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A bit of everything

helponlineed — 2018-07-23 14:50:54 UTC

helponlineed — 2018-07-23 14:51:16 UTC

Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum

2018-10-08 12:45:37 UTC

Label used for meadmaking

2018-10-09 01:27:50 UTC

2018-10-09 16:27:14 UTC

2018-10-09 16:27:15 UTC

Kells Homework

2018-10-09 16:28:04 UTC

Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring.

Basic letters - I have never been artistic

2018-10-09 23:48:51 UTC

2018-10-10 14:37:48 UTC

Had some fun with ribbons.

Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL!

2018-10-10 17:25:32 UTC

Celtic cross

2018-10-10 19:30:28 UTC

I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl.

Celtic planter

2018-10-10 19:35:23 UTC

This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design.

No job in the scriptorium for me

2018-10-11 16:54:26 UTC

2018-10-11 16:54:32 UTC

Imaginary Page

2018-10-11 18:45:08 UTC

This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself.

2018-10-13 05:00:14 UTC

I

2018-10-13 08:03:41 UTC

cheryldyork — 2018-10-13 14:42:02 UTC

cheryldyork — 2018-10-13 14:42:38 UTC

My capital 'T'

2018-10-14 09:57:39 UTC

The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith

2018-10-14 10:02:46 UTC

a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne

2018-10-14 17:23:01 UTC

Scribe I am not!

2018-10-14 17:26:08 UTC

I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!!

Chi Rho

2018-10-14 20:24:51 UTC

This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance!

15th cent. Italian style

2018-10-15 02:46:01 UTC

I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail.

Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it.

2018-10-15 03:38:33 UTC

G

2018-10-15 16:45:52 UTC

Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today.

2018-10-15 16:48:43 UTC

KKk

fpwoper — 2018-10-15 17:30:26 UTC

A sculpture I did some years ago.

2018-10-15 17:58:23 UTC

2018-10-15 18:00:27 UTC

2018-10-15 18:05:51 UTC

Polish poetry

joannazakrzewska15 — 2018-10-15 18:06:18 UTC

Polish poetry in the Celtic style.

joannazakrzewska15 — 2018-10-15 18:07:41 UTC

It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :(

Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial!

2018-10-15 18:24:41 UTC

Breda White

2018-10-15 19:36:48 UTC

illustration

Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours.

2018-10-15 19:38:44 UTC

Crack at Calligraphy

2018-10-15 21:08:18 UTC

I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this.

Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy.

2018-10-15 21:08:45 UTC

I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!!

2018-10-15 21:23:16 UTC

Mother of Pearl

sid_nethery — 2018-10-15 22:05:39 UTC

This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago.

A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li

2018-10-15 23:28:41 UTC

When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!)

2018-10-16 01:37:48 UTC

2018-10-16 06:11:55 UTC

2018-10-16 07:16:50 UTC

This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems!
I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go.

An Illuminated Capital Letter

2018-10-16 07:26:06 UTC

This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells

Bon Anniversaire

2018-10-16 10:27:00 UTC

a birthday card I made some years ago for my father

Christmas card

2018-10-16 11:06:48 UTC

This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements

2018-10-16 11:48:09 UTC

Here’s a letter C in wire spirals.

R with cat (lion?)

2018-10-16 11:50:41 UTC

I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript

M from Book of Kells

2018-10-16 13:11:28 UTC

This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations.

2018-10-16 14:07:05 UTC

Not very easy.

Alpha and Omega

2018-10-16 16:13:36 UTC

I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O.

Chi-Ro

joan_rocamora — 2018-10-16 18:37:32 UTC

Ran out of time!

2018-10-16 19:17:50 UTC

It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy.

My letter T

2018-10-16 19:20:08 UTC

Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D

Letter G

2018-10-16 19:43:07 UTC

My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :)

Opening Page

2018-10-16 20:23:58 UTC

Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc

my letter

2018-10-16 20:57:23 UTC

Letter T and G and Name

2018-10-16 21:26:11 UTC

OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing.

Letter T.

2018-10-16 21:32:16 UTC

This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work.
I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness.

Letter T copied from BOK

2018-10-16 21:35:38 UTC

Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J

t

lockwoo62 — 2018-10-17 00:09:07 UTC

2018-10-17 00:48:37 UTC

Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like.

Letter T - no colour

2018-10-17 01:31:45 UTC

mjb3 — 2018-10-17 02:39:51 UTC

Insular B from mjb

Letter T

2018-10-17 04:34:07 UTC

A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these.

My attempt with letter G

2018-10-17 08:14:15 UTC

Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters !

Some Book of Kells inspired decoration!

bgillett — 2018-10-17 08:20:52 UTC

Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels

I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium.

dullolive — 2018-10-17 08:34:31 UTC

Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art.

Clearly my skills lie elsewhere...

2018-10-17 11:53:33 UTC

A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues?

What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand.

2018-10-17 12:46:45 UTC

My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works!

queenartist — 2018-10-17 13:10:18 UTC

2018-10-17 13:19:04 UTC

I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe
Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators
Not for me

T and &s

j_tarry — 2018-10-17 13:41:31 UTC

I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black.

Yikes

2018-10-17 16:10:24 UTC

Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways...

A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script.

peregus — 2018-10-17 16:40:29 UTC

SNAKES

2018-10-17 17:02:07 UTC

2018-10-17 17:06:03 UTC

2018-10-17 17:12:23 UTC

NTERTWINING SNAKES

2018-10-17 18:46:46 UTC

The letter T

2018-10-17 18:46:55 UTC

This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities!

A capital L

lornajmccluskey — 2018-10-17 18:52:46 UTC

I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D

If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect.

2018-10-17 19:28:02 UTC

Not very easy, but I did what I could:)

2018-10-17 19:34:58 UTC

A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably.

elaynam — 2018-10-17 20:25:50 UTC

Wobbly R

2018-10-17 21:12:20 UTC

After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter

2018-10-18 06:18:50 UTC

A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve.

2018-10-18 08:59:58 UTC

Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done.

2018-10-18 09:09:00 UTC

2018-10-18 09:23:11 UTC

The Happy Prince

peregus — 2018-10-18 10:02:59 UTC

A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script.

2018-10-18 10:08:24 UTC

A bit of everything A bit of everything

Funny way to spend lunch break on work

2018-10-18 10:11:31 UTC

This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red
and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-)

2018-10-18 10:47:50 UTC

A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything

Illuminated G by Lola Teale

lolateale — 2018-10-18 11:03:29 UTC

Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter

M for Matthew

2018-10-18 11:17:02 UTC

This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique.
- Rachel J

L is for Lindisfarne

patriciaturnerphotographs — 2018-10-18 13:48:54 UTC

I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent!

Decorating the bits that aren't letters

2018-10-18 15:04:18 UTC

Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing.

I wouldn't have made the cut.

2018-10-18 16:54:39 UTC

2018-10-18 17:42:49 UTC

P is for Pangur

celticfire57 — 2018-10-18 18:35:26 UTC

P is for Pangur

celticfire57 — 2018-10-18 18:38:52 UTC

This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!)

2018-10-18 19:15:33 UTC

2018-10-18 19:44:49 UTC

I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite

2018-10-18 19:45:38 UTC

I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :)

M a difficult letter.

2018-10-18 19:48:43 UTC

M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different!

Letter T

zenrunic7 — 2018-10-18 19:51:28 UTC

It was very fun!

The Letter G

2018-10-18 20:47:33 UTC

So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters.

S letter The

2018-10-18 20:54:25 UTC

a feeble effort

2018-10-18 23:31:49 UTC

the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door
tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font

C is for Carrie

2018-10-18 23:45:56 UTC

I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans.

Simple T

2018-10-19 00:03:07 UTC

2018-10-19 00:04:38 UTC

Simple T

2018-10-19 00:26:57 UTC

T as in Terrible

I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework.

I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything.

2018-10-19 00:27:37 UTC

Letter T for Tara

2018-10-19 00:54:21 UTC

This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set.

Simple T Attemp

2018-10-19 01:33:43 UTC

This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells.

Shaky Effort

mediaupnorth — 2018-10-19 02:33:29 UTC

A fun project but much, much harder than it looks

2018-10-19 03:17:15 UTC

g_harmeling — 2018-10-19 04:48:43 UTC

Letter T

Celtic T

2018-10-19 06:28:22 UTC

It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen

muszelka73 — 2018-10-19 10:35:45 UTC

This is letter M for St. Marc

2018-10-19 12:23:04 UTC

DIco on Vellum scrap

letterworks — 2018-10-19 12:29:42 UTC

A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen

Attempt of letter

2018-10-19 13:10:47 UTC

Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought.

It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required.

I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury)

it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh

2018-10-19 15:42:10 UTC

This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year

2018-10-19 16:34:02 UTC

From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!!

'Mireog'

2018-10-19 17:14:43 UTC

Mo shárobair:

Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too

2018-10-19 17:44:11 UTC

Not so much BoK, more LOTR

2018-10-19 18:03:18 UTC

I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys.

2018-10-19 18:10:43 UTC

Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉

Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l

rloughran — 2018-10-19 18:29:04 UTC

My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce!

I'd never make a good scribe

2018-10-19 19:13:03 UTC

Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books...

Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year.

2018-10-19 19:19:32 UTC

D

2018-10-19 20:11:25 UTC

Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative.

Heck I aint' no scribe

2018-10-19 20:41:51 UTC

My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame.

I'd better keep my day job!

2018-10-19 20:53:43 UTC

Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens.

That was fun!

2018-10-19 21:44:39 UTC

My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice.

2018-10-19 22:09:32 UTC

Here is my T.

butterflybarb1 — 2018-10-19 22:37:29 UTC

Iona

2018-10-20 00:25:21 UTC

Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom

Spirals

notmuchleft — 2018-10-20 00:32:50 UTC

I wish I could upload my photo!

Iona

cjkilker2 — 2018-10-20 01:17:20 UTC

Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom

Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried.

cjkilker2 — 2018-10-20 01:19:23 UTC

2018-10-20 04:00:17 UTC

M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic.

2018-10-20 05:29:05 UTC

My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise.

2018-10-20 07:45:47 UTC

Very poor attempt.

R is for Rhianna

2018-10-20 09:00:23 UTC

It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter.
Those scribes have myrespect.

The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration

2018-10-20 09:14:51 UTC

T for time-consuming

2018-10-20 10:28:27 UTC

I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail.

Leabhair Ceannas Mór.

caradoire — 2018-10-20 11:02:08 UTC

Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes.

2018-10-20 11:08:15 UTC

This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m

Time for the Ale now?

2018-10-20 11:51:01 UTC

Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is.

My kind of homework

christine79 — 2018-10-20 12:51:51 UTC

Two days later...

Letter G with interlace

2018-10-20 15:35:17 UTC

Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black.

2018-10-20 16:12:08 UTC

The letter T

Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity.

2018-10-20 16:48:56 UTC

Muy difícil para mí...

Not an artist

2018-10-20 17:01:25 UTC

It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc

Variation on a themem

2018-10-20 18:13:15 UTC

After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise.

You can tell I'm a calligrapher!

2018-10-20 19:06:48 UTC

I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts.
Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5

Scriptorium delirus

2018-10-20 19:29:23 UTC

I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me.

2018-10-20 19:55:03 UTC

G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues.

I tried

2018-10-20 20:00:28 UTC

I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha.

P is for Paula

2018-10-20 20:36:48 UTC

This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice.

Letter

janeavril3 — 2018-10-20 21:27:45 UTC

So much planning and time goes into creating these letters

My initials...

2018-10-20 21:29:38 UTC

I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students!

Spirals

notmuchleft — 2018-10-20 21:43:31 UTC

Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral.

A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it.

mikidennis — 2018-10-20 21:45:34 UTC

Calligraphy attempt

2018-10-20 21:52:01 UTC

JH

2018-10-20 22:45:49 UTC

I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level!

ML

lockwoo62 — 2018-10-21 00:15:01 UTC

First attempt - very time consuming.

I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise.

2018-10-21 00:20:09 UTC

Sandra L.

michelle88morse — 2018-10-21 01:27:27 UTC

Tired doing by flashlight.

the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time

2018-10-21 01:32:09 UTC

pat burchnall

2018-10-21 02:03:06 UTC

T and G Illumination

tqstark — 2018-10-21 04:38:24 UTC

This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark

Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015.

2018-10-21 05:03:56 UTC

Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated.
Marie L.R.

Exercise.

2018-10-21 06:26:10 UTC

I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design.

Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill?

2018-10-21 06:38:24 UTC

Exercise.

2018-10-21 11:34:45 UTC

For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations.

Ooops!

2018-10-21 12:11:12 UTC

With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required!

I have never tried this before :-)

2018-10-21 13:22:26 UTC

Using a computer!

2018-10-21 14:19:55 UTC

I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time!

Not very good

2018-10-21 14:19:56 UTC

Finding Myself

2018-10-21 14:47:59 UTC

I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time.

Tig an cat?

2018-10-21 15:05:21 UTC

Really hard but great fun to try.
Took ages!

brannockev — 2018-10-21 15:21:46 UTC

now.... wheres my ale?

Much harder than it looks

2018-10-21 16:17:03 UTC

Work in progress ...

2018-10-21 16:50:22 UTC

I did this book of psalms in 1991

2018-10-21 17:56:31 UTC

I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort:

2018-10-21 18:07:55 UTC

G and Pangur Ban!

2018-10-21 19:22:31 UTC

My attempt at an interlaced pattern

john232 — 2018-10-21 19:37:10 UTC

Humbling assignment!

2018-10-21 19:38:22 UTC

Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it.

A novice attempt!

2018-10-21 19:58:31 UTC

I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads.

g_harmeling — 2018-10-21 20:19:06 UTC

Or maybe something like this

g_harmeling — 2018-10-21 20:23:58 UTC

Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts.

Fiddly and time taking

annemarie_tye — 2018-10-21 20:54:29 UTC

I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying.

2018-10-21 20:55:24 UTC

I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more.

annemarie_tye — 2018-10-21 20:57:47 UTC

Here's one I did earlier

annemarie_tye — 2018-10-21 20:59:27 UTC

I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses.

annemarie_tye — 2018-10-21 21:02:30 UTC

annemarie_tye — 2018-10-21 21:02:39 UTC

Mistakes!

2018-10-21 21:11:48 UTC

As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800!

Haphazard

starwolfkronos — 2018-10-21 21:36:27 UTC

This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done.

Wobbly first attempt

2018-10-21 22:23:42 UTC

I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer.

M

2018-10-21 22:40:39 UTC

Letter s.

2018-10-21 23:21:01 UTC

This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe!

2018-10-22 00:36:47 UTC

Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!!

2018-10-22 02:38:49 UTC

, I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue

2018-10-22 03:30:13 UTC

Matthew 4:1

2018-10-22 03:31:12 UTC

After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques.
Marie Allen

2018-10-22 07:44:15 UTC

I learned a fair bit about knotwork today!

Some letters

2018-10-22 07:53:46 UTC

A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video!

2018-10-22 07:57:43 UTC

I like so much this art style!

Tol Rhiw

2018-10-22 10:59:21 UTC

The Tolkien Society of Ire

2018-10-22 14:24:53 UTC

take that you can look for.

Miniatures

branna_odea — 2018-10-22 16:22:31 UTC

Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this!

I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :)

A very basic interlace

2018-10-22 16:50:03 UTC

It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours

2018-10-22 18:00:22 UTC

2018-10-22 18:00:50 UTC

2018-10-22 18:00:58 UTC

Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is.

Pencil

2018-10-22 18:10:04 UTC

Always trickier than it seems.

O

2018-10-22 18:52:33 UTC

2018-10-22 23:13:07 UTC

Freehand

2018-10-22 23:46:21 UTC

Harder than I thought in a small space

2018-10-23 00:00:22 UTC

I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter

2018-10-23 00:00:39 UTC

My last name practice

2018-10-23 00:48:38 UTC

Letter R

2018-10-23 00:50:54 UTC

I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices

2018-10-23 01:27:25 UTC

This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush

2018-10-23 03:16:41 UTC

You

2018-10-23 03:16:42 UTC

You c

2018-10-23 03:40:48 UTC

It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells!

2018-10-23 04:21:17 UTC

I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing

2018-10-23 04:32:42 UTC

Actually I did this work before this course

2018-10-23 05:10:13 UTC

Exercise using T

2018-10-23 06:58:49 UTC

It took quite a long time but was quite metatative!

Simple loop, spiral and t

2018-10-23 09:32:50 UTC

O

2018-10-23 09:49:02 UTC

2018-10-23 14:27:45 UTC

Some work I did some time ago...

AngeliqueMoorman — 2018-10-23 14:30:41 UTC

The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;)

Pitiful effort...

2018-10-23 14:43:23 UTC

Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me

A 5 years old could do better!

2018-10-23 15:03:26 UTC

V

2018-10-23 15:35:42 UTC

Very poor effort I know!

2018-10-23 15:35:44 UTC

Initial t

2018-10-23 16:02:40 UTC

I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though.

2018-10-23 18:25:53 UTC

Inspired by capital M

2018-10-23 18:26:01 UTC

I'll leave it to the scribes ...

2018-10-24 00:16:50 UTC

Wrought in silver wire using a jig

Letter P

2018-10-24 00:54:59 UTC

Letter P with moth inside

2018-10-24 10:25:41 UTC

I tried some letters

Linny O'Hara "J"

2018-10-24 11:20:35 UTC

I tried hard and enjoy it!

2018-10-24 13:19:04 UTC

Rebecca Mouser’s letter

2018-10-24 14:05:47 UTC

This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri

2018-10-24 14:39:50 UTC

Took so long!
Imperfect by mistake not design

2018-10-24 15:09:53 UTC

T as Taurus,
Alexandra from Milan :)

Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds

AnneGer — 2018-10-24 17:35:08 UTC

Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!!

Lacking the artist's hand. . .

2018-10-24 20:06:46 UTC

It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK!

Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved.

2018-10-25 02:37:05 UTC

2018-10-25 22:12:11 UTC

This is really a lot harder than it looks!

Celtic Cross

2018-10-25 22:22:50 UTC

From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy.

