Designs from the Book of Kells: A Source Book of Designs Specially Adapted for Craftspeople and Artists (Design Source Books) - Softcover

Balchin, Judy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1844484173 ISBN 13: 9781844484171

Publisher: Search Press, 2009

Synopsis

Taking inspiration from The Book of Kells—an ancient illuminated manuscript that contains the four Gospels of the New Testament and was translated by Celtic monks—this crafter's companion features more than 100 designs that can be easily used and employed by artists. From interlaced patterns and stylized figures to intriguing animals and mythical beasts and birds, this collection will strike a chord with any artist who has an interest in Celtic art or history. An accompanying CD-ROM that features each of the designs, which can be reproduced at any scale, is also included.

About this title

About the Author

Judy Balchin is a designer of book jackets, television titles, and craft kits and runs workshops in silk, glass, and porcelain painting. She is the author of numerous crafting books, including Decorative Painting, Handmade Art Nouveau Cards, and Making Christmas Cards.

Review

The beautifully illustrated Book of Kells has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists from multiple disciplines for many years. In this book, Judy Balchin presents over 100 line illustrations that are typical of the Book of Kells and can be used in many ways. Judy also explores the latter with sixteen projects. There are, however, no how-to's- simply a note on which design was used and how the project was made. The line drawings are beautifully done and a CD also accompanies the book, making this a good resource for all artists and crafters. The designs can be reproduced at any size. This 48 page book represents great value for money.-KarenPlatt.co.uk To anybody at all interested in Celtic art there is nothing quite as impressive - or as quintessentially Celtic - as the Book of Kells. Produced in the 9th century, this bright, beautiful and stylized book with its illuminations and "carpet pages" has captivated artists and craftspeople for years. Celtic art is currently enjoying a wave of popularity and whatever your project, you are sure to find something in here to inspire you. You don't even need to turn the scanner on as for anybody with a computer this book comes with a CD of all the designs. I've had these before and am used to small, blocky images but these .tifs are large (usually at least 5") and high resolution (a generous 472dpi). You don't have to install them either; they will pop up in Windows Explorer of your chosen graphics program ready for saving onto your hard drive for use. Choose from knotwork, figures, fabulous beasts, birds and carpet pages and if your imagination needs a kick start, there are several large color photographs of other people's work. There are no staged projects in here, but explanations as to how the objects were made and some materials used. A pencil case, ceramic pot, book cover, letter rack, greetings card and more showcase what these designs look like when reproduced in embroidery, metal embossing, parchment craft, ceramic painting and more. A very useful treasure for any crafter's keeper shelf.-Myshelf.com Designs from the Book of Kells has a few projects, but it is similar to coloring books, made up mostly of line drawings of design elements from Kells illuminations that can be copied.-Library Journal USA

Edition details

• Publisher: Search Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1844484173
• ISBN 13: 9781844484171
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 48