Sept 06
I was delighted to be asked to review this book as I had found great inspiration in the Authors earlier book " Chinese Knots for Beaded Jewellery". I am pleased to say that this second book is not a disappointment.
It is visually attractive to look at, with clear and concise instructions and diagramns for tying the knots.The colourful photos of the completed jewellery show the attractive designs to great effect, and will I'm sure be a source of inspiration to jewellery makers.
The Publishers are aware of the errors on P42/43 regarding the tying of the flat Turks Head knot and have made corrections for future editions of the book. They will be pleased to supply a copy of those corrections to anyone with an earlier edition.
This book contains a little information about the history of Celtic designs. And whilst there are plenty of books on the market for a more in-depth study, anyone wishing to apply Celtic designs to jewellery, will find this is a very useful book. Suzen has some excellent ideas for the combination of knots, cords and beads, which display the charm, sometimes simple, sometimes more intricate, of the Celtic patterns and weaves.I am sure that any jewellery maker or tyer of decorative knots can find inspiration here.
The book contains some very useful tips which could be applied to other areas of knot tying.I also like the ackknowledgement to her husband for the excellent meals he produced whilst Suzen was knot tying. Other knot tyers partners please NOTE.
Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewellery is a delightful book to have, either just to dip in and enjoy looking at, or to find inspiration for the knot tyers own efforts.
* Knotting Matters *
No. 82, 2006
Includes 18 projects after a brief history of the knots and a checklist of materials needed. Basic principles covered such as preparing and dyeing the cord and tying knots. Moves logically from simple to complex.
* Textile Fibre Forum (Australia) *
Mar 06
If you think that tying knots is for boy scouts and sailors, think again! And if you are one of those who loved Suzen Millodot's first book Chinese Knots For Beaded Jewellery (also reviewed on this site) then you will be, as I was, cheering and getting out your cork board.
Did Celts tie knots? There are many examples of lovely knotwork in their art, but actual knots do not exist. These knots make use of the knot patterns to appear in three dimensions, and also draw on old favourites from other lands such as King Solomon's knot to resemble Celtic art. In grand old Search Press style this book introduces the work of the Celts briefly and shows you what you need to buy (not much) and then it is on with the projects. These are lovely, and need a bit of practice to get right but the large colourful photos are a great help, as are the diagrams. Having both is a great boon, and all books ought to as each method of conveying a complex and intricate procedure such as knot tying is valid, and the two together make it so much easier. There is a helpful chart too showing differing lengths of necklace and how much rat tail or cord you need to buy, and even how much cord a knot button takes up (more than you think).
Once you start you won't be able to stop - highly addictive and just the thing to graduate to if you are a Scoubidou fan (or somebody on your gift list is).
* Myshelf.com *
Apr 06
You may wonder why I have included a beaded jewellery book, but when I looked through it I could see the potential to use the Celtic knot designs as "tassels" and other embellishments on quilts etc.
The step-by-step photographs are clear and informative as usual from Search Press
You could just make the jewellery, as I know many of you have various hobbies.
* THE QUILTING WEB *
Apr 06
Search Press is one of my favourite craft publishers and I have got lots of their books. This book has 18 fun projects. For the last couple of years I have been very interested in Celtic knots and I've been looking for a very good book showing how to create them. Now I have finally found one...In this book the projects get more beautiful as you progress.
(Keith, aged 12)
* Education Otherwise *