Rebecca's sketch

2018-10-26 17:47:08 UTC

2018-10-26 20:14:30 UTC

2018-10-26 20:17:26 UTC

A Andrea´s design :)

2018-10-26 22:12:19 UTC

2018-10-26 22:20:27 UTC

2018-10-26 23:43:59 UTC

lots of time and not finished need to move on

Suzanne F. Heskin

2018-10-27 04:47:19 UTC

I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time.

Spirals and interlaces

2018-10-27 05:06:25 UTC

Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images

Marian's T

john_collum — 2018-10-27 08:52:26 UTC

A Quick Sketch

2018-10-27 18:49:28 UTC

This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate.

2018-10-27 20:17:49 UTC

With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things!

2018-10-27 20:36:10 UTC

Fun activity!

Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells.

2018-10-27 20:38:21 UTC

2018-10-28 16:02:31 UTC

Samantha's Letter

2018-10-28 16:03:07 UTC

Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt.

2018-10-28 23:00:31 UTC

Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour

Letter G

2018-10-29 00:55:45 UTC

Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe!

2018-10-29 05:43:13 UTC

C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill!

2018-10-29 14:14:03 UTC

Bk of Kells Jane style

2018-10-29 14:15:05 UTC

Letter "T"

durkineileen — 2018-10-29 17:44:39 UTC

Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color!

Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise.

2018-10-29 21:02:34 UTC

I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV.

I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun!

2018-10-30 12:52:04 UTC

.

2018-10-30 17:32:09 UTC

Mary's Letter

2018-10-30 20:32:41 UTC

This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours.

p

2018-10-31 01:24:32 UTC

2018-10-31 01:31:14 UTC

No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time.

2018-10-31 14:12:13 UTC

2018-11-01 16:37:33 UTC

Halloween Mask

dormanmargaret862 — 2018-11-01 16:52:00 UTC

Finit. Amen & Cat

lealcarmen52 — 2018-11-01 20:09:25 UTC

A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand.
Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido)

2018-11-02 18:09:25 UTC

A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells.

Letter A

soctmcca — 2018-11-03 05:07:11 UTC

Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :)

Letter

csmbiggs — 2018-11-03 12:04:41 UTC

Letter T

csmbiggs — 2018-11-03 12:04:43 UTC

this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job!

A cumbersome G

2018-11-04 21:14:43 UTC

A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create.

severin_sheldon — 2018-11-06 00:43:08 UTC

2018-11-06 03:35:13 UTC

The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot

echung19 — 2018-11-06 15:45:57 UTC

Simple is as simple does!

echung19 — 2018-11-06 15:48:00 UTC

Another try!

Family name

2018-11-09 22:54:47 UTC

Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study.

2018-11-09 23:03:38 UTC

Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. Another try! Another try! Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot 📎 Photo A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. Letter Letter Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) 📎 Photo Halloween Mask Halloween Mask 📎 Photo No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. p p Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. . . I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! 📎 Photo Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour 📎 Photo Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch Marian's T Marian's T Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on 📎 Photo A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) T T E E Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" I tried some letters I tried some letters Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig 📎 Photo Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. V V Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) 📎 Photo O O Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It It You You You c You c I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush Letter R Letter R My last name practice My last name practice 📎 Photo I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space 📎 Photo O O It Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) take that you can look fo take that you can look for. Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire I like so much this I like so much this art style! Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! 📎 Photo , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! M M Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. 📎 Photo Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 Work in progress ... Work in progress ... Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. Not very good Not very good Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark pat burchnall pat burchnall the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! Here is my T. Here is my T. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. That was fun! That was fun! I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen 📎 Photo This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc Letter T Letter T 📎 Document Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. Simple T Simple T Simple T Simple T a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font S letter The S letter The C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. Letter T Letter T It was very fun! M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) 📎 Photo P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) P is for Pangur P is for Pangur 📎 Photo I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything

Older work on a postcard

2018-11-09 23:13:38 UTC

A tiny Uncial alphabet I did for a family postcard project that's been ongoing for over a decade (you can see more about it here if interested: www.lostpostcardproject.blogspot.com )

sgreenekeogh — 2018-11-10 19:01:42 UTC

kells

First try

2018-11-11 21:30:36 UTC

This took some time but here at last is my letter R.

rifraffy — 2018-11-12 15:47:51 UTC

rifraffy — 2018-11-12 15:50:35 UTC

Letter "G"

valentina_maroni — 2018-11-17 22:34:02 UTC

Letter "T"

valentina_maroni — 2018-11-17 22:38:29 UTC

2018-11-18 04:46:29 UTC

I I I I i

letter T

2018-11-18 16:06:08 UTC

I tried to use the different methods of design described by the course calligrapher. It was extremely difficult. Took me all day to do the two letters

2018-11-18 16:17:32 UTC

letter G
This is the second letter I attempted to decorate using the designs from the Book of Kells. Very hard work.

Letter T

2018-11-18 20:12:34 UTC

This is an initial letter T, done as part of an SCA award scroll long ago before the arthritis killed my hands

Brendan's B

bren_elaine94 — 2018-11-18 21:32:33 UTC

Not my first attempt

"R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience.

2018-11-19 23:21:21 UTC

Book of Kells Letter T

2018-11-20 22:55:48 UTC

2018-11-20 23:04:37 UTC

J's Letter T

2018-11-22 02:26:58 UTC

A's Letter G

C for child.

2018-11-26 04:23:12 UTC

Some knot interlacing I produced as a draft to illuminate.

2018-11-26 04:26:12 UTC

m & s

G for George

lindarenc — 2018-11-26 14:11:06 UTC

I copied a cat from Kells for its pose to represent my black cat and added a mouse & wafer. About 5 hours work with fine point & broad markers.

2018-11-27 10:54:34 UTC

Capital 'T'

2018-11-27 10:55:19 UTC

Not having much skill or talent as an artist I kept it simple Will be interesting to practice for my embroidery where I have more skill

Initial "A"

2018-11-29 18:17:23 UTC

This was really challenging, but I enjoyed designing it. I struggled with the interlace around the letter. I'm not sure if the square frame really reflects what is seen in the Book of Kells, but I know it has precedent in other medieval manuscripts.

2018-11-29 21:36:40 UTC

My attempt

2018-12-07 21:19:11 UTC

Well, I tried, but it is really hard... and yet somehow relaxing. I love this exercise!

Initial "M"

2018-12-09 10:25:26 UTC

I found consistency of size and curvature really difficult. In retrospect I ought to have laid in guidelines before I began!

First attempt

2018-12-11 22:10:31 UTC

It was pretty hard! It took me some time to do the patterns, but I love it! I would do this my whole life!

eddiemcgrath — 2018-12-17 13:16:00 UTC

I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy

2018-12-18 11:55:35 UTC

2018-12-23 13:27:22 UTC

It was a pleasure to draw spiral motifs.

Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc.

2018-12-26 18:56:32 UTC

Well, my daughter’s impressed...

erincaseyschott — 2019-01-06 19:22:17 UTC

I struggled with this but Emily made me feel better about it! Still playing around with knots a little, and interestingly, when Santa writes notes we notice he uses the swirls in his own writing. Actually, so does Flossie the Tooth Fairy. Interesting! Signed, Emily’s Mommy

MM

shauna_mark — 2019-01-24 01:58:08 UTC

This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented!

2019-03-07 07:47:59 UTC

2019-03-17 08:31:57 UTC

Had fun doing this.

2019-03-18 20:23:54 UTC

A little try...

MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border

Mevanou — 2019-03-20 01:19:09 UTC

Insular Art Practice

2019-03-20 19:20:06 UTC

The Letter E

2019-03-21 00:31:27 UTC

Everyone's design is so good! I had lots of fun making mine, adding all sorts of motifs into my letter E~

-Eddy Y. L. Chang-

H's 'h'

2019-03-21 13:01:11 UTC

My attempt at a letter H. Unfinished and with a little footnote in true Book of Kells style

kappadp — 2019-03-22 14:35:30 UTC

Making things up just to try. Want to create a book full of fantasy writings using this style. it takes hours and a lot of frustrated creativity. I love it.

I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now!

2019-03-22 18:30:56 UTC

Letter T

bwills116 — 2019-03-22 21:28:44 UTC

Not beautiful, as in the Book of Kells, but it gave me a small taste of the experience of designing and coloring those marvelous initial letters.

2019-03-24 04:20:06 UTC

2019-03-24 04:20:09 UTC

Letter D

2019-03-25 09:43:53 UTC

There are some talented people here. Not me

2019-03-25 17:10:43 UTC

Letter T

2019-03-25 18:35:16 UTC

Everyone is so accomplished!
Some things I learned: Take time to let one color dry before adding another. A steady hand is as important as good eyesight. The practice of drawing out knotwork (even on this small scale) can indeed be meditative, I suppose because you have to pay such close attention.
Question: Just how fine were the pens/brushes used for these manuscripts? Because my gel pen and fine tip Sharpie felt positively coarse even on this large scale letter.

2019-03-25 20:34:33 UTC

T is for twice done.

My attempt at the letter T.

2019-03-25 20:52:29 UTC

...and a lucky paper find :D

2019-03-25 21:25:51 UTC

Tiny, meticulous G

2019-03-25 23:49:22 UTC

I had fun, but it doesn't look like much compared with what I'm seeing here.

Initial from the Moosburger Graduale

2019-03-26 08:39:54 UTC

This one is inspired by a 'songbook' that was finished in my hometown about 1360. It now is stored in the library of the university of Munich: Cim. 100 (= 2° Cod. ms. 156)

Sharon Rust

sharon76 — 2019-03-26 10:47:54 UTC

T initial decorated not too well!! Too many talented people who are better at design than myself.

First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated

2019-03-26 15:54:22 UTC

rmccain3 — 2019-03-26 19:16:10 UTC

Celtic D

2019-03-26 20:41:27 UTC

My son cross stitched this as a Christmas gift to me. I will try my hand at a drawing when I return from a trip.
----Debbie Bandy

2019-03-27 01:19:19 UTC

Big Letter, Small details

2019-03-27 02:07:37 UTC

Not having all of my small drawing tools made this is bit difficult, but I can only imagine how the monks felt trying to make every one of these letter meticulous and detailed!

T with some detail

chelleyarobinson — 2019-03-27 04:17:31 UTC

I did this using a quill and ink. I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I had fun with this!

G...What a fun time :)

tynopawz — 2019-03-27 04:18:49 UTC

It took awhile makes me think about how long it took them to do the entire book. It was really relaxing however. I would love to practice more and see where it goes.

Letter T

2019-03-27 17:33:33 UTC

I didn't have much time to spare so this is not even close to being complete. This took me an hour, I reckon I would need a whole day to do a half-decent effort.

A Celtic knot

2019-03-27 20:17:28 UTC

I made some years ago. Drawing in pencil and colored with inks, later recolored with the computer.
------ Jan Derboven

2019-03-27 21:14:52 UTC

2019-03-27 21:18:32 UTC

Challenge

Contemplation

Well, that took some time!

2019-03-27 22:27:15 UTC

I found the snake pattern on a page from the Book
of Kells. This took like ... almost two hours! Wow.

2019-03-27 22:29:59 UTC

Humble E

2019-03-28 11:37:01 UTC

I couldn't resist the temptation of throwing a dragon head in there, I took it from the Book of Kells. Also added red dotting with an actual quill and brownish-red ink for an authentic look that the rest of my E does not have... The interlacing was an absolute puzzle for me!

A (very badly drawn) C

2019-03-28 18:24:46 UTC

I recently drew this, and I faced some problems drawing since I drew and colored out of the lines in addition to having problems drawing a Celtic knot within (which is the black paint in the C)
. I have to admit that I now have a newfound appreciation for those who are experts in writing Irish calligraphy.

2019-03-29 00:38:47 UTC

First attempt not good

To a T

2019-03-29 00:52:34 UTC

With a nod to BOK folio 1 recto, where the upper red ovals appear to contain figures. Mine look like pink Easter eggs.

T and some practises

asturica_ — 2019-03-29 13:09:39 UTC

I´m not used to draw. I had never suffered such a challege since I was a kid. Really enjoyed.

A little copy

2019-03-29 13:48:19 UTC

Since I'm a calligrapher, I've made a little copy of the book's text on vellum with iron gall ink in approximetely real size. It was so hard!!! I can't imagine how skilled were the creators of the book!

2019-03-29 15:43:48 UTC

A couple of years ago I did a retreat at St Beuno's the Jesuit house in wales. Partly as a meditation and partly as relaxation, I did this. It may not look like it, but it probably to ok about 5 hours to plan and complete.

2019-03-29 17:33:05 UTC

This is a lot harder than it looks, isn't it?

Letter T sideways

2019-03-29 21:09:09 UTC

I am no artist

Letter O on my lunch break

caroline_woodiel — 2019-03-29 22:26:38 UTC

I only had a pencil with me at lunch so I couldn't quite do it right, but here are the three elements in an "o."

I give up

millyrossell — 2019-03-29 22:44:10 UTC

2019-03-30 02:06:32 UTC

Very frustrating for me as I have no artistic ability. I think the scribes had quite a job to do.

Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these.

2019-03-30 11:11:48 UTC

Kell's Circle Work in Progress

2019-03-30 11:15:33 UTC

Trying to challenge myself with a few motifs in a circular format. Have really studied many of the pages of the book and have lots of ideas for finishing this and making many more! So glad I'm doing this class!

Playing with motifs

2019-03-30 11:34:30 UTC

I haven't had the opportunity to work with a display capital this week, but I've enjoyed playing with elements and motifs. It has helped me appreciate how much time, skill, concentration and patience were devoted to illuminating ms. Hats off to the monks!

2019-03-30 11:47:55 UTC

2019-03-30 11:56:42 UTC

Initial attempt (sorry for the pun) but the image is on its side - very inspiring exercise and I look forward to more practice.
Ruth

How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now

marionconnolly — 2019-03-30 15:15:13 UTC

2019-03-30 15:23:41 UTC

2019-03-30 15:24:04 UTC

LetterT

2019-03-30 19:27:32 UTC

Tried a lot of times, never being satisfied, also don't like this one. Better results would need more construction time and experience!

2019-03-30 20:50:51 UTC

this took forever, I was constantly erasing and starting over so I gave up and went with spirals

An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials.

jeamundson — 2019-03-30 22:35:15 UTC

Letter T

jfaley59 — 2019-03-30 23:07:04 UTC

I really wanted to try some of the ribbons, but the guide dots got in the way. Scribes must have studied and practiced long and hard to master the knots and ribbons!

2019-03-31 02:44:15 UTC

Letter T
My tiny contribution! Very difficult for the non artsy!!! However, a great exercise to have an understanding of how hard this must have been for the scribes.

Letter S

2019-03-31 06:08:03 UTC

After many attempts went a bit free form.

T

2019-03-31 06:45:24 UTC

I may have a little bit of an edge. I've been doing this kind of work for a while now.

2019-03-31 14:24:40 UTC

Something I did earlier

2019-03-31 14:51:58 UTC

Traced painted and gilded this Celtic design on a course 18 months ago. It took 2 days! Sorry not in a position to do exercise just now, but thought this might be of interest

Ii

Book of Kells letter exercise

2019-03-31 17:33:09 UTC

I've always been fascinated with the little cat faces in the Book of Kells large capitals, and I love the dragons and lions, so that was what I focused on, alongside an attempt at creating one of the interlace ribbons. As an exercise, this took me about thirty minutes or so. If I were to be making an effort at a more perfected product rather than a class exercise, I expect it would take me hours.

G

2019-03-31 17:47:05 UTC

I found designs that were from the time frame if not in the Book of Kells for inspiration. I had a basic knowledge of calligraphy which helped with the letters. I choose the grace for my project

Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something.

2019-03-31 19:53:21 UTC

millyrossell — 2019-03-31 21:31:26 UTC

Here's my C. I would like the colors more vivid but that's all I had to work with.

Here is my letter O in the right position

2019-03-31 21:53:12 UTC

a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources!

2019-04-01 00:30:21 UTC

My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded.

2019-04-01 01:01:10 UTC

I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise.

2019-04-01 01:37:43 UTC

2019-04-01 01:46:20 UTC

This is my initial. I tried very hard with the basic knots! I am amazed with the creativity I found on the designs you shared. Congratulations everybody!

William Delaney's

2019-04-01 04:45:22 UTC

After a quite a while and great frustration I have this to offer.

2019-04-01 05:24:14 UTC

Trisha Cole's Illistration

2019-04-01 05:24:19 UTC

My very modest contribution.

2019-04-01 06:57:07 UTC

letter 'b'

2019-04-01 10:31:04 UTC

This took about 1 hour to do and I was using felt pens. It must have taken ages for the monks to do just one letter.

2019-04-01 14:47:52 UTC

2019-04-01 14:50:15 UTC

2019-04-01 14:50:28 UTC

2019-04-01 14:51:00 UTC

T & T T

2019-04-01 15:04:56 UTC

I'm not a trained artist so I use Sketch book to turn my ideas into needlepoint ready graphics - so I wondered if I could do something with the T - I used digital "pen" and colours - the second T was using their dot grid to mimic the dot layout and free hand pen to try the interlace

My modest contribution

2019-04-01 15:14:56 UTC

Since I was a child I have always been bad at drawing, coloring and in general in every artistic composition. However, my love for art has always been immense, even if only as a spectator, as it is not capable of great creations

CCW - this is T TToo

2019-04-01 15:22:12 UTC

second T belonging to T&TToo

Letter A

karenbs333 — 2019-04-01 17:12:56 UTC

What I learned: don't do this after consuming multiple cups of coffee. The scribes must have used a very tiny tip on their pens (or a brush with just a few hairs?) I had to rotate my picture to draw some parts; it would be even more difficult to do if the paper was fixed in place!

Modest O

2019-04-01 17:17:22 UTC

My contribution is kind of simplistic compared to others here but so it goes!

Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration!

2019-04-01 21:55:53 UTC

Letter T and G

2019-04-01 22:15:51 UTC

arthur/Documents/Book of Kells/Illustration Exercise.pdf

Letter T and G

2019-04-01 22:15:51 UTC

Definitely requires thought, planning, practice and patience.

Examples from Bru na bonnie

redsky7 — 2019-04-01 22:20:01 UTC

These stones have always intrigued me. I will try the exercise later, but wanted to share this picture from Neolithic times.

2019-04-02 07:10:43 UTC

Fun to do, focus needed!

