I'm on a pillow box binge. Everybody likes them (check out last week's post Pillow Box Pockets . ) They are easy and fun to make (a wow moment when the construction puffs up, if you are a papercraft geek like me).
Today I thought I'd make a gift purse - flap closure. (You don't always have to use the pillow box sides as the openings.)
Okay. Purse designed. How to decorate it? I was browsing through Kerry Richardson's excellent book, Celtic Calligraphy
(reviewed here earlier in the year) - and I thought I'd have a go at designing Celtic knots (digital style, that is). I worked out a hearts entwined motif and a twisted border - the learning curve wasn't too steep. Will have another go soon.
Soo- here's the purse. (I've included a gift card enclosure, too.)
CelticKnotPillowPurse.pdf
CelticKnotPillowPurse.svg
CelticKnotPillowPurse.studio
Very easy to make - no tut required. Print, cut, score the folds. For super-sturdy holes, glue the reinforcements behind. The purse front pillow box folds (the marquise shapes) belong on top. For the handle, thread a ribbon through the holes and knot ends inside the box. A sticky dot makes for a re-sealable flap.
It would be appropriate to inscribe the gift card using a calligraphy felt-tip!
I'm not done with pillow boxes. I am keen to try a slide-close design...
I have some fancy folding for you today - 3-D Celtic Knot Embellishments. They look great in gold glimmer paper. The knots look impressively intricate - but you can learn to fold them with just a little practice. The basic knot shape is of one-piece construction, which is convenient --- and a nice party trick! All the knots work on the same principle: fold the "arms" to the centre, then swing the free side to the back. You can catch a hoop in the loops for an extra-fancy touch - loop-de-loop deluxe.
Print the Celtic Knots template onto the wrong side of the paper, then cut and fold. There are tutorials for each shape of knot.
There's also a download for a bag topper. The idea is that a cello pack of Celtic Knot embellishments would make a welcome gift for a calligrapher or card-maker: 3-D illuminated manuscripts!
Fix the knots onto your project with sticky dots.
Here are your downloads:
CelticKnots.pdf
CelticKnotBagTopper.pdf
I've done tutorial sheets for the three knot shapes - the squares, the trefoils, and the hearts:
If you'd like to learn how to design your own 2-dimensional Celtic Knots, these books by Sheila Sturrock are great:
Celtic Knotwork Handbook
Celtic Spirals Handbook
Both books are from GMC Publications Ltd. Neither title is new - but they are worth tracking down. The first title is available used and new, the second is still in print. Each title de-mystifies the process of drawing Celtic Knots in a clear and user-friendly manner - and throws in a bit of history to boot. The books are intended for pencil-drawing, but if you've gone digital than the geometric principles still apply, of course.
Have fun illuminating your manuscripts, gifts, or cards.
