

I like to draw and design mandalas, and I wanted to make some Celtic ones. I never thought I would be able to, but this book gives step by step instructions and techniques (for example using tracing paper). I wouldn't have figured out the fancy knotwork on my own. It also has nice section about Celtic art and history. I highly recommend this book, you don't have to be a skilled artist to learn how to make the basic patterns.

This book not only shows/teaches you how to draw celtic designs, but it also gives a little background history on the who/what/where/when/why of celtic artwork and designs. It doesn't go into so much detail that you get bored, tho, which is nice. The instructions for how to draw celtic knots and designs are in "stages". It's like looking at any typical "How To Draw ____" kind of book. I found this book to be helpful, informative, and easy to follow.

Overall, it's a good beginner book. I would say that kids starting around the age of 10-12 would probably be able to copy from it and get nice results with some guidance.I would recommend Aidan Meehan's books if you are looking for something more in depth for teenagers and adults.However, I admit I had to sit with Aidan's book for a little while before I grasped what was going on in it.The Celtic Goldsmith on You Tube also has some nice little videos For free on how to draw various designs.Good Luck everyone! Happy doodling.

I love this book and it promises many pleasant times drawing Celtic designs. It really shows step by step how to do each kind of design.

I bought another book on this subject and literally could not figure out the first lesson. I bought this book and made my first Celtic knot within minutes. It's easy to understand and I like working with the grid, instead of dots.

I have over a dozen books on Celtic Motif design. This one has the most clear instructions on how to actually draw them, ie, where to place your compass points. The styles are not comprehensive, but its a great manual that has helped me understand HOW these designs are made, so I can create my own. Highly recommended.

Die meisten Anleitungen sind ein- bis zweiseitig. Das macht sie übersichtlich. Aber manchen Schritt hätte ich mir detaillierter gewünscht, was aber sicher an meiner mangelnden künstlerischen Ader liegt.

I'm currently building an Irish harp and was looking for some guidance in marking out a Celtic-knot design to decorate it with. This book is a very clear step-by-step guide as to how to set out and build up the designs suitable for any number of artistic projects - exactly what I was looking for! Highly recommended!

Excellent livre pour le pas à pas de techniques pas toujours evidentes

少しカリグラフィーの基本知識は合った方が良いけれど、コンパスと三角定規があれば始められます。デザインだけを紹介している素敵な本もあるけれども、こういう初歩の初歩の考え方を提示してくれる教本は価値ありです。ただし、わたしはイラストレーター（ソフトウェア）で基本グリッドなどは自分用に作っています。要は使いようですね。

Of all the books I have on the subject this is the best because it is the best described and makes it easy to master the Celtic designs. If you are a beginner I would recommend this book because it easy to follow and will get you going producing Celtic design work of your own.