Tafarn y Fic

2019-04-02 09:18:50 UTC

Something I did a wee while ago for in thanks for the hospitality I received in the Lleyn Peninsula

Letter A

2019-04-02 09:46:02 UTC

I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes.

lister_pamela — 2019-04-02 10:30:38 UTC

Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge

2019-04-02 11:54:02 UTC

2019-04-02 15:28:54 UTC

T with a 🐓

Letter A

siobhanomal — 2019-04-02 18:57:37 UTC

I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes.

Letter T from Siobhan O'M

siobhanomal — 2019-04-02 20:01:47 UTC

Looking at images i.e. such as figures and animals combined with the designs I came up with this.

Letter L

2019-04-02 23:25:19 UTC

Sadly not nearly up to the standards of my ancestors.

Letter T

2019-04-03 01:45:52 UTC

I am no artist! I freehanded it all. I mean, eek! (Some of you are amazing!!) (Laura D)

Letter I

2019-04-03 13:26:54 UTC

I picked the least challenging letter, I'm afraid! Enjoyed the task, though I struggled with the interlacing, just kept getting the spacing and up/under wrong! It must take years to train in the intricacies.

2019-04-03 13:33:49 UTC

My children gave me this coloring book one Christmas. I did just color in the figure and didn't try making any patterns. I will, though! I bought a little book in Edinburgh that gives instructions on how to make the spirals, whorls, etc. This exercise encourages me to give that a try!

2019-04-03 17:13:36 UTC

This is the back of a vest I knitted. Lots of over/under design.

B Yay! I dids it

creellancaster — 2019-04-03 17:33:52 UTC

2019-04-03 17:53:54 UTC

I'm a Scribe in training...Letter T

2019-04-03 18:34:08 UTC

What a daunting job to be a scribe! After a couple of hours on this one letter, I think I can see how long it could take to copy a manuscript. A lot of work, perhaps a lifetime on only a few volumes.

How humbling!

2019-04-04 00:36:18 UTC

Wow, I am embarrassed to upload my humble and meager work amongst the stellar work of my fellow students! What an enlightening exercise!

2nd Letter T Jacq

jacqgrosman — 2019-04-04 01:26:47 UTC

I did another one because it was so much fun. I used lozenges in this one. Eight yellow ones and three gery ones, to cover the use of numerals. A snake is in the letter. Jacqueline

1st Letter T Jacq

jacqgrosman — 2019-04-04 01:27:08 UTC

I picked the T from the files they gave and used both interlace and the knot in the middle and the spiral. Jacqueline

Interlace attempt

jacqgrosman — 2019-04-04 01:28:21 UTC

This was my first attempt at interlace. Jacqueline

Meditation on the Eucharist

2019-04-04 17:51:12 UTC

I chose the first letter of my name with symbols from the Book of Kells to contemplate the Eucharist.

2019-04-04 22:34:49 UTC

The letter R. Just tried a few intertwining techniques.

2019-04-05 13:54:59 UTC

The letter T... Badly!

2019-04-05 13:55:44 UTC

Finally managed to get my illustation up on here! This is my futile attempt at the letter T.

Illuminated G

2019-04-05 20:58:49 UTC

I'm hoping this works this time. I am more awed then ever at the time, steadiness of hand, and the faith of the people who created these illuminations.

Madeleine

2019-04-05 20:59:58 UTC

2019-04-06 19:25:06 UTC

Calligraphy - The knot is not right. The rest are okay.

Illuminated Capital G

2019-04-07 02:08:31 UTC

Using the G template provided, lots of color but not as much intricate design as I had hoped. It took so long just to do this much!

I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :)

2019-04-07 19:23:49 UTC

2019-04-07 19:24:37 UTC

I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :)

2019-04-07 21:11:03 UTC

From a piece I'm currently working on.

2019-04-07 22:43:34 UTC

From a piece I'm cur From a piece I'm currently working on. I did that 2 months ago.. I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) Illuminated Capital G Illuminated Capital G Using the G template provided, lots of color but not as much intricate design as I had hoped. It took so long just to do this much! Calligraphy - The kn Calligraphy - The knot is not right. The rest are okay. 📎 Photo Illuminated G Illuminated G I'm hoping this works this time. I am more awed then ever at the time, steadiness of hand, and the faith of the people who created these illuminations. Madeleine 📎 Photo The letter T... Badly! The letter T... Badly! Finally managed to get my illustation up on here! This is my futile attempt at the letter T. The letter R. Just t The letter R. Just tried a few intertwining techniques. Meditation on the Eucharist Meditation on the Eucharist I chose the first letter of my name with symbols from the Book of Kells to contemplate the Eucharist. Interlace attempt Interlace attempt This was my first attempt at interlace. Jacqueline 1st Letter T Jacq 1st Letter T Jacq I picked the T from the files they gave and used both interlace and the knot in the middle and the spiral. Jacqueline 2nd Letter T Jacq 2nd Letter T Jacq I did another one because it was so much fun. I used lozenges in this one. Eight yellow ones and three gery ones, to cover the use of numerals. A snake is in the letter. Jacqueline How humbling! How humbling! Wow, I am embarrassed to upload my humble and meager work amongst the stellar work of my fellow students! What an enlightening exercise! What a daunting job What a daunting job to be a scribe! After a couple of hours on this one letter, I think I can see how long it could take to copy a manuscript. A lot of work, perhaps a lifetime on only a few volumes. B Yay! I dids it B Yay! I dids it My children gave me My children gave me this coloring book one Christmas. I did just color in the figure and didn't try making any patterns. I will, though! I bought a little book in Edinburgh that gives instructions on how to make the spirals, whorls, etc. This exercise encourages me to give that a try! Letter I Letter I I picked the least challenging letter, I'm afraid! Enjoyed the task, though I struggled with the interlacing, just kept getting the spacing and up/under wrong! It must take years to train in the intricacies. Letter T Letter T I am no artist! I freehanded it all. I mean, eek! (Some of you are amazing!!) (Laura D) Letter L Letter L Sadly not nearly up to the standards of my ancestors. Letter T from Siobhan O'M Letter T from Siobhan O'M Looking at images i.e. such as figures and animals combined with the designs I came up with this. I'm a Scribe in trai I'm a Scribe in training...Letter T Letter A Letter A I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes. T with a 🐓 T with a 🐓 Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge 📎 Photo This is the back of This is the back of a vest I knitted. Lots of over/under design. Letter A Letter A I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes. Tafarn y Fic Tafarn y Fic Something I did a wee while ago for in thanks for the hospitality I received in the Lleyn Peninsula Fun to do, focus nee Fun to do, focus needed! Examples from Bru na bonnie Examples from Bru na bonnie These stones have always intrigued me. I will try the exercise later, but wanted to share this picture from Neolithic times. Letter T and G Letter T and G arthur/Documents/Book of Kells/Illustration Exercise.pdf Letter T and G Letter T and G Definitely requires thought, planning, practice and patience. Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration! Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration! Modest O Modest O My contribution is kind of simplistic compared to others here but so it goes! Letter A Letter A What I learned: don't do this after consuming multiple cups of coffee. The scribes must have used a very tiny tip on their pens (or a brush with just a few hairs?) I had to rotate my picture to draw some parts; it would be even more difficult to do if the paper was fixed in place! CCW - this is T TToo CCW - this is T TToo second T belonging to T&TToo My modest contribution My modest contribution Since I was a child I have always been bad at drawing, coloring and in general in every artistic composition. However, my love for art has always been immense, even if only as a spectator, as it is not capable of great creations T & T T T & T T I'm not a trained artist so I use Sketch book to turn my ideas into needlepoint ready graphics - so I wondered if I could do something with the T - I used digital "pen" and colours - the second T was using their dot grid to mimic the dot layout and free hand pen to try the interlace 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo letter 'b' letter 'b' This took about 1 hour to do and I was using felt pens. It must have taken ages for the monks to do just one letter. My very modest contribution. My very modest contribution. 📎 Photo Trisha Cole's Illistration Trisha Cole's Illistration William Delaney's William Delaney's After a quite a while and great frustration I have this to offer. This is my initial. This is my initial. I tried very hard with the basic knots! I am amazed with the creativity I found on the designs you shared. Congratulations everybody! I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise. I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise. My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded. My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded. a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources! a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources! Here is my letter O in the right position Here is my letter O in the right position Here's my C. I woul Here's my C. I would like the colors more vivid but that's all I had to work with. Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something. Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something. G G I found designs that were from the time frame if not in the Book of Kells for inspiration. I had a basic knowledge of calligraphy which helped with the letters. I choose the grace for my project Book of Kells letter exercise Book of Kells letter exercise I've always been fascinated with the little cat faces in the Book of Kells large capitals, and I love the dragons and lions, so that was what I focused on, alongside an attempt at creating one of the interlace ribbons. As an exercise, this took me about thirty minutes or so. If I were to be making an effort at a more perfected product rather than a class exercise, I expect it would take me hours. Something I did earlier Something I did earlier Traced painted and gilded this Celtic design on a course 18 months ago. It took 2 days! Sorry not in a position to do exercise just now, but thought this might be of interest Ii 📎 Photo T T I may have a little bit of an edge. I've been doing this kind of work for a while now. Letter S Letter S After many attempts went a bit free form. Letter TMy tiny Letter T My tiny contribution! Very difficult for the non artsy!!! However, a great exercise to have an understanding of how hard this must have been for the scribes. Letter T Letter T I really wanted to try some of the ribbons, but the guide dots got in the way. Scribes must have studied and practiced long and hard to master the knots and ribbons! An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials. An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials. this took forever, I this took forever, I was constantly erasing and starting over so I gave up and went with spirals LetterT LetterT Tried a lot of times, never being satisfied, also don't like this one. Better results would need more construction time and experience! 📎 Photo How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now Initial attempt (sor Initial attempt (sorry for the pun) but the image is on its side - very inspiring exercise and I look forward to more practice. Ruth 📎 Page from The Book of Kells - Trinity College Dublin Playing with motifs Playing with motifs I haven't had the opportunity to work with a display capital this week, but I've enjoyed playing with elements and motifs. It has helped me appreciate how much time, skill, concentration and patience were devoted to illuminating ms. Hats off to the monks! Kell's Circle Work in Progress Kell's Circle Work in Progress Trying to challenge myself with a few motifs in a circular format. Have really studied many of the pages of the book and have lots of ideas for finishing this and making many more! So glad I'm doing this class! Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these. Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these. Very frustrating for Very frustrating for me as I have no artistic ability. I think the scribes had quite a job to do. I give up I give up Letter O on my lunch break Letter O on my lunch break I only had a pencil with me at lunch so I couldn't quite do it right, but here are the three elements in an "o." Letter T sideways Letter T sideways I am no artist This is a lot harder This is a lot harder than it looks, isn't it? A couple of years ag A couple of years ago I did a retreat at St Beuno's the Jesuit house in wales. Partly as a meditation and partly as relaxation, I did this. It may not look like it, but it probably to ok about 5 hours to plan and complete. A little copy A little copy Since I'm a calligrapher, I've made a little copy of the book's text on vellum with iron gall ink in approximetely real size. It was so hard!!! I can't imagine how skilled were the creators of the book! T and some practises T and some practises I´m not used to draw. I had never suffered such a challege since I was a kid. Really enjoyed. To a T To a T With a nod to BOK folio 1 recto, where the upper red ovals appear to contain figures. Mine look like pink Easter eggs. First attempt not go First attempt not good A (very badly drawn) C A (very badly drawn) C I recently drew this, and I faced some problems drawing since I drew and colored out of the lines in addition to having problems drawing a Celtic knot within (which is the black paint in the C) . I have to admit that I now have a newfound appreciation for those who are experts in writing Irish calligraphy. Humble E Humble E I couldn't resist the temptation of throwing a dragon head in there, I took it from the Book of Kells. Also added red dotting with an actual quill and brownish-red ink for an authentic look that the rest of my E does not have... The interlacing was an absolute puzzle for me! 📎 Photo Well, that took some time! Well, that took some time! I found the snake pattern on a page from the Book of Kells. This took like ... almost two hours! Wow. Challenge Challenge Contemplation 📎 Photo A Celtic knot A Celtic knot I made some years ago. Drawing in pencil and colored with inks, later recolored with the computer. ------ Jan Derboven Letter T Letter T I didn't have much time to spare so this is not even close to being complete. This took me an hour, I reckon I would need a whole day to do a half-decent effort. G...What a fun time :) G...What a fun time :) It took awhile makes me think about how long it took them to do the entire book. It was really relaxing however. I would love to practice more and see where it goes. T with some detail T with some detail I did this using a quill and ink. I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I had fun with this! Big Letter, Small details Big Letter, Small details Not having all of my small drawing tools made this is bit difficult, but I can only imagine how the monks felt trying to make every one of these letter meticulous and detailed! 📎 Photo Celtic D Celtic D My son cross stitched this as a Christmas gift to me. I will try my hand at a drawing when I return from a trip. ----Debbie Bandy 📎 Photo First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated Sharon Rust Sharon Rust T initial decorated not too well!! Too many talented people who are better at design than myself. Initial from the Moosburger Graduale Initial from the Moosburger Graduale This one is inspired by a 'songbook' that was finished in my hometown about 1360. It now is stored in the library of the university of Munich: Cim. 100 (= 2° Cod. ms. 156) Tiny, meticulous G Tiny, meticulous G I had fun, but it doesn't look like much compared with what I'm seeing here. My attempt at the letter T. My attempt at the letter T. ...and a lucky paper find :D T is for twice done. T is for twice done. Letter T Letter T Everyone is so accomplished! Some things I learned: Take time to let one color dry before adding another. A steady hand is as important as good eyesight. The practice of drawing out knotwork (even on this small scale) can indeed be meditative, I suppose because you have to pay such close attention. Question: Just how fine were the pens/brushes used for these manuscripts? Because my gel pen and fine tip Sharpie felt positively coarse even on this large scale letter. 📎 Photo Letter D Letter D There are some talented people here. Not me 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Letter T Letter T Not beautiful, as in the Book of Kells, but it gave me a small taste of the experience of designing and coloring those marvelous initial letters. I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now! I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now! Making things up jus Making things up just to try. Want to create a book full of fantasy writings using this style. it takes hours and a lot of frustrated creativity. I love it. H's 'h' H's 'h' My attempt at a letter H. Unfinished and with a little footnote in true Book of Kells style The Letter E The Letter E Everyone's design is so good! I had lots of fun making mine, adding all sorts of motifs into my letter E~ -Eddy Y. L. Chang- Insular Art Practice Insular Art Practice MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border Had fun doing this. Had fun doing this. This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented! This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented! MM MM Well, my daughter’s impressed... Well, my daughter’s impressed... I struggled with this but Emily made me feel better about it! Still playing around with knots a little, and interestingly, when Santa writes notes we notice he uses the swirls in his own writing. Actually, so does Flossie the Tooth Fairy. Interesting! Signed, Emily’s Mommy Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc. Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc. It was a pleasure to It was a pleasure to draw spiral motifs. A little try... A little try... I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy 📎 Photo First attempt First attempt It was pretty hard! It took me some time to do the patterns, but I love it! I would do this my whole life! Initial "M" Initial "M" I found consistency of size and curvature really difficult. In retrospect I ought to have laid in guidelines before I began! My attempt My attempt Well, I tried, but it is really hard... and yet somehow relaxing. I love this exercise! 📎 Padlet is the easiest way to create and collaborate in the world Initial "A" Initial "A" This was really challenging, but I enjoyed designing it. I struggled with the interlace around the letter. I'm not sure if the square frame really reflects what is seen in the Book of Kells, but I know it has precedent in other medieval manuscripts. 📎 Photo Capital 'T' Capital 'T' Not having much skill or talent as an artist I kept it simple Will be interesting to practice for my embroidery where I have more skill G for George G for George I copied a cat from Kells for its pose to represent my black cat and added a mouse & wafer. About 5 hours work with fine point & broad markers. m & s m & s C for child. C for child. Some knot interlacing I produced as a draft to illuminate. A's Letter G A's Letter G J's Letter T J's Letter T Book of Kells Letter T Book of Kells Letter T "R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience. "R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience. Brendan's B Brendan's B Not my first attempt Letter T Letter T This is an initial letter T, done as part of an SCA award scroll long ago before the arthritis killed my hands letter GThis is letter G This is the second letter I attempted to decorate using the designs from the Book of Kells. Very hard work. letter T letter T I tried to use the different methods of design described by the course calligrapher. It was extremely difficult. Took me all day to do the two letters I I I I i I I I I i Letter "T" Letter "T" Letter "G" Letter "G" 📎 Document This took some time but here at last is my letter R. This took some time but here at last is my letter R. First try First try kells kells Older work on a postcard Older work on a postcard A tiny Uncial alphabet I did for a family postcard project that's been ongoing for over a decade (you can see more about it here if interested: www.lostpostcardproject.blogspot.com ) Family name Family name W Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. Another try! Another try! Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot 📎 Photo A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. Letter Letter Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) 📎 Photo Halloween Mask Halloween Mask 📎 Photo No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. p p Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. . . I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! 📎 Photo Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour 📎 Photo Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch Marian's T Marian's T Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on 📎 Photo A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) T T E E Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" I tried some letters I tried some letters Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig 📎 Photo Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. V V Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) 📎 Photo O O Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It It You You You c You c I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush Letter R Letter R My last name practice My last name practice 📎 Photo I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space 📎 Photo O O It Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) take that you can look fo take that you can look for. Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire I like so much this I like so much this art style! Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! 📎 Photo , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! M M Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. 📎 Photo Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 Work in progress ... Work in progress ... Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. Not very good Not very good Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark pat burchnall pat burchnall the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! Here is my T. Here is my T. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. That was fun! That was fun! I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen 📎 Photo This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc Letter T Letter T 📎 Document Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. Simple T Simple T Simple T Simple T a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font S letter The S letter The C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. Letter T Letter T It was very fun! M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) 📎 Photo P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) P is for Pangur P is for Pangur 📎 Photo I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. Another try! Another try! Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot 📎 Photo A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. Letter Letter Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) 📎 Photo Halloween Mask Halloween Mask 📎 Photo No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. p p Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. . . I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! 📎 Photo Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour 📎 Photo Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch Marian's T Marian's T Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on 📎 Photo A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) T T E E Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" I tried some letters I tried some letters Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig 📎 Photo Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. V V Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) 📎 Photo O O Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It It You You You c You c I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush Letter R Letter R My last name practice My last name practice 📎 Photo I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space 📎 Photo O O It Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) take that you can look fo take that you can look for. Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire I like so much this I like so much this art style! Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! 📎 Photo , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! M M Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. 📎 Photo Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 Work in progress ... Work in progress ... Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. Not very good Not very good Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark pat burchnall pat burchnall the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! Here is my T. Here is my T. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. That was fun! That was fun! I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen 📎 Photo This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc Letter T Letter T 📎 Document Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. Simple T Simple T Simple T Simple T a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font S letter The S letter The C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. Letter T Letter T It was very fun! M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) 📎 Photo P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) P is for Pangur P is for Pangur 📎 Photo I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything

Insular G

myriamgarcon01 — 2019-04-08 00:46:30 UTC

This is my second attempt for the G. The draft and the final version took me almost two hours to draw. I hadn't drawn anything in years, and this was lots of fun. I was glad for my pencil and eraser, though, and kept thinking how much more difficult this would have been if I had used ink and a quill.

