Celtic knots symbolise eternity - eternal friendship, love and loyalty.

Once, the portrayal of any of the works of the Creator was forbidden and so geometry and mathematics were used to make abstract works of art. It isn’t hard to see how the patterns of roots, leaves and stems in nature, and the rhythmic, regular interweaving of basketry became absorbed into art and led to the intricate, intertwining of ribbons that we now call Celtic knot work.

Their actual origins are ancient and lost in time, but artwork similar to the art of the Celts can be found in many guises across Asia and Europe. What we call Celtic designs appears to have originated with Asiatic peoples, thousands of years BCE, and may have been carried from the east to the west by travellers such as Alexander the Great or even Genghis Khan.

As Pagan as they may seem, Celtic patterns and representations were used extensively by early Christians and can be found across the Celtic world on stone crosses, churches and embellishing sacred texts such as the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels.

This hand carved and hand stitched leather journal or sketchbook slipcover comes from my 'Celtic' range.

Shown here in size A5, it fits a  standard A5 ‘Page per Day’ diary, A5 notebook or sketchbook. A4 and A6 covers may also be available.

All my products are hand-fashioned. That means that these hand-carved and hand-stitched leather slip covers can be personalised, making them ideal for that special, one-of-a-kind gift.

Please do get in touch if you wish to discuss your ideas and preferences.

Visit the Commission Enquiries page for a full customising service.

All Old Barn Leather journal covers come complete with an appropriately sized notebook.