The circle might have been man’s first artistic representation. No straight lines exist in nature but curves, circles and spirals definitely do. Circles and circular motion is everywhere and the spiral follows quite naturally - in shells and the seed configuration in flowers.

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 in nature such as shells, flowers and the apparent movements of the stars and planets inspired the art of the ancients.

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. And spirals, in various degrees of complexity have been found in art across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. But here in Scotland, as across Britain, spiral designs can be found on everything from enamelled bronze ornaments to stone monuments.

Key patterns, which are simply spirals with straight lines, have been found as ornaments dating as far back as 25,000 years BCE.

What we call Celtic designs may possibly 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.

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.

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

Oh, and by the way, both male and female tawny owls are very occasionally known to make both calls, it is generally the female that kee-wicks and the male that hu-hu-hooooos.

If you are wondering what I’m talking about, see my Tawny Owl Journal Cover.