An older piece

kosterj — 2019-04-08 00:52:25 UTC

I currently have a broken arm so here's a piece I did in a bookbinding class a few years ago.

An enjoyable exercise

2019-04-08 09:19:44 UTC

I enjoy doing zentangle, so this exercise seemed like a gift!

Letter

2019-04-08 13:04:36 UTC

This modest effort took me hours, but I learned a lot! I can only assume that scribes practiced these symbols from an early age. It made me realize how much time must have been spent in consideration of the design of each page.

Incomplete C

2019-04-08 14:57:21 UTC

I'm having to rest and rehab my dominant hand so I did what I could. This was a lot of fun.

T

musicaea — 2019-04-09 23:17:27 UTC

This was a lot of fun. I definitely have more of a sense of what it took to put together the illuminated pages as well as the text pages with illustrations embedded. I planned a little bit and it turned out OK, but with more planning and experience this could be a really fun activity.

O

2019-04-10 06:20:29 UTC

It was really tough for me to draw interlace ribbon.

2019-04-10 13:09:05 UTC

Letter C cockatiel

Vegetable decoration

mpilar_cabrerizo1 — 2019-04-10 13:44:34 UTC

2019-04-10 16:48:43 UTC

2019-04-10 16:49:05 UTC

I realised that the scribes were very skilful and knowledgeable about pigments, design and geometry. It was a pleasure to attempt this demanding work.

C Sturgiss

2019-04-10 17:37:11 UTC

My Medieval FL Logo in felt pen.
Capital F with salmon of knowledge and capital L with cornucopia of vines.

Letter T

2019-04-10 21:46:56 UTC

I tried to draw the letter T and inside I inserted a monk scribe, inspired by the illustration in Eadwine's psaltery.

Yes, mine looks just like a page from the Book of Kells... if the scribe had a 2-year-old helper and Jumbo crayons to color with

2019-04-11 02:50:20 UTC

berraserry — 2019-04-11 21:49:52 UTC

As luck would have it, all the years I spent doodling in the margins of my notebooks in school did nothing to assist with the creation of this artwork. I spent far too long for such lousy results, and I am grateful to not be a Medieval scribe.

berraserry — 2019-04-11 21:50:08 UTC

ca"T"

atelier_de_francesca — 2019-04-12 08:42:37 UTC

I wanted to draw a cat somehow. It was very fun to draw a spiral pattern.

2019-04-13 11:11:55 UTC

2019-04-13 11:12:19 UTC

MB1

Under Ancient Seas

2019-04-13 12:07:47 UTC

I am not much of a calligrapher, but I do use my own take-offs on motifs from the Book of Kells and other manuscripts in my relief stone carvings. The title of this piece comes from the limestone beach stone from which it is made.

Not a beautiful "T"

2019-04-13 21:10:46 UTC

When I was an undergrad taking a course in calligraphy, my professor used to roam about the room critiquing everyones work. He would look over your shoulder for a while as you struggled to form the perfect letter and then say in his thick Russian accent, "It is not a beautiful B!" And today I was simply to lazy to go up to the studio and get my calligraphy pens so my little joke is not very pretty either . . .

2019-04-13 23:00:40 UTC

These are from my daughter and I. You can tell which of us is the artist and which is the engineer.

2019-04-14 11:19:46 UTC

This took so long. I can not imagine doing this with an entire book.

2019-04-15 02:13:54 UTC

Dance: A quote by Nietzsche. I am a calligrapher from Portland, Oregon. Thanks for this wonderful course. I am a fan of Tim O'Neill.

2019-04-15 02:14:11 UTC

A

2019-04-16 00:15:50 UTC

Animals

2019-04-16 00:15:55 UTC

I was inspired by the doodles and the naive art of the scribes.

A T from Elisabeth K.

2019-04-17 10:15:52 UTC

Bye to you all!

2019-04-21 13:05:46 UTC

My letter A

Letter T

cathyleeclark — 2019-04-23 22:55:09 UTC

My Letter T. What a wonderful exercise. Now I'm inspired to try more. BTW, there are some pretty incredible illuminations here by other classmates.

Initials.

2019-04-25 19:35:25 UTC

Very late sharing this, but it's good to see everybody else's work! Thought I'd do my intials, since it's what I go by on here. CJA.

2019-04-26 03:02:01 UTC

MY INITIAL

davidtimoney — 2019-04-28 15:32:00 UTC

Letter T. I struggled with the latice piece at the top..as you can see

Letter J. My initial

2019-05-08 09:10:37 UTC

letter A by Mark G

2019-05-11 09:46:22 UTC

thanks for sharing

2019-05-13 15:52:31 UTC

Letter T - mine is not very good, and it took a long time!

2019-05-15 18:35:47 UTC

Mine is pretty simple, but still took me over an hour.

lizakurtova — 2019-05-26 10:10:47 UTC

My clumsy attempt at letter A. Took me a good four hours to make it look like something acceptable. Still enjoyed the process - very meditative.

2019-06-05 14:20:17 UTC

I painted this on the back of a psaltery (I know this was not the exact assignment, but it fits)

VERY basic

2019-09-18 17:33:55 UTC

I said I'm not so great at this.

2019-09-19 11:46:52 UTC

Letter ‘S’

2019-09-19 13:19:08 UTC

I would not have been allowed anywhere near the book.

Tried begins with a T

2019-09-19 13:35:46 UTC

Not bad for freehand on my tablet but not good either

Letter A

2019-09-19 19:59:08 UTC

I could have done much better had I the time but this is what we get in 15 minutes. So, best try. That is my sad attempt at a dragon in the center! This was fun!

Letter

david_kennedy5 — 2019-09-21 12:23:06 UTC

I tried to create this under similar conditions as the scribes; dim lighting, brushes only and a limited palette. I did wear my reading glasses though. I'm fairly sure the scribes invented swearing. I know this as I smudged, over fattened lines and tried to keep a steady hand.

I tried using Paint

2019-09-22 04:27:00 UTC

This is very hard ..mine is blue yellow and red marks

P

2019-09-22 09:03:32 UTC

Yay for beasts!

A

2019-09-22 16:05:53 UTC

Here is my attempt of an A.

2019-09-22 18:21:53 UTC

Letter D

D and I from folio 262 V

2019-09-22 21:34:35 UTC

I tried to copy this at actual size. I took a guess as to what the original pigments looked like when they were fresh, based on the section about pigments. It was very humbling as it took four hours to do, and knowing that the whole book is full of such work, and much neater.

2019-09-23 16:27:13 UTC

It's so hard....!!!

K for Kathleen

2019-09-24 13:24:20 UTC

I used nature for my images. No structure. Just a lot of doodles with a regular pencil first then filled in with a Sharpie and colored pencils. Spent about 30 minutes on it.

Robert (Irish is Roibeard) Williams attempt at an insular majiscule G.

2019-09-25 00:27:20 UTC

G

2019-09-25 12:32:57 UTC

Or rather a poor attempt at a printed G. Such a difficult task to complete well. E Winters.

Letter

ursulabaxter — 2019-09-25 14:54:05 UTC

Letter B

ursulabaxter — 2019-09-25 14:54:06 UTC

A full hour and several attempts to produce even this. Admiration for the monks has gone way up.

2019-09-25 15:55:58 UTC

Swirls and Curls

2019-09-26 14:39:10 UTC

Much harder than I thought...definitely should have used a compass for the knots but fun being allowed to doodle for an hour!

S

2019-09-26 18:27:57 UTC

It was a tough challenge!

The Letter T

2019-09-26 21:52:46 UTC

This was hard but I enjoyed making the loops to go through.

Strokes

2019-09-27 02:13:18 UTC

With the intention of showing people the complexity and the greatness of the book of kells, our organization has been working since 2015 rebuilding some of certain unvisible sections of some folios with the objective to have a 300% magnified board capable to show a high definition stokes of manuscript to show the greatness of this Cultural Heritage of humanity. When the work will be complete, it will be donated without any lucrative profit to Trinity College. In my experience after years of analysis of the strokes of the manuscript I can say that the work what Irish monks made is insuperable and is the most complex and greatest work in history. The book of Kells is a work that was only completed as a result of miraculous factors. To be involved in a project of this wonderful manuscript has been the best experience of my life! I really could continue to do it forever!

Modern utensil

2019-09-27 12:21:14 UTC

Okay I cheated but having not one "drawing-bone" in me, I searched the net for ideas and used Photoshop.. And found a nice celtic letter B (my Initial) by Thoth Adan and even better with a dragon (my avatar). So design by Thoth Adan, colours by me and font (for rest of my name) is "Celtic" :-)

My Decorated "T"

2019-09-27 18:16:25 UTC

(Patrick McLaughlin,
Sandusky, OH U.S.A.)

Simple illustrations

2019-09-27 19:58:25 UTC

T & G 1

2019-09-28 03:01:03 UTC

K BUhler. 1st go ever. Doing is Believing!!! enjoyed that. But need better pens including white!

T&G 2

2019-09-28 03:10:02 UTC

K Buhler

J

2019-09-28 04:31:37 UTC

Here is my feeble attempt. I suspect half a tree died to produce the paper I used, but it was fun anyway. I drew a sort of J, and decorated it with a fantail (piwakawaka) which is the emblem of my City in New Zealand (Upper Hutt). The Maori scrolls on the Piwakawaka are very similar to the Celtic scrolls, or maybe I just imagine that. There are some amazing designs to see.

mw04 — 2019-09-28 19:46:59 UTC

Marek

Carolyn's experiment

2019-09-28 22:22:57 UTC

F for Fish! found some inks and an old ink pen and loved doing this

2019-09-29 11:02:31 UTC

very crude..shall try and refine. Grateful that my pigments don't contain arsenic!

Lettering by Luke (who was made for a scriptorium)

2019-09-29 11:40:42 UTC

2019-09-29 12:56:02 UTC

2019-09-29 15:09:08 UTC

Here is a small sketch with the letter E for the limited time and materials I had for now. I only had an ink pen and marker. I was attempting to draw a snake around the letter, but I made a mistake and adjusted to make it maybe look like a vine and flowers. Next time (and when I have more time), I hope to make a much larger drawing for more details (and hopefully I'll have more supplies).

D Geary

2019-09-29 16:02:29 UTC

Not perfect... needless to say, the weaving didn't work out so well for me. But, I am convinced that Mr. O'Neill could teach me how to do this with no trouble. Fascinating!

Handmade (by an arthritic hand) with old inappropriate gear ! I had fun anyway ;=)

2019-09-29 23:12:09 UTC

M and the cat

2019-09-29 23:37:03 UTC

The scribe saw a cat while making the attempt.

Well that wasn't easy and looking at others I am most impressed.

2019-09-30 10:24:06 UTC

Illustration of a T

2019-09-30 19:18:33 UTC

I tried to imagine how scribes worked to illuminate a manuscript. It has been a funny work for me. I know it will be a hard work for them, but I suppose they were used to do it, and so it was not so terrible as we think.

My Kells "T"

2019-10-01 21:10:34 UTC

Oh, goodness! I would definitely need more years of intense practice to do this well. Yikes, and in those days, my eyesight would have now put a stop to my illuminating. I used card stock to make the copy to work on and tried to use colored pencils. Wrong! So Next time I will sand the paper lightly so the pencil will take. I struggled through and this is where I stopped. Quite intimidating!
C McCall

My Kells scribbles

2019-10-01 23:00:03 UTC

I need graph paper! Lost my eraser! Oh my!

T

2019-10-02 13:43:07 UTC

Clearly, I'm not cut out for this!

B

2019-10-03 06:01:47 UTC

Celtic B

2019-10-03 06:03:46 UTC

I am not artistic but I loved doing this it was so meditative. I only had a children's drawing pad so the paper was on the verge of tearing and the colours did not come out as well as I would have liked but fun to do.

2019-10-03 19:42:41 UTC

ms010a0697 — 2019-10-04 16:10:41 UTC

Initial Attempt

Long time since I last tried this. Not bad for a freehand sketch.

2019-10-04 18:53:09 UTC

Homage to letter T...

Vince Hunt - UK

2019-10-05 11:43:55 UTC

Well, I know how long it took to produce this. I dread to think how much work a scribe would put in to their work and how long it would take.

Horse shoe and horses.

2019-10-06 17:42:01 UTC

I painted this on glass when I was about 7 years old. Fascinated by the Book of Kells which I got to see at the age of 20. Now I made many on vellum and I love to right in the Islan style. As a kid I got one of the books about all the drawings of the Book of Kells. Mum found a copy of the book of Kells in a beautiful edition and her finding out I was doing this while using the pictures of the library of Trinitiy College is (89 years old now) delighted I am doing this course as it brings back great memories. This was my first piece now 50 years old.

Photo Frame border

2019-10-07 01:09:01 UTC

My sisters and I took our mum to Ireland for her 70th. We visited our Irish cousin at our ancestors' homestead in Kerry. I did a border for the photo we took.

2019-10-09 19:44:21 UTC

first attempt

M S Christmas Decoration first Draft

ms010a0697 — 2019-10-12 23:31:27 UTC

This is my initial plan for a Christmas Tree decoration. Based on the Chi Rho image from the Book. Simplified to keep it small but no doubt I will end up making it larger and more complex and accurate.

C

2019-10-14 19:53:25 UTC

2019-10-15 20:30:12 UTC

Barbara

2019-10-16 02:56:06 UTC

Oqvaldo

teobaldo_tello — 2019-10-16 17:02:04 UTC

Marianne's design

2019-10-16 19:26:22 UTC

It took some time, but finally I finished.

Knot design from antiquity - Egyptian scarab c1600 BC

2019-10-18 03:18:21 UTC

from Barbara Suzuki

Scroll design from antiquity

2019-10-18 03:23:04 UTC

Egyptian scarab c 1600 BC
from Barbara Suzuki

letter B for Bischof

2019-10-19 14:45:33 UTC

nice excersise

2019-10-24 20:13:19 UTC

My decorated Letter T - Amanda Clements

An litir "T"

starkitty1 — 2019-11-03 05:58:52 UTC

Opened PDF in Photoshop, used muted colors for a natural look.
~"Cait"

My first letter

2019-11-03 15:31:40 UTC

This small simple letter took much more time than I expected. But I truly enjoyed thinking the layout through, and creating the pattern was quite fun, even though it was hard to predict the outcome.

celtic art

2019-12-01 00:43:34 UTC

incredible how long it takes to create the knots

celtic doodling

2020-03-14 20:22:23 UTC

done with a mapping pen dipped in white gouache paint

Celtic Letter

2020-03-17 19:44:45 UTC

I picked the T because its the first letter of my name. I am so jealous! Everyones letters are so amazing! Im not good at the knots.

Pater Noster

2020-03-19 14:38:43 UTC

I did the script not the initial - sorry - that would have been my speciality in the scriptorium!

2020-03-19 16:32:56 UTC

G

2020-03-20 06:06:07 UTC

I used fluorescent gel pens! This was fun, and difficult, and now my hand hurts.

2020-03-21 01:21:54 UTC

JP
Used as my inspiration, the opening of Johns gospel (folio 292r). Changed the IP (for In Prinicpio) into my own initials.

kate841 — 2020-03-21 11:27:26 UTC

Merry Boggs

2020-03-21 16:40:06 UTC

My T, very clumsy, and I so admire many of your illustrations

2020-03-22 00:49:26 UTC

Letter T

2020-03-22 16:33:39 UTC

I had a go at a simple knot and added that mischievous cat....It took a lot longer than I expected.

2020-03-22 21:35:41 UTC

Letter E

2020-03-23 01:56:55 UTC

This is my attempt, i had so much fun doing it but it is really time consuming and symmetry is really hard to get right

Proving that I would not have what it takes to be a Kells scribe.

2020-03-24 11:53:17 UTC

LRoe

Letter “D” from the book of Kells! Took me a very long time to complete. It’s modified somewhat from the original but it’s my attempt! I have to admit that the process is necessarily painstaking and the thought of doing it in the monastery is mind boggling! Totally enjoyed the exercise though! Andrew McQuillan.

2020-03-24 13:15:20 UTC

Harder than I expected

2020-03-24 18:32:13 UTC

I need inks rather than coloured pencils. Enjoyed the exercise. Great to see some fine examples here. Well done everyone.

2020-03-24 18:41:39 UTC

I had made this before taking the class. It’s a cover page to a journal I am working on. While taking this class there are many things I would have done differently. Regardless it did take a long time!

2020-03-25 14:49:28 UTC

HCline

2020-03-27 20:47:19 UTC

It was difficult- swearing, erasing and even more self doubt. I think I would have been asked to leave the monastery. I'm taking this course the second time around.

2020-03-29 09:28:41 UTC

Well, if I keep at it for seven years, I might get somewhere. At least I had some fun. There's some very nice work already shared.

Mostly freehanding and done really quickly, and it shows (OMG those "spirals"...) Letter M from the Book of Kells (a bit modified.)

2020-03-29 11:56:35 UTC

Letter F. Definitely a simple design but I tried to reflect the shape.

2020-03-29 14:47:49 UTC

Letter T

2020-03-29 18:29:05 UTC

I didn't have much available besides a postcard and ballpoint pen, and I got frustrated fast!! Everyone else's are lovely - you can see exactly where I gave up.

2020-03-30 04:10:24 UTC

A

2020-03-30 10:58:16 UTC

I've never been much good at art, but I'm working on it.

My Try at Book of Kells Art

2020-03-30 20:32:31 UTC

This was very hard and it takes a lot of time just for ONE letter. You would get better at it over time, but still.....it would takes years and years. My drawing is not very good compared to some of yours and the drawing the the actual Book of Kells, but here is my take at it. BTW, my picture is a letter "A" in the Latin word "atque" meaning "and."

H

beaneyh — 2020-03-31 14:15:10 UTC

I traced the outline of the letter h then added my own design and colours. I'm surprised there isn't a hole in the paper, given how many times I had to erase something!

Book of Kells G

2020-03-31 17:57:32 UTC

Spirals and interlaces with green background

BOK T

2020-03-31 18:01:12 UTC

Letter T around a spiral with multicoloured lattices

My Sunshine-T

2020-03-31 19:32:48 UTC

I like the energy of these colors ..... but it was not that easy for me to fill in the letter

My Sunshine-G

2020-03-31 19:37:09 UTC

I tried almost each design but I cannot imagine to work like that on the whole book...

Helen G

2020-04-01 09:41:22 UTC

Enjoyed this! Did the T yesterday; tried to do the G today with interlace but have given up for now... Much respect to those monks!

2020-04-02 12:28:58 UTC

I tried <3

2020-04-02 13:52:09 UTC

he let lett

2020-04-02 19:20:07 UTC

2020-04-03 19:13:07 UTC

2020-04-06 04:02:45 UTC

2020-04-06 04:05:17 UTC

Robert Fox
So I realized I used a Roman font after I started but I really enjoyed the decoration. Got a bit messy in spots because I freehanded everything that isn’t a straight!

I'm no scribe..It's in the spirit of the book of Kells; spirals, knots, interlacing, creatures. I tried.

2020-04-06 13:23:58 UTC

coquetgumph — 2020-04-06 14:53:44 UTC

I never expected a course in
9th Century religious artefacts would be so relaxing! Perhaps for many of us time has begun to take on a new form, perhaps as it was for those long ago scribes.

coquetgumph — 2020-04-06 16:45:54 UTC

A motherhood knot

E

coquetgumph — 2020-04-06 16:47:17 UTC

starkitty1 — 2020-04-07 00:26:49 UTC

starkitty1 — 2020-04-07 00:31:24 UTC

From George Bain's Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction. He cites source as Book of Kells; I don't find it there, but it's similar to A's on f77R, f104R, and f293V. It's about 2" (6 cm) square.

jdjotto — 2020-04-07 01:24:39 UTC

2020-04-07 11:54:44 UTC

elefattori15 — 2020-04-08 16:46:53 UTC

My attempt on the letter E

My letter A

2020-04-13 19:08:07 UTC

I meant to do a neater copy but didn't want to get too behind

Margaret Van Patten's Letter T

2020-04-13 19:36:21 UTC

Done with pens and watercolor after preliminary sketch.

2020-04-15 14:07:47 UTC

My Letter E
by MK

In principio erat verbum

2020-04-17 09:16:36 UTC

pen and ink - took ages and is full of mistakes

Imago leonis

2020-04-17 09:19:25 UTC

pen and acrylic paint

2020-04-17 14:09:08 UTC

fingerprint Log in info_outline Info help_outline Help favorite_border Like share Share or embed export Export print Print Share your illustration Book of Kells Massive Online Open Course Trinity Online Services + 516 ● 5h Imago leonis Imago leonis pen and acrylic paint more_vert In principio erat verbum In principio erat verbum pen and ink - took ages and is full of mistakes more_vert My Letter Eby MK My Letter E by MK more_vert Margaret Van Patten's Letter T Margaret Van Patten's Letter T Done with pens and watercolor after preliminary sketch. more_vert My letter A My letter A I meant to do a neater copy but didn't want to get too behind more_vert My attempt on the le My attempt on the letter E more_vert Empty more_vert From George Bain's Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction. He cites source as Book of Kells; I don't find it there, but it's similar to A's on f77R, f104R, and f293V. It's about 2" (6 cm) square. From George Bain's Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction. He cites source as Book of Kells; I don't find it there, but it's similar to A's on f77R, f104R, and f293V. It's about 2" (6 cm) square. more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert E E more_vert A motherhood knot A motherhood knot more_vert I never expected a c I never expected a course in 9th Century religious artefacts would be so relaxing! Perhaps for many of us time has begun to take on a new form, perhaps as it was for those long ago scribes. more_vert I'm no scribe..It's in the spirit of the book of Kells; spirals, knots, interlacing, creatures. I tried. I'm no scribe..It's in the spirit of the book of Kells; spirals, knots, interlacing, creatures. I tried. more_vert Robert FoxSo I r Robert Fox So I realized I used a Roman font after I started but I really enjoyed the decoration. Got a bit messy in spots because I freehanded everything that isn’t a straight! more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert he let lett he let lett more_vert Empty more_vert I tried <3 I tried <3 more_vert Helen G Helen G Enjoyed this! Did the T yesterday; tried to do the G today with interlace but have given up for now... Much respect to those monks! Litir T PDF document padlet drive more_vert My Sunshine-G My Sunshine-G I tried almost each design but I cannot imagine to work like that on the whole book... more_vert My Sunshine-T My Sunshine-T I like the energy of these colors ..... but it was not that easy for me to fill in the letter more_vert BOK T BOK T Letter T around a spiral with multicoloured lattices more_vert Book of Kells G Book of Kells G Spirals and interlaces with green background more_vert H H I traced the outline of the letter h then added my own design and colours. I'm surprised there isn't a hole in the paper, given how many times I had to erase something! more_vert My Try at Book of Kells Art My Try at Book of Kells Art This was very hard and it takes a lot of time just for ONE letter. You would get better at it over time, but still.....it would takes years and years. My drawing is not very good compared to some of yours and the drawing the the actual Book of Kells, but here is my take at it. BTW, my picture is a letter "A" in the Latin word "atque" meaning "and." more_vert A A I've never been much good at art, but I'm working on it. more_vert Empty more_vert Letter T Letter T I didn't have much available besides a postcard and ballpoint pen, and I got frustrated fast!! Everyone else's are lovely - you can see exactly where I gave up. more_vert Letter F. Definitely a simple design but I tried to reflect the shape. Letter F. Definitely a simple design but I tried to reflect the shape. more_vert Mostly freehanding and done really quickly, and it shows (OMG those "spirals"...) Letter M from the Book of Kells (a bit modified.) Mostly freehanding and done really quickly, and it shows (OMG those "spirals"...) Letter M from the Book of Kells (a bit modified.) more_vert Well, if I keep at i Well, if I keep at it for seven years, I might get somewhere. At least I had some fun. There's some very nice work already shared. more_vert HCline HCline It was difficult- swearing, erasing and even more self doubt. I think I would have been asked to leave the monastery. I'm taking this course the second time around. more_vert I had made this before taking the class. It’s a cover page to a journal I am working on. While taking this class there are many things I would have done differently. Regardless it did take a long time! I had made this before taking the class. It’s a cover page to a journal I am working on. While taking this class there are many things I would have done differently. Regardless it did take a long time! more_vert I need inks rather than coloured pencils. Enjoyed the exercise. Great to see some fine examples here. Well done everyone. I need inks rather than coloured pencils. Enjoyed the exercise. Great to see some fine examples here. Well done everyone. more_vert Harder than I expected Harder than I expected more_vert Letter “D” from the book of Kells! Took me a very long time to complete. It’s modified somewhat from the original but it’s my attempt! I have to admit that the process is necessarily painstaking and the thought of doing it in the monastery is mind boggling! Totally enjoyed the exercise though! Andrew McQuillan. Letter “D” from the book of Kells! Took me a very long time to complete. It’s modified somewhat from the original but it’s my attempt! I have to admit that the process is necessarily painstaking and the thought of doing it in the monastery is mind boggling! Totally enjoyed the exercise though! Andrew McQuillan. more_vert Proving that I would not have what it takes to be a Kells scribe. Proving that I would not have what it takes to be a Kells scribe. LRoe more_vert Letter E Letter E This is my attempt, i had so much fun doing it but it is really time consuming and symmetry is really hard to get right more_vert Empty more_vert Letter T Letter T I had a go at a simple knot and added that mischievous cat....It took a lot longer than I expected. more_vert Merry Boggs Merry Boggs more_vert Empty more_vert JPUsed as my ins JP Used as my inspiration, the opening of Johns gospel (folio 292r). Changed the IP (for In Prinicpio) into my own initials. more_vert My T, very clumsy, and I so admire many of your illustrations My T, very clumsy, and I so admire many of your illustrations Scan1 PDF document padlet drive more_vert G G I used fluorescent gel pens! This was fun, and difficult, and now my hand hurts. more_vert Empty more_vert Pater Noster Pater Noster I did the script not the initial - sorry - that would have been my speciality in the scriptorium! more_vert Celtic Letter Celtic Letter I picked the T because its the first letter of my name. I am so jealous! Everyones letters are so amazing! Im not good at the knots. New Doc 2020-03-17 14.40.10_1 PDF document padlet drive more_vert celtic doodling celtic doodling done with a mapping pen dipped in white gouache paint more_vert celtic art celtic art incredible how long it takes to create the knots more_vert My first letter My first letter This small simple letter took much more time than I expected. But I truly enjoyed thinking the layout through, and creating the pattern was quite fun, even though it was hard to predict the outcome. more_vert An litir "T" An litir "T" Opened PDF in Photoshop, used muted colors for a natural look. ~"Cait" more_vert My decorated Letter My decorated Letter T - Amanda Clements more_vert letter B for Bischof letter B for Bischof nice excersise more_vert Scroll design from antiquity Scroll design from antiquity Egyptian scarab c 1600 BC from Barbara Suzuki more_vert Knot design from antiquity - Egyptian scarab c1600 BC Knot design from antiquity - Egyptian scarab c1600 BC from Barbara Suzuki more_vert Marianne's design Marianne's design It took some time, but finally I finished. more_vert Oqvaldo Oqvaldo more_vert Empty more_vert Barbara Barbara more_vert C C more_vert M S Christmas Decoration first Draft M S Christmas Decoration first Draft This is my initial plan for a Christmas Tree decoration. Based on the Chi Rho image from the Book. Simplified to keep it small but no doubt I will end up making it larger and more complex and accurate. more_vert first attempt first attempt more_vert Photo Frame border Photo Frame border My sisters and I took our mum to Ireland for her 70th. We visited our Irish cousin at our ancestors' homestead in Kerry. I did a border for the photo we took. more_vert Horse shoe and horses. Horse shoe and horses. I painted this on glass when I was about 7 years old. Fascinated by the Book of Kells which I got to see at the age of 20. Now I made many on vellum and I love to right in the Islan style. As a kid I got one of the books about all the drawings of the Book of Kells. Mum found a copy of the book of Kells in a beautiful edition and her finding out I was doing this while using the pictures of the library of Trinitiy College is (89 years old now) delighted I am doing this course as it brings back great memories. This was my first piece now 50 years old. more_vert Vince Hunt - UK Vince Hunt - UK Well, I know how long it took to produce this. I dread to think how much work a scribe would put in to their work and how long it would take. more_vert Homage to letter T.. Homage to letter T... more_vert Initial Atte Initial Attempt Long time since I last tried this. Not bad for a freehand sketch. more_vert Empty more_vert B B more_vert T T Clearly, I'm not cut out for this! more_vert My Kells scribbles My Kells scribbles I need graph paper! Lost my eraser! Oh my! more_vert Celtic B Celtic B I am not artistic but I loved doing this it was so meditative. I only had a children's drawing pad so the paper was on the verge of tearing and the colours did not come out as well as I would have liked but fun to do. more_vert My Kells "T" My Kells "T" Oh, goodness! I would definitely need more years of intense practice to do this well. Yikes, and in those days, my eyesight would have now put a stop to my illuminating. I used card stock to make the copy to work on and tried to use colored pencils. Wrong! So Next time I will sand the paper lightly so the pencil will take. I struggled through and this is where I stopped. Quite intimidating! C McCall more_vert Illustration of a T Illustration of a T I tried to imagine how scribes worked to illuminate a manuscript. It has been a funny work for me. I know it will be a hard work for them, but I suppose they were used to do it, and so it was not so terrible as we think. more_vert Well that wasn't easy and looking at others I am most impressed. Well that wasn't easy and looking at others I am most impressed. more_vert M and the cat M and the cat The scribe saw a cat while making the attempt. more_vert Handmade (by an arthritic hand) with old inappropriate gear ! I had fun anyway ;=) Handmade (by an arthritic hand) with old inappropriate gear ! I had fun anyway ;=) more_vert D Geary D Geary Not perfect... needless to say, the weaving didn't work out so well for me. But, I am convinced that Mr. O'Neill could teach me how to do this with no trouble. Fascinating! more_vert Here is a small sket Here is a small sketch with the letter E for the limited time and materials I had for now. I only had an ink pen and marker. I was attempting to draw a snake around the letter, but I made a mistake and adjusted to make it maybe look like a vine and flowers. Next time (and when I have more time), I hope to make a much larger drawing for more details (and hopefully I'll have more supplies). more_vert Empty more_vert Lettering by Luke (who was made for a scriptorium) Lettering by Luke (who was made for a scriptorium) more_vert F for Fish! found some inks and an old ink pen and loved doing this F for Fish! found some inks and an old ink pen and loved doing this very crude..shall try and refine. Grateful that my pigments don't contain arsenic! more_vert Carolyn's experiment Carolyn's experiment more_vert Marek Marek more_vert J J Here is my feeble attempt. I suspect half a tree died to produce the paper I used, but it was fun anyway. I drew a sort of J, and decorated it with a fantail (piwakawaka) which is the emblem of my City in New Zealand (Upper Hutt). The Maori scrolls on the Piwakawaka are very similar to the Celtic scrolls, or maybe I just imagine that. There are some amazing designs to see. more_vert T&G 2 T&G 2 K Buhler more_vert T & G 1 T & G 1 K BUhler. 1st go ever. Doing is Believing!!! enjoyed that. But need better pens including white! more_vert Simple illustrations Simple illustrations more_vert My Decorated "T" My Decorated "T" (Patrick McLaughlin, Sandusky, OH U.S.A.) more_vert Modern utensil Modern utensil Okay I cheated but having not one "drawing-bone" in me, I searched the net for ideas and used Photoshop.. And found a nice celtic letter B (my Initial) by Thoth Adan and even better with a dragon (my avatar). So design by Thoth Adan, colours by me and font (for rest of my name) is "Celtic" :-) more_vert Strokes Strokes With the intention of showing people the complexity and the greatness of the book of kells, our organization has been working since 2015 rebuilding some of certain unvisible sections of some folios with the objective to have a 300% magnified board capable to show a high definition stokes of manuscript to show the greatness of this Cultural Heritage of humanity. When the work will be complete, it will be donated without any lucrative profit to Trinity College. In my experience after years of analysis of the strokes of the manuscript I can say that the work what Irish monks made is insuperable and is the most complex and greatest work in history. The book of Kells is a work that was only completed as a result of miraculous factors. To be involved in a project of this wonderful manuscript has been the best experience of my life! I really could continue to do it forever! more_vert The Letter T The Letter T This was hard but I enjoyed making the loops to go through. more_vert S S It was a tough challenge! more_vert Swirls and Curls Swirls and Curls Much harder than I thought...definitely should have used a compass for the knots but fun being allowed to doodle for an hour! more_vert Empty more_vert Letter B Letter B A full hour and several attempts to produce even this. Admiration for the monks has gone way up. more_vert Letter Letter more_vert G G Or rather a poor attempt at a printed G. Such a difficult task to complete well. E Winters. more_vert Robert (Irish is Roibeard) Williams attempt at an insular majiscule G. Robert (Irish is Roibeard) Williams attempt at an insular majiscule G. more_vert K for Kathleen K for Kathleen I used nature for my images. No structure. Just a lot of doodles with a regular pencil first then filled in with a Sharpie and colored pencils. Spent about 30 minutes on it. more_vert It's so hard....!!! It's so hard....!!! more_vert D and I from folio 262 V D and I from folio 262 V I tried to copy this at actual size. I took a guess as to what the original pigments looked like when they were fresh, based on the section about pigments. It was very humbling as it took four hours to do, and knowing that the whole book is full of such work, and much neater. more_vert Letter D Letter D more_vert A A Here is my attempt of an A. more_vert P P Yay for beasts! more_vert I tried using Paint I tried using Paint This is very hard ..mine is blue yellow and red marks more_vert Letter Letter I tried to create this under similar conditions as the scribes; dim lighting, brushes only and a limited palette. I did wear my reading glasses though. I'm fairly sure the scribes invented swearing. I know this as I smudged, over fattened lines and tried to keep a steady hand. Letter PDF document padlet drive more_vert Letter A Letter A I could have done much better had I the time but this is what we get in 15 minutes. So, best try. That is my sad attempt at a dragon in the center! This was fun! more_vert Tried begins with a T Tried begins with a T Not bad for freehand on my tablet but not good either more_vert I would not have bee I would not have been allowed anywhere near the book. more_vert Letter ‘S’ Letter ‘S’ more_vert VERY basic VERY basic I said I'm not so great at this. more_vert I painted this on th I painted this on the back of a psaltery (I know this was not the exact assignment, but it fits) more_vert My clumsy attempt at My clumsy attempt at letter A. Took me a good four hours to make it look like something acceptable. Still enjoyed the process - very meditative. more_vert Mine is pretty simpl Mine is pretty simple, but still took me over an hour. more_vert Letter T - mine is n Letter T - mine is not very good, and it took a long time! more_vert letter A by Mark G letter A by Mark G thanks for sharing more_vert Letter J. My initial Letter J. My initial more_vert Letter T. I struggle Letter T. I struggled with the latice piece at the top..as you can see more_vert MY INITIAL MY INITIAL more_vert Initials. Initials. Very late sharing this, but it's good to see everybody else's work! Thought I'd do my intials, since it's what I go by on here. CJA. more_vert Letter T Letter T My Letter T. What a wonderful exercise. Now I'm inspired to try more. BTW, there are some pretty incredible illuminations here by other classmates. more_vert My letter A My letter A more_vert A T from Elisabeth K. A T from Elisabeth K. Bye to you all! more_vert A A more_vert Animals Animals I was inspired by the doodles and the naive art of the scribes. more_vert Dance: A quote by Ni Dance: A quote by Nietzsche. I am a calligrapher from Portland, Oregon. Thanks for this wonderful course. I am a fan of Tim O'Neill. more_vert more_vert This took so long. I This took so long. I can not imagine doing this with an entire book. more_vert These are from my da These are from my daughter and I. You can tell which of us is the artist and which is the engineer. more_vert Not a beautiful "T" Not a beautiful "T" When I was an undergrad taking a course in calligraphy, my professor used to roam about the room critiquing everyones work. He would look over your shoulder for a while as you struggled to form the perfect letter and then say in his thick Russian accent, "It is not a beautiful B!" And today I was simply to lazy to go up to the studio and get my calligraphy pens so my little joke is not very pretty either . . . more_vert Under Ancient Seas Under Ancient Seas I am not much of a calligrapher, but I do use my own take-offs on motifs from the Book of Kells and other manuscripts in my relief stone carvings. The title of this piece comes from the limestone beach stone from which it is made. more_vert MB1 MB1 more_vert Empty more_vert ca"T" ca"T" I wanted to draw a cat somehow. It was very fun to draw a spiral pattern. more_vert Empty more_vert As luck would have it, all the years I spent doodling in the margins of my notebooks in school did nothing to assist with the creation of this artwork. I spent far too long for such lousy results, and I am grateful to not be a Medieval scribe. As luck would have it, all the years I spent doodling in the margins of my notebooks in school did nothing to assist with the creation of this artwork. I spent far too long for such lousy results, and I am grateful to not be a Medieval scribe. more_vert Yes, mine looks just like a page from the Book of Kells... if the scribe had a 2-year-old helper and Jumbo crayons to color with Yes, mine looks just like a page from the Book of Kells... if the scribe had a 2-year-old helper and Jumbo crayons to color with more_vert Letter T Letter T I tried to draw the letter T and inside I inserted a monk scribe, inspired by the illustration in Eadwine's psaltery. more_vert C Sturgiss C Sturgiss My Medieval FL Logo in felt pen. Capital F with salmon of knowledge and capital L with cornucopia of vines. more_vert I realised that the I realised that the scribes were very skilful and knowledgeable about pigments, design and geometry. It was a pleasure to attempt this demanding work. more_vert Empty more_vert Vegetable decoration Vegetable decoration more_vert Letter C cockatiel Letter C cockatiel more_vert O O It was really tough for me to draw interlace ribbon. more_vert T T This was a lot of fun. I definitely have more of a sense of what it took to put together the illuminated pages as well as the text pages with illustrations embedded. I planned a little bit and it turned out OK, but with more planning and experience this could be a really fun activity. Kellls project 2 PDF document padlet drive more_vert Incomplete C Incomplete C I'm having to rest and rehab my dominant hand so I did what I could. This was a lot of fun. letter c Kells class PDF document padlet drive more_vert Letter Letter This modest effort took me hours, but I learned a lot! I can only assume that scribes practiced these symbols from an early age. It made me realize how much time must have been spent in consideration of the design of each page. Letter T PDF document padlet drive more_vert An enjoyable exercise An enjoyable exercise I enjoy doing zentangle, so this exercise seemed like a gift! kells letter PDF document padlet drive more_vert An older piece An older piece I currently have a broken arm so here's a piece I did in a bookbinding class a few years ago. more_vert Insular G Insular G This is my second attempt for the G. The draft and the final version took me almost two hours to draw. I hadn't drawn anything in years, and this was lots of fun. I was glad for my pencil and eraser, though, and kept thinking how much more difficult this would have been if I had used ink and a quill. Calligraphie of insular G PDF document padlet drive more_vert From a piece I'm cur From From a piece I'm cur From a piece I'm currently working on. I did that 2 months ago.. I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) Illuminated Capital G Illuminated Capital G Using the G template provided, lots of color but not as much intricate design as I had hoped. It took so long just to do this much! Calligraphy - The kn Calligraphy - The knot is not right. The rest are okay. 📎 Photo Illuminated G Illuminated G I'm hoping this works this time. I am more awed then ever at the time, steadiness of hand, and the faith of the people who created these illuminations. Madeleine 📎 Photo The letter T... Badly! The letter T... Badly! Finally managed to get my illustation up on here! This is my futile attempt at the letter T. The letter R. Just t The letter R. Just tried a few intertwining techniques. Meditation on the Eucharist Meditation on the Eucharist I chose the first letter of my name with symbols from the Book of Kells to contemplate the Eucharist. Interlace attempt Interlace attempt This was my first attempt at interlace. Jacqueline 1st Letter T Jacq 1st Letter T Jacq I picked the T from the files they gave and used both interlace and the knot in the middle and the spiral. Jacqueline 2nd Letter T Jacq 2nd Letter T Jacq I did another one because it was so much fun. I used lozenges in this one. Eight yellow ones and three gery ones, to cover the use of numerals. A snake is in the letter. Jacqueline How humbling! How humbling! Wow, I am embarrassed to upload my humble and meager work amongst the stellar work of my fellow students! What an enlightening exercise! What a daunting job What a daunting job to be a scribe! After a couple of hours on this one letter, I think I can see how long it could take to copy a manuscript. A lot of work, perhaps a lifetime on only a few volumes. B Yay! I dids it B Yay! I dids it My children gave me My children gave me this coloring book one Christmas. I did just color in the figure and didn't try making any patterns. I will, though! I bought a little book in Edinburgh that gives instructions on how to make the spirals, whorls, etc. This exercise encourages me to give that a try! Letter I Letter I I picked the least challenging letter, I'm afraid! Enjoyed the task, though I struggled with the interlacing, just kept getting the spacing and up/under wrong! It must take years to train in the intricacies. Letter T Letter T I am no artist! I freehanded it all. I mean, eek! (Some of you are amazing!!) (Laura D) Letter L Letter L Sadly not nearly up to the standards of my ancestors. Letter T from Siobhan O'M Letter T from Siobhan O'M Looking at images i.e. such as figures and animals combined with the designs I came up with this. I'm a Scribe in trai I'm a Scribe in training...Letter T Letter A Letter A I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes. T with a 🐓 T with a 🐓 Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge 📎 Photo This is the back of This is the back of a vest I knitted. Lots of over/under design. Letter A Letter A I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes. Tafarn y Fic Tafarn y Fic Something I did a wee while ago for in thanks for the hospitality I received in the Lleyn Peninsula Fun to do, focus nee Fun to do, focus needed! Examples from Bru na bonnie Examples from Bru na bonnie These stones have always intrigued me. I will try the exercise later, but wanted to share this picture from Neolithic times. Letter T and G Letter T and G arthur/Documents/Book of Kells/Illustration Exercise.pdf Letter T and G Letter T and G Definitely requires thought, planning, practice and patience. Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration! Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration! Modest O Modest O My contribution is kind of simplistic compared to others here but so it goes! Letter A Letter A What I learned: don't do this after consuming multiple cups of coffee. The scribes must have used a very tiny tip on their pens (or a brush with just a few hairs?) I had to rotate my picture to draw some parts; it would be even more difficult to do if the paper was fixed in place! CCW - this is T TToo CCW - this is T TToo second T belonging to T&TToo My modest contribution My modest contribution Since I was a child I have always been bad at drawing, coloring and in general in every artistic composition. However, my love for art has always been immense, even if only as a spectator, as it is not capable of great creations T & T T T & T T I'm not a trained artist so I use Sketch book to turn my ideas into needlepoint ready graphics - so I wondered if I could do something with the T - I used digital "pen" and colours - the second T was using their dot grid to mimic the dot layout and free hand pen to try the interlace 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo letter 'b' letter 'b' This took about 1 hour to do and I was using felt pens. It must have taken ages for the monks to do just one letter. My very modest contribution. My very modest contribution. 📎 Photo Trisha Cole's Illistration Trisha Cole's Illistration William Delaney's William Delaney's After a quite a while and great frustration I have this to offer. This is my initial. This is my initial. I tried very hard with the basic knots! I am amazed with the creativity I found on the designs you shared. Congratulations everybody! I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise. I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise. My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded. My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded. a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources! a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources! Here is my letter O in the right position Here is my letter O in the right position Here's my C. I woul Here's my C. I would like the colors more vivid but that's all I had to work with. Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something. Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something. G G I found designs that were from the time frame if not in the Book of Kells for inspiration. I had a basic knowledge of calligraphy which helped with the letters. I choose the grace for my project Book of Kells letter exercise Book of Kells letter exercise I've always been fascinated with the little cat faces in the Book of Kells large capitals, and I love the dragons and lions, so that was what I focused on, alongside an attempt at creating one of the interlace ribbons. As an exercise, this took me about thirty minutes or so. If I were to be making an effort at a more perfected product rather than a class exercise, I expect it would take me hours. Something I did earlier Something I did earlier Traced painted and gilded this Celtic design on a course 18 months ago. It took 2 days! Sorry not in a position to do exercise just now, but thought this might be of interest Ii 📎 Photo T T I may have a little bit of an edge. I've been doing this kind of work for a while now. Letter S Letter S After many attempts went a bit free form. Letter TMy tiny Letter T My tiny contribution! Very difficult for the non artsy!!! However, a great exercise to have an understanding of how hard this must have been for the scribes. Letter T Letter T I really wanted to try some of the ribbons, but the guide dots got in the way. Scribes must have studied and practiced long and hard to master the knots and ribbons! An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials. An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials. this took forever, I this took forever, I was constantly erasing and starting over so I gave up and went with spirals LetterT LetterT Tried a lot of times, never being satisfied, also don't like this one. Better results would need more construction time and experience! 📎 Photo How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now Initial attempt (sor Initial attempt (sorry for the pun) but the image is on its side - very inspiring exercise and I look forward to more practice. Ruth 📎 Page from The Book of Kells - Trinity College Dublin Playing with motifs Playing with motifs I haven't had the opportunity to work with a display capital this week, but I've enjoyed playing with elements and motifs. It has helped me appreciate how much time, skill, concentration and patience were devoted to illuminating ms. Hats off to the monks! Kell's Circle Work in Progress Kell's Circle Work in Progress Trying to challenge myself with a few motifs in a circular format. Have really studied many of the pages of the book and have lots of ideas for finishing this and making many more! So glad I'm doing this class! Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these. Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these. Very frustrating for Very frustrating for me as I have no artistic ability. I think the scribes had quite a job to do. I give up I give up Letter O on my lunch break Letter O on my lunch break I only had a pencil with me at lunch so I couldn't quite do it right, but here are the three elements in an "o." Letter T sideways Letter T sideways I am no artist This is a lot harder This is a lot harder than it looks, isn't it? A couple of years ag A couple of years ago I did a retreat at St Beuno's the Jesuit house in wales. Partly as a meditation and partly as relaxation, I did this. It may not look like it, but it probably to ok about 5 hours to plan and complete. A little copy A little copy Since I'm a calligrapher, I've made a little copy of the book's text on vellum with iron gall ink in approximetely real size. It was so hard!!! I can't imagine how skilled were the creators of the book! T and some practises T and some practises I´m not used to draw. I had never suffered such a challege since I was a kid. Really enjoyed. To a T To a T With a nod to BOK folio 1 recto, where the upper red ovals appear to contain figures. Mine look like pink Easter eggs. First attempt not go First attempt not good A (very badly drawn) C A (very badly drawn) C I recently drew this, and I faced some problems drawing since I drew and colored out of the lines in addition to having problems drawing a Celtic knot within (which is the black paint in the C) . I have to admit that I now have a newfound appreciation for those who are experts in writing Irish calligraphy. Humble E Humble E I couldn't resist the temptation of throwing a dragon head in there, I took it from the Book of Kells. Also added red dotting with an actual quill and brownish-red ink for an authentic look that the rest of my E does not have... The interlacing was an absolute puzzle for me! 📎 Photo Well, that took some time! Well, that took some time! I found the snake pattern on a page from the Book of Kells. This took like ... almost two hours! Wow. Challenge Challenge Contemplation 📎 Photo A Celtic knot A Celtic knot I made some years ago. Drawing in pencil and colored with inks, later recolored with the computer. ------ Jan Derboven Letter T Letter T I didn't have much time to spare so this is not even close to being complete. This took me an hour, I reckon I would need a whole day to do a half-decent effort. G...What a fun time :) G...What a fun time :) It took awhile makes me think about how long it took them to do the entire book. It was really relaxing however. I would love to practice more and see where it goes. T with some detail T with some detail I did this using a quill and ink. I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I had fun with this! Big Letter, Small details Big Letter, Small details Not having all of my small drawing tools made this is bit difficult, but I can only imagine how the monks felt trying to make every one of these letter meticulous and detailed! 📎 Photo Celtic D Celtic D My son cross stitched this as a Christmas gift to me. I will try my hand at a drawing when I return from a trip. ----Debbie Bandy 📎 Photo First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated Sharon Rust Sharon Rust T initial decorated not too well!! Too many talented people who are better at design than myself. Initial from the Moosburger Graduale Initial from the Moosburger Graduale This one is inspired by a 'songbook' that was finished in my hometown about 1360. It now is stored in the library of the university of Munich: Cim. 100 (= 2° Cod. ms. 156) Tiny, meticulous G Tiny, meticulous G I had fun, but it doesn't look like much compared with what I'm seeing here. My attempt at the letter T. My attempt at the letter T. ...and a lucky paper find :D T is for twice done. T is for twice done. Letter T Letter T Everyone is so accomplished! Some things I learned: Take time to let one color dry before adding another. A steady hand is as important as good eyesight. The practice of drawing out knotwork (even on this small scale) can indeed be meditative, I suppose because you have to pay such close attention. Question: Just how fine were the pens/brushes used for these manuscripts? Because my gel pen and fine tip Sharpie felt positively coarse even on this large scale letter. 📎 Photo Letter D Letter D There are some talented people here. Not me 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Letter T Letter T Not beautiful, as in the Book of Kells, but it gave me a small taste of the experience of designing and coloring those marvelous initial letters. I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now! I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now! Making things up jus Making things up just to try. Want to create a book full of fantasy writings using this style. it takes hours and a lot of frustrated creativity. I love it. H's 'h' H's 'h' My attempt at a letter H. Unfinished and with a little footnote in true Book of Kells style The Letter E The Letter E Everyone's design is so good! I had lots of fun making mine, adding all sorts of motifs into my letter E~ -Eddy Y. L. Chang- Insular Art Practice Insular Art Practice MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border Had fun doing this. Had fun doing this. This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented! This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented! MM MM Well, my daughter’s impressed... Well, my daughter’s impressed... I struggled with this but Emily made me feel better about it! Still playing around with knots a little, and interestingly, when Santa writes notes we notice he uses the swirls in his own writing. Actually, so does Flossie the Tooth Fairy. Interesting! Signed, Emily’s Mommy Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc. Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc. It was a pleasure to It was a pleasure to draw spiral motifs. A little try... A little try... I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy 📎 Photo First attempt First attempt It was pretty hard! It took me some time to do the patterns, but I love it! I would do this my whole life! Initial "M" Initial "M" I found consistency of size and curvature really difficult. In retrospect I ought to have laid in guidelines before I began! My attempt My attempt Well, I tried, but it is really hard... and yet somehow relaxing. I love this exercise! 📎 Padlet is the easiest way to create and collaborate in the world Initial "A" Initial "A" This was really challenging, but I enjoyed designing it. I struggled with the interlace around the letter. I'm not sure if the square frame really reflects what is seen in the Book of Kells, but I know it has precedent in other medieval manuscripts. 📎 Photo Capital 'T' Capital 'T' Not having much skill or talent as an artist I kept it simple Will be interesting to practice for my embroidery where I have more skill G for George G for George I copied a cat from Kells for its pose to represent my black cat and added a mouse & wafer. About 5 hours work with fine point & broad markers. m & s m & s C for child. C for child. Some knot interlacing I produced as a draft to illuminate. A's Letter G A's Letter G J's Letter T J's Letter T Book of Kells Letter T Book of Kells Letter T "R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience. "R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience. Brendan's B Brendan's B Not my first attempt Letter T Letter T This is an initial letter T, done as part of an SCA award scroll long ago before the arthritis killed my hands letter GThis is letter G This is the second letter I attempted to decorate using the designs from the Book of Kells. Very hard work. letter T letter T I tried to use the different methods of design described by the course calligrapher. It was extremely difficult. Took me all day to do the two letters I I I I i I I I I i Letter "T" Letter "T" Letter "G" Letter "G" 📎 Document This took some time but here at last is my letter R. This took some time but here at last is my letter R. First try First try kells kells Older work on a postcard Older work on a postcard A tiny Uncial alphabet I did for a family postcard project that's been ongoing for over a decade (you can see more about it here if interested: www.lostpostcardproject.blogspot.com ) Family name Family name W Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. Another try! Another try! Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot 📎 Photo A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. Letter Letter Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) 📎 Photo Halloween Mask Halloween Mask 📎 Photo No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. p p Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. . . I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! 📎 Photo Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour 📎 Photo Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch Marian's T Marian's T Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on 📎 Photo A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) T T E E Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" I tried some letters I tried some letters Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig 📎 Photo Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. V V Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) 📎 Photo O O Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It It You You You c You c I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush Letter R Letter R My last name practice My last name practice 📎 Photo I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space 📎 Photo O O It Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) take that you can look fo take that you can look for. Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire I like so much this I like so much this art style! Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! 📎 Photo , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! M M Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. 📎 Photo Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 Work in progress ... Work in progress ... Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. Not very good Not very good Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark pat burchnall pat burchnall the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! Here is my T. Here is my T. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. That was fun! That was fun! I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen 📎 Photo This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc Letter T Letter T 📎 Document Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. Simple T Simple T Simple T Simple T a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font S letter The S letter The C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. Letter T Letter T It was very fun! M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) 📎 Photo P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) P is for Pangur P is for Pangur 📎 Photo I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. Another try! Another try! Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot 📎 Photo A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. Letter Letter Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) 📎 Photo Halloween Mask Halloween Mask 📎 Photo No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. p p Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. . . I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! 📎 Photo Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour 📎 Photo Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch Marian's T Marian's T Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on 📎 Photo A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) T T E E Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" I tried some letters I tried some letters Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig 📎 Photo Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. V V Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) 📎 Photo O O Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It It You You You c You c I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush Letter R Letter R My last name practice My last name practice 📎 Photo I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space 📎 Photo O O It Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) take that you can look fo take that you can look for. Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire I like so much this I like so much this art style! Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! 📎 Photo , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! M M Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. 📎 Photo Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 Work in progress ... Work in progress ... Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. Not very good Not very good Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark pat burchnall pat burchnall the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! Here is my T. Here is my T. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. That was fun! That was fun! I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen 📎 Photo This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc Letter T Letter T 📎 Document Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. Simple T Simple T Simple T Simple T a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font S letter The S letter The C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. Letter T Letter T It was very fun! M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) 📎 Photo P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) P is for Pangur P is for Pangur 📎 Photo I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything more_vert From a piece I'm cur From a piece I'm currently working on. more_vert I did that 2 months ago.. I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) more_vert I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) I did that 2 months ago... It counts? :) more_vert Illuminated Capital G Illuminated Capital G Using the G template provided, lots of color but not as much intricate design as I had hoped. It took so long just to do this much! more_vert Calligraphy - The kn Calligraphy - The knot is not right. The rest are okay. more_vert Empty more_vert Illuminated G Illuminated G I'm hoping this works this time. I am more awed then ever at the time, steadiness of hand, and the faith of the people who created these illuminations. Madeleine more_vert Empty more_vert The letter T... Badly! The letter T... Badly! Finally managed to get my illustation up on here! This is my futile attempt at the letter T. more_vert The letter R. Just t The letter R. Just tried a few intertwining techniques. more_vert Meditation on the Eucharist Meditation on the Eucharist I chose the first letter of my name with symbols from the Book of Kells to contemplate the Eucharist. more_vert Interlace attempt Interlace attempt This was my first attempt at interlace. Jacqueline more_vert 1st Letter T Jacq 1st Letter T Jacq I picked the T from the files they gave and used both interlace and the knot in the middle and the spiral. Jacqueline pigment in the book of kells Word document padlet drive more_vert 2nd Letter T Jacq 2nd Letter T Jacq I did another one because it was so much fun. I used lozenges in this one. Eight yellow ones and three gery ones, to cover the use of numerals. A snake is in the letter. Jacqueline more_vert How humbling! How humbling! Wow, I am embarrassed to upload my humble and meager work amongst the stellar work of my fellow students! What an enlightening exercise! Letter_T_for_Ty PDF document padlet drive more_vert What a daunting job What a daunting job to be a scribe! After a couple of hours on this one letter, I think I can see how long it could take to copy a manuscript. A lot of work, perhaps a lifetime on only a few volumes. more_vert B Yay! I dids it B Yay! I dids it more_vert My children gave me My children gave me this coloring book one Christmas. I did just color in the figure and didn't try making any patterns. I will, though! I bought a little book in Edinburgh that gives instructions on how to make the spirals, whorls, etc. This exercise encourages me to give that a try! more_vert Letter I Letter I I picked the least challenging letter, I'm afraid! Enjoyed the task, though I struggled with the interlacing, just kept getting the spacing and up/under wrong! It must take years to train in the intricacies. more_vert Letter T Letter T I am no artist! I freehanded it all. I mean, eek! (Some of you are amazing!!) (Laura D) more_vert Letter L Letter L Sadly not nearly up to the standards of my ancestors. more_vert Letter T from Siobhan O'M Letter T from Siobhan O'M Looking at images i.e. such as figures and animals combined with the designs I came up with this. more_vert I'm a Scribe in trai I'm a Scribe in training...Letter T more_vert Letter A Letter A I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes. more_vert T with a 🐓 T with a 🐓 more_vert Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge Letter T - I did trace and being left handed it's a challenge to not smudge more_vert Empty more_vert This is the back of This is the back of a vest I knitted. Lots of over/under design. more_vert Letter A Letter A I was looking for an image to put on the blackboard, this actually looks pretty nice. Took me about 15 minutes. more_vert Tafarn y Fic Tafarn y Fic Something I did a wee while ago for in thanks for the hospitality I received in the Lleyn Peninsula more_vert Fun to do, focus nee Fun to do, focus needed! more_vert Examples from Bru na bonnie Examples from Bru na bonnie These stones have always intrigued me. I will try the exercise later, but wanted to share this picture from Neolithic times. more_vert Letter T and G Letter T and G arthur/Documents/Book of Kells/Illustration Exercise.pdf Illustration Exercise PDF document padlet drive more_vert Letter T and G Letter T and G Definitely requires thought, planning, practice and patience. Illustration Exercise PDF document padlet drive more_vert Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration! Never tried anything like this before, took ages and concentration. The scribes had immense concentration! more_vert Modest O Modest O My contribution is kind of simplistic compared to others here but so it goes! more_vert Letter A Letter A What I learned: don't do this after consuming multiple cups of coffee. The scribes must have used a very tiny tip on their pens (or a brush with just a few hairs?) I had to rotate my picture to draw some parts; it would be even more difficult to do if the paper was fixed in place! more_vert CCW - this is T TToo CCW - this is T TToo second T belonging to T&TToo more_vert My modest contribution My modest contribution Since I was a child I have always been bad at drawing, coloring and in general in every artistic composition. However, my love for art has always been immense, even if only as a spectator, as it is not capable of great creations more_vert T & T T T & T T I'm not a trained artist so I use Sketch book to turn my ideas into needlepoint ready graphics - so I wondered if I could do something with the T - I used digital "pen" and colours - the second T was using their dot grid to mimic the dot layout and free hand pen to try the interlace more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert letter 'b' letter 'b' This took about 1 hour to do and I was using felt pens. It must have taken ages for the monks to do just one letter. more_vert My very modest contribution. My very modest contribution. more_vert Trisha Cole's Illistration Trisha Cole's Illistration more_vert Empty more_vert William Delaney's William Delaney's After a quite a while and great frustration I have this to offer. more_vert This is my initial. This is my initial. I tried very hard with the basic knots! I am amazed with the creativity I found on the designs you shared. Congratulations everybody! more_vert I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise. I have NO imagine but can follow after seeing how thing are created. I could not tell which was the "C" or "T". So I spent many hours on internet and have these to show for my many hours of following step by step directions. My nerves are shot after this exercise. more_vert My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded. My poor attempt. It took a lot longer than I thought. I am humbled by the scribes efforts. There were some impressive projects uploaded. more_vert a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources! a in insular miniscule, not happy with it, I will hopefully have more time to play around later with our new resources! more_vert Here is my letter O in the right position Here is my letter O in the right position more_vert Here's my C. I woul Here's my C. I would like the colors more vivid but that's all I had to work with. more_vert Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something. Here is my T. I'm not pleased with it. I wish I had more time, but I wanted to at least share something. more_vert G G I found designs that were from the time frame if not in the Book of Kells for inspiration. I had a basic knowledge of calligraphy which helped with the letters. I choose the grace for my project more_vert Book of Kells letter exercise Book of Kells letter exercise I've always been fascinated with the little cat faces in the Book of Kells large capitals, and I love the dragons and lions, so that was what I focused on, alongside an attempt at creating one of the interlace ribbons. As an exercise, this took me about thirty minutes or so. If I were to be making an effort at a more perfected product rather than a class exercise, I expect it would take me hours. more_vert Something I did earlier Something I did earlier Traced painted and gilded this Celtic design on a course 18 months ago. It took 2 days! Sorry not in a position to do exercise just now, but thought this might be of interest Ii more_vert Empty more_vert T T I may have a little bit of an edge. I've been doing this kind of work for a while now. more_vert Letter S Letter S After many attempts went a bit free form. more_vert Letter TMy tiny Letter T My tiny contribution! Very difficult for the non artsy!!! However, a great exercise to have an understanding of how hard this must have been for the scribes. more_vert Letter T Letter T I really wanted to try some of the ribbons, but the guide dots got in the way. Scribes must have studied and practiced long and hard to master the knots and ribbons! more_vert An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials. An illustrated letter J which is the first letter of my name and with a design that also incorporates the letter e and A, also my initials. more_vert this took forever, I this took forever, I was constantly erasing and starting over so I gave up and went with spirals more_vert LetterT LetterT Tried a lot of times, never being satisfied, also don't like this one. Better results would need more construction time and experience! more_vert more_vert Empty more_vert How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now How much did I enjoy doing this. Freestyled it, not sure what the bit in the middle is supposed to be.. started off as a bird's head with some sort of beak, not quite sure what it looks like now more_vert Initial attempt (sor Initial attempt (sorry for the pun) but the image is on its side - very inspiring exercise and I look forward to more practice. Ruth more_vert Empty Page from The Book of Kells - Trinity College Dublin Discover medieval Ireland using the Book of Kells, a ninth-century manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new testament. futurelearn more_vert Playing with motifs Playing with motifs I haven't had the opportunity to work with a display capital this week, but I've enjoyed playing with elements and motifs. It has helped me appreciate how much time, skill, concentration and patience were devoted to illuminating ms. Hats off to the monks! more_vert Kell's Circle Work in Progress Kell's Circle Work in Progress Trying to challenge myself with a few motifs in a circular format. Have really studied many of the pages of the book and have lots of ideas for finishing this and making many more! So glad I'm doing this class! more_vert Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these. Finally got the pic uploaded (worked using the laptop instead of the phone).Gave me a great excuse to get out the colouring pencils. The letter V I think. Took me a good while. I can only fathom as to how long the scribes spent working on these. more_vert Very frustrating for Very frustrating for me as I have no artistic ability. I think the scribes had quite a job to do. more_vert I give up I give up more_vert Letter O on my lunch break Letter O on my lunch break I only had a pencil with me at lunch so I couldn't quite do it right, but here are the three elements in an "o." more_vert Letter T sideways Letter T sideways I am no artist more_vert This is a lot harder This is a lot harder than it looks, isn't it? more_vert A couple of years ag A couple of years ago I did a retreat at St Beuno's the Jesuit house in wales. Partly as a meditation and partly as relaxation, I did this. It may not look like it, but it probably to ok about 5 hours to plan and complete. more_vert A little copy A little copy Since I'm a calligrapher, I've made a little copy of the book's text on vellum with iron gall ink in approximetely real size. It was so hard!!! I can't imagine how skilled were the creators of the book! more_vert T and some practises T and some practises I´m not used to draw. I had never suffered such a challege since I was a kid. Really enjoyed. more_vert To a T To a T With a nod to BOK folio 1 recto, where the upper red ovals appear to contain figures. Mine look like pink Easter eggs. more_vert First attempt not go First attempt not good more_vert A (very badly drawn) C A (very badly drawn) C I recently drew this, and I faced some problems drawing since I drew and colored out of the lines in addition to having problems drawing a Celtic knot within (which is the black paint in the C) . I have to admit that I now have a newfound appreciation for those who are experts in writing Irish calligraphy. more_vert Humble E Humble E I couldn't resist the temptation of throwing a dragon head in there, I took it from the Book of Kells. Also added red dotting with an actual quill and brownish-red ink for an authentic look that the rest of my E does not have... The interlacing was an absolute puzzle for me! more_vert Empty more_vert Well, that took some time! Well, that took some time! I found the snake pattern on a page from the Book of Kells. This took like ... almost two hours! Wow. more_vert Challenge Challenge Contemplation more_vert Empty more_vert A Celtic knot A Celtic knot I made some years ago. Drawing in pencil and colored with inks, later recolored with the computer. ------ Jan Derboven more_vert Letter T Letter T I didn't have much time to spare so this is not even close to being complete. This took me an hour, I reckon I would need a whole day to do a half-decent effort. more_vert G...What a fun time :) G...What a fun time :) It took awhile makes me think about how long it took them to do the entire book. It was really relaxing however. I would love to practice more and see where it goes. more_vert T with some detail T with some detail I did this using a quill and ink. I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I had fun with this! more_vert Big Letter, Small details Big Letter, Small details Not having all of my small drawing tools made this is bit difficult, but I can only imagine how the monks felt trying to make every one of these letter meticulous and detailed! more_vert Empty more_vert Celtic D Celtic D My son cross stitched this as a Christmas gift to me. I will try my hand at a drawing when I return from a trip. ----Debbie Bandy more_vert Empty more_vert First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated First Attempt at a P which was far more time consuming that anticipated more_vert Sharon Rust Sharon Rust T initial decorated not too well!! Too many talented people who are better at design than myself. T design Book Of Kells Homework_20190326_0001 PDF document padlet drive more_vert Initial from the Moosburger Graduale Initial from the Moosburger Graduale This one is inspired by a 'songbook' that was finished in my hometown about 1360. It now is stored in the library of the university of Munich: Cim. 100 (= 2° Cod. ms. 156) more_vert Tiny, meticulous G Tiny, meticulous G I had fun, but it doesn't look like much compared with what I'm seeing here. more_vert more_vert My attempt at the letter T. My attempt at the letter T. ...and a lucky paper find :D more_vert T is for twice done. T is for twice done. more_vert Letter T Letter T Everyone is so accomplished! Some things I learned: Take time to let one color dry before adding another. A steady hand is as important as good eyesight. The practice of drawing out knotwork (even on this small scale) can indeed be meditative, I suppose because you have to pay such close attention. Question: Just how fine were the pens/brushes used for these manuscripts? Because my gel pen and fine tip Sharpie felt positively coarse even on this large scale letter. more_vert Empty more_vert Letter D Letter D There are some talented people here. Not me more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert Letter T Letter T Not beautiful, as in the Book of Kells, but it gave me a small taste of the experience of designing and coloring those marvelous initial letters. more_vert I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now! I am not an artist! Would not make a good scribe. This took three hours and my arm was tired, fingers cramped up, can't imagine doing this all day, every day, much more respect for the scribe now! more_vert Making things up jus Making things up just to try. Want to create a book full of fantasy writings using this style. it takes hours and a lot of frustrated creativity. I love it. more_vert H's 'h' H's 'h' My attempt at a letter H. Unfinished and with a little footnote in true Book of Kells style more_vert The Letter E The Letter E Everyone's design is so good! I had lots of fun making mine, adding all sorts of motifs into my letter E~ -Eddy Y. L. Chang- more_vert Insular Art Practice Insular Art Practice more_vert MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border MvRY: Spiral Heart Triskele with knotted heart border more_vert Had fun doing this. Had fun doing this. more_vert This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented! This took me half an hour – and it’s pretty rough. I also drew on an uneven surface to try and get the ‘feel’ for what vellum might have been like to draw on, and it drove me bonkers! You can see where the surface took the pen away from my intended path. This letter is bigger than some of the letters in the book of Kells, and its easier to work bigger. Working on a small scale requires an absolute steady hand and concentration – it can become quite a mediative practice; you get in the ‘zone.’ The Book of Kells artists were incredibly dedicated and talented! more_vert MM MM more_vert Well, my daughter’s impressed... Well, my daughter’s impressed... I struggled with this but Emily made me feel better about it! Still playing around with knots a little, and interestingly, when Santa writes notes we notice he uses the swirls in his own writing. Actually, so does Flossie the Tooth Fairy. Interesting! Signed, Emily’s Mommy more_vert Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc. Revisiting the Initial Q Ok, I cheated a little..... I revisited the initial Q sometime ago. Made on calf skin, with pigments and egg tempera. Used gold leaf instead of the toxic orpiment. Quies ; latin word meaning tranquility, quietness, etc. more_vert It was a pleasure to It was a pleasure to draw spiral motifs. more_vert A little try... A little try... more_vert I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy I tried this beautiful interlaced pattern and the uncial calligraphy more_vert Empty more_vert First attempt First attempt It was pretty hard! It took me some time to do the patterns, but I love it! I would do this my whole life! more_vert Initial "M" Initial "M" I found consistency of size and curvature really difficult. In retrospect I ought to have laid in guidelines before I began! more_vert My attempt My attempt Well, I tried, but it is really hard... and yet somehow relaxing. I love this exercise! more_vert Empty Padlet is the easiest way to create and collaborate in the world From your hobby to your career, your class notes to your final exam, your mood board to your runway show, padlets help you organize your life. padlet more_vert Initial "A" Initial "A" This was really challenging, but I enjoyed designing it. I struggled with the interlace around the letter. I'm not sure if the square frame really reflects what is seen in the Book of Kells, but I know it has precedent in other medieval manuscripts. more_vert Empty more_vert Capital 'T' Capital 'T' Not having much skill or talent as an artist I kept it simple Will be interesting to practice for my embroidery where I have more skill more_vert G for George G for George I copied a cat from Kells for its pose to represent my black cat and added a mouse & wafer. About 5 hours work with fine point & broad markers. more_vert m & s m & s more_vert C for child. C for child. Some knot interlacing I produced as a draft to illuminate. more_vert A's Letter G A's Letter G more_vert J's Letter T J's Letter T more_vert Book of Kells Letter T Book of Kells Letter T more_vert "R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience. "R" and a little bit of doodling. Found spirals, triangles and other figures are not as easy to draw as it looked. Very interesting experience. more_vert Brendan's B Brendan's B Not my first attempt more_vert Letter T Letter T This is an initial letter T, done as part of an SCA award scroll long ago before the arthritis killed my hands more_vert letter GThis is letter G This is the second letter I attempted to decorate using the designs from the Book of Kells. Very hard work. Kells G copy 2 PDF document padlet drive more_vert letter T letter T I tried to use the different methods of design described by the course calligrapher. It was extremely difficult. Took me all day to do the two letters Kells T copy 2 PDF document padlet drive more_vert I I I I i I I I I i more_vert Letter "T" Letter "T" more_vert Letter "G" Letter "G" more_vert Empty Illuminated R PDF document padlet drive more_vert This took some time but here at last is my letter R. This took some time but here at last is my letter R. more_vert First try First try more_vert kells kells more_vert Older work on a postcard Older work on a postcard A tiny Uncial alphabet I did for a family postcard project that's been ongoing for over a decade (you can see more about it here if interested: www.lostpostcardproject.blogspot.com ) more_vert Family name Family name W Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. Another try! Another try! Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot 📎 Photo A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. Letter Letter Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) 📎 Photo Halloween Mask Halloween Mask 📎 Photo No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. p p Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. . . I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! 📎 Photo Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour 📎 Photo Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch Marian's T Marian's T Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on 📎 Photo A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) T T E E Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" I tried some letters I tried some letters Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig 📎 Photo Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. V V Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) 📎 Photo O O Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It It You You You c You c I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush Letter R Letter R My last name practice My last name practice 📎 Photo I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space 📎 Photo O O It Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) take that you can look fo take that you can look for. Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire I like so much this I like so much this art style! Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! 📎 Photo , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! M M Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. 📎 Photo Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 Work in progress ... Work in progress ... Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. Not very good Not very good Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark pat burchnall pat burchnall the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! Here is my T. Here is my T. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. That was fun! That was fun! I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen 📎 Photo This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc Letter T Letter T 📎 Document Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. Simple T Simple T Simple T Simple T a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font S letter The S letter The C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. Letter T Letter T It was very fun! M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) 📎 Photo P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) P is for Pangur P is for Pangur 📎 Photo I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything more_vert Family name Family name Worked on this while the little boys were at school--ran out of time as they're about to come home. Got to muck about with a few things that came in an art subscription my husband got me for Chistmas last year. The Celtic knotwork was a bear to sort out! I had a little problem with the frisket I used, but it would be easy to go in and fill in the bare spots if I had time. I would like to fill in the background a bit. Consider this a study. more_vert Another try! Another try! more_vert Simple is as simple Simple is as simple does! more_vert The checkerboard des The checkerboard design didn't go exactly to plan, but I had a lot of fun with the knot more_vert Empty more_vert A cumbersome G A cumbersome G A little late to the party due to moving house, but here's my attempt. Difficult without proper equipment or materials. Took two hours to create. more_vert Letter Letter more_vert Letter T Letter T this took about an hour to do and is a relatively simple design. I tried to use some elements inspired by the BK. The monks did a much better job! more_vert Letter A Letter A Had a go, my daughter felt it needed some 21st century embellishment. I guess the monks never had issues with their artistic daughters - lol :) more_vert A long project, and A long project, and this is giant-sized! So many possibilities made it difficult to settle on a design, but I tried to use colors from the Book of Kells. more_vert Finit. Amen & Cat Finit. Amen & Cat A little bit cheaty, as I used my old ArtRage and Bamboo tablet, but I swear I did it by freehand. Bad sight, all the morning working, not much art! (Mór torbai, becc saido) more_vert Empty more_vert Halloween Mask Halloween Mask more_vert Empty more_vert No title, just a qui No title, just a quick try. It was fun, I have enjoyed doing interlacing for a long time. more_vert p p more_vert Mary's Letter Mary's Letter This simple design, with minimal spiral and interlace, took me over half an hour (several attempts failed!) It would take a daunting amount of time to cover a large page with intricate design and a huge range of colours. more_vert . . more_vert I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! I'm not an artist, but this was so much fun! more_vert Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. Letter L, and yes, this was really fun, and I can't imagine how they were able to work long hours doing this! Great exercise. I couldn't get the hang of the knots, but I'll keep trying. LaurelV. more_vert Letter "T" Letter "T" Great exercise. Helped me begin to understand how a scribe's work could get monotonous while also being about personal creativity, how mathematical and pattern-oriented the work was, and how the scribe might try to find ways to be more efficient with the patterns. Also interested in the motivation to fill the space with color! more_vert Empty more_vert Bk of Kells Jane sty Bk of Kells Jane style more_vert C for my maiden name C for my maiden name, Craig. This was fun but takes time and concentration. It must have taken much practice and skill! more_vert Letter G Letter G Drew design in pencil first, then inked and colored with markers. Spent about 3 hours - in no way am I a potential scribe! more_vert Letter h based on an Letter h based on an illustration used in the course. Black ink and coloured pencil. Took about an hour more_vert Empty more_vert Samantha's Letter Samantha's Letter Knotwork kept starting out ok then I'd get lost. I suppose not bad for a first attempt. more_vert Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. Had trouble stopping. Used colored pencils and stayed in the pigment parameters of the Book of Kells. more_vert With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! With fountain ink pen, unfortunately no way or erasing things! Fun activity! more_vert This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. This is a slate roof tile that I decorated many years ago. I drew the design on graph paper and used tracing paper to transfer it onto the slate. celtic slate ODT document padlet drive more_vert A Quick Sketch A Quick Sketch book of kells Word document padlet drive more_vert Marian's T Marian's T more_vert Spirals and interlaces Spirals and interlaces Enjoyed the focus and repetition of images more_vert Suzanne F. Heskin Suzanne F. Heskin I have been imiatating the lettering and designs from the Book of Kells for some time. more_vert lots of time and not lots of time and not finished need to move on more_vert Empty more_vert A Andrea´s design :) A Andrea´s design :) more_vert T T more_vert E E more_vert Rebecca's sketch Rebecca's sketch more_vert Celtic Cross Celtic Cross From Jo: I designed this as prototype for a banner for a church. The painted gold areas would have been embroidered. But the priest didn't like the fabric. He said it looked like it was from a woman's boudoir (seriously). I asked whose boudoir he had been hanging out in? But a well-known Canadian artist liked it and that made me very happy. cross PDF document padlet drive more_vert This is really a lot This is really a lot harder than it looks! 0161_001 PDF document padlet drive more_vert Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. Tried hard with coloured pencils. Scanned drawing then took ages to find the file on computer. Simple, basic but achieved. IMG_20181025_0005 PDF document padlet drive more_vert Lacking the artist's hand. . . Lacking the artist's hand. . . It was fun to sketch this one time, but I am sure that I won't be called on to do the next BoK! more_vert Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Letter S, tiny as in manuscripts w/birds Made in coloured pencils but probably painted would be better, tiny is difficult!! more_vert T as Taurus,Alex T as Taurus, Alexandra from Milan :) more_vert Took so long!Imp Took so long! Imperfect by mistake not design more_vert Rebecca Mouser’s letter Rebecca Mouser’s letter This was really difficult and took me a couple of hours just for basic spirals. I can only imagine how difficult it was for scri more_vert I tried hard and enjoy it! I tried hard and enjoy it! more_vert Linny O'Hara "J" Linny O'Hara "J" more_vert I tried some letters I tried some letters more_vert Letter P Letter P Letter P with moth inside more_vert Wrought in silver wi Wrought in silver wire using a jig more_vert Empty more_vert Inspired by capital M Inspired by capital M I'll leave it to the scribes ... more_vert Initial t Initial t I wanted to do a nice job so I waited until a morning when I would have a bit more patience. Even with my son (nearly 5) wanting to "help", I still found it meditative and a nice way to start the day. I am thankful to not have to work with toxic pigments and in cold dark spaces on deadline though. more_vert Very poor effort I know! Very poor effort I know! more_vert V V more_vert A 5 years old could do better! A 5 years old could do better! more_vert Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort... Pitiful effort, but no true artists's job is in jeopardy from me more_vert Some work I did some time ago... Some work I did some time ago... The C and yes I do understand how time consuming this must have been, considered all the materials they made themselves and all the practice before doing something like it in a sacred book ;) more_vert Empty more_vert O O more_vert Simple loop, spiral and t Simple loop, spiral and t more_vert Exercise using T Exercise using T It took quite a long time but was quite metatative! scan of drawing exercise PDF document padlet drive more_vert Actually I did this work before this course Actually I did this work before this course more_vert I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing I admire their skills even more .. now I need to keep on practicing, and practicing more_vert It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! It is easy to get lost for hours coloring the design! Understandable why coloring books for adults are so popular! However planning and plotting the design takes thought and time. This effective exercise gives much appreciation for the scribes of the Book of Kells! more_vert It It more_vert You c You c more_vert You You more_vert I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices I didn't have proper ink, so here are some rough watercolor practices This was so much fun! It's been several years since I've been able to practice calligraphy. I used a C-1 nib and a small brush more_vert Letter R Letter R more_vert My last name practice My last name practice more_vert Empty more_vert I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter I did this a few years ago from the BoK... it took me several days, and its only 1 letter more_vert Freehand Freehand Harder than I thought in a small space more_vert Empty more_vert O O It more_vert Pencil Pencil Always trickier than it seems. more_vert Never my forte but t Never my forte but to stay in the good spirit of the study, here it is. more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert A very basic interlace A very basic interlace It took quite a while just to work out the geometry, then time to draft the pattern, and finally ink it in. It must have taken almost 2 hours more_vert Miniatures Miniatures Here are a few letters and a bottom ornament for an R. Since I am an artist, I really enjoyed this! I especially loved looking at all the work everyone shared!! :) more_vert take that you can look fo take that you can look for. more_vert Tol Rhiw Tol Rhiw The Tolkien Society of Ire more_vert I like so much this I like so much this art style! more_vert Some letters Some letters A humble trial, lacking a good pencil. But excellent instruction in the video! more_vert I learned a fair bit I learned a fair bit about knotwork today! more_vert Empty more_vert , I had fun and will , I had fun and will tryagain but want to continue more_vert Here is my T after m Here is my T after many pencil marks and erasures. I have such respect for the scribes!! more_vert Letter s. Letter s. This is my attempt at calligraphy. I don't think I would have ever made the grade as a scribe! more_vert M M more_vert Wobbly first attempt Wobbly first attempt I work in cancer research and I wanted to draw the I in Immunotherapy, showing the chimera which represents our engineered white blood cells attacking the cancer. more_vert Haphazard Haphazard This was definitely a sketch and not a finite illustration. Had I intended to do this as a page in the book of Kells, it would have had to be precise, with the exact pigments, and more carefully done. more_vert Matthew 4:1 Matthew 4:1 After I drew the snake, I thought of Jesus' temptation in the desert, and I discovered the passage about the temptation began with a T: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." A fun, albeit elementary attempt at a sampling of techniques. Marie Allen more_vert Mistakes! Mistakes! As you will see the left hand side has been trimmed off - didn't know when to stop and spoiled the effect - not an option in 800! more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert Here's one I did earlier Here's one I did earlier I made this a few months ago as part of a quilt I'm working on. The weave had me demented. I lost count of how many times I had to alter it. My friend found doing it really easy and had it woven in under half an hour. I suppose it depends on the type of brain you posses. more_vert Empty more_vert Fiddly and time taking Fiddly and time taking I used a stamp to get the outline of the decorative element. The colouring of the letter wasn't very successful as I hadn't used Copic markers before. I should have used paint. The result was not satisfying. more_vert I definitely would n I definitely would not be a good scribe. This is difficult and makes me appreciate the scribes even more. more_vert Thi wouldn't upload Thi wouldn't upload in previous attempts. more_vert Or maybe something l Or maybe something like this more_vert A novice attempt! A novice attempt! I can see how this could be very meditative in a similar way that some religions use repeditative counting on prayer beads. more_vert Humbling assignment! Humbling assignment! Makes you realize they must have spent many months practicing the patterns before they learned to combine them. Most patterns were so complex I couldn't even copy them with the original right in front of me! So I just freehanded in sharpie to get the feel of it. more_vert My attempt at an interlaced pattern My attempt at an interlaced pattern more_vert G and Pangur Ban! G and Pangur Ban! more_vert I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: I knew knotwork was difficult, but I'd forgotten how difficult. I am not, in any case, a good freehand drawer! I'll stick to the scribing, and leave the illumination to the experts. For what it's worth, here's my little effort: more_vert I did this book of psalms in 1991 I did this book of psalms in 1991 more_vert Work in progress ... Work in progress ... more_vert Much harder than it looks Much harder than it looks more_vert now.... wheres my al now.... wheres my ale? more_vert Tig an cat? Tig an cat? Really hard but great fun to try. Took ages! more_vert Finding Myself Finding Myself I chose the spiral because it represents self discovery over time. more_vert Not very good Not very good T Scan Word document padlet drive more_vert Using a computer! Using a computer! I didn't have any pens but I did have a computer. Cheating I know. I will try to do one by hand another time! more_vert I have never tried this before :-) I have never tried this before :-) more_vert Ooops! Ooops! With limited resources this is my very poor attempt. It makes one appreciate the concentration required! more_vert Exercise. Exercise. For me it has been a difficult experience. I have thought about the patience that the scribes would have to make those illustrations. more_vert Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? Trying to draw the letter was hard enough, and decorating it leaves much to be practiced. What ever DID they practice on to learn their skill? more_vert Exercise. Exercise. I was too nervous to make something new by my own so I studied these from the book. I don't feel confident enough yet, I think it would take me a least a year of practice and careful study to be able to emulate the style in a new design. more_vert Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Interlaced Alpha and Omega for a Pocket Oratory I made in 2015. Metallic threads on red silk background. Very complicated. Marie L.R. more_vert T and G Illumination T and G Illumination This was incredibly time consuming and made me realize how long it takes to do this work, and how much finely honed skill is involved. A real challenge, but a worthwhile undertaking. I left the pencil marks in place to show the workings! ;) I should like to practice this art style a lot more. ~ Tadhg Stark more_vert pat burchnall pat burchnall more_vert the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time the monks have my upmost respect I only spent a few hours doing this imagine doing it all the time more_vert Tired doing by flash Tired doing by flashlight. more_vert I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. I don't think I will be employable as a scribe but I did enjoy this exercise. Sandra L. more_vert ML ML First attempt - very time consuming. more_vert JH JH I thought this would be slightly easier. It was much harder for me to even do the simplest things, and the basket weave was well beyond my skill level! more_vert Calligraphy attempt Calligraphy attempt more_vert A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. A Q but my pens bleed into one another so I didn't colour all of it. more_vert Spirals Spirals Difficulty posting my photo, but the exercise was fun. Not a traditional spiral. Spirals Fun. It’s like drawing a simple maze. padlet more_vert My initials... My initials... I wanted to try a spiraling S Spent all morning on it and wiped out 3 pens! and still, looks very cartoonish... impressed with my fellow students! more_vert Letter Letter So much planning and time goes into creating these letters more_vert P is for Paula P is for Paula This is my third try. It took about an hour to try, try again, and try again. I used pencil, felt-tip pen, and ink a with a dip pen. I could enjoy this, but need a lot of practice. more_vert I tried I tried I'm not very good at this kind of thing, hahaha. more_vert G is for good gosh, G is for good gosh, Gina. I continue to be artistically challenged, but have enjoyed the work of the others. I'm not sure if this will load properly, as I've been having issues. more_vert Scriptorium delirus Scriptorium delirus I've decided to play a little and write my own name. I can say that it had a genuinely calming effect on me. more_vert You can tell I'm a calligrapher! You can tell I'm a calligrapher! I really need to practice my illumination. While we didn't/haven't discussed it, my incipit (It begins) features dotted rubrication, which is one of my favorite features in insular manuscripts. Ink and pencil. 1 cm x 6.5 more_vert Variation on a themem Variation on a themem After hours spent trying to figure out how to make a "woven" grid by hand, I gave up and put it on my computer. I colored only the letter and then placed it on top intending to color the "weaves" as the scribes did. However, I loved being able to see how the lines intersected on the page. What a great exercise. more_vert Not an artist Not an artist It is loosing track of where you are and thinking in an artistic manner (bit of a problem as an engineer). I take my hat off to professional scribes, illuminators etc more_vert Muy difícil para mí. Muy difícil para mí... more_vert The letter T The letter T Just completed this. Not too bad for a first try. Inspired, thank you for this opportunity. more_vert Letter G with interlace Letter G with interlace Today is brought to you by the letter G! I did not color mine. I liked the stark black. more_vert My kind of homework My kind of homework Two days later... UNADJUSTEDNONRAW thumb 890f Shared with Dropbox dropbox more_vert Time for the Ale now? Time for the Ale now? Valuable exercise. I'm beginning to appreciate what an achievement the Book of Kells really is. more_vert Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. Now I really have respect for the skill of the scribes. This exercise was difficult with modern pens and crayons. I would not like to attempt it in a cold dark room with inks that I had to make myself.Really enjoyed the exercise, just happy that I am not being marked on m more_vert Leabhair Ceannas Mór. Leabhair Ceannas Mór. more_vert T for time-consuming T for time-consuming I now have huge admiration for the scribes. It was tiring and then so easy to make a mistake. Patience was required and I felt cross-eyed by the time I'd finished. How could they possibly have added so much detail. more_vert The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration The first thing I've drawn in 20 years. Thanks for the inspiration more_vert R is for Rhianna R is for Rhianna It's time consuming to design and decorate just a simple letter. Those scribes have myrespect. more_vert Very poor attempt. Very poor attempt. more_vert My goodness, even my My goodness, even my simple attempt was time consuming. Am shocked at how bad the coloring is. I have a great appreciation for what these monks did! Great exercise. book of kells design PDF document padlet drive more_vert M for massively time M for massively timeconsuming. These monks must have had preliminary sketches for page layout and composition. This must have taken a very long time to create the final manuscript we can actually see.. I didn’t have to slaughter and dry my drawing paper, crush berries and minerals to make my meduim and it’s still took a long time. Plus there is a mistake that you can look for. But I guess that is the next topic. more_vert Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Chuck Kilker-As you will see I have absolutely no talent as an artist or calligrapher, but I tried. Calligraphytry.19Oct18 Word document padlet drive more_vert Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom more_vert Iona Iona Not a letter, though I copied the style of lettering at the bottom more_vert Spirals Spirals I wish I could upload my photo! more_vert Here is my T. Here is my T. more_vert My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. My initials of my name Sandra Di Francesco. I found it therapeutic to do but to do it well on a bigger scale you need time and lots of practice practice. more_vert That was fun! That was fun! more_vert I'd better keep my day job! I'd better keep my day job! Though I enjoyed making my illuminated C, this is not something I could do for a career. Thank goodness for Sharpies and Staedtler pens. more_vert Heck I aint' no scribe Heck I aint' no scribe My attempt. Exit with the walk of shame. more_vert D D Gel pen and sharpie. I feel for the scribes using pen nibs and vellum. I did find it to require focus which pushed any troubles I have out of my mind. Doing the spirals was meditative. more_vert Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. Here is my attempt. Not that good, but I really enjoyed doing it. I'll use the tecnics we learned with my seventh grade students this year. more_vert I'd never make a good scribe I'd never make a good scribe Here's an attempt in pencil. It's a lot of fun actually, maybe as an alternative to colouring books... more_vert Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l Letter Thttps://padlet.com/gallags6/2wqd3afmva6l My attempt. Fun, but would rather view and ooooh and aaaaah than produce! more_vert Don’t think I’ll be Don’t think I’ll be quitting my day job to take on lettering any time soon. 😉 more_vert Not so much BoK, more LOTR Not so much BoK, more LOTR I tried some spirally bits but that was tragic, then I tried some inter-lacing which was equally tragic and finally settled on a reasonably simple knot repeated. Loving all your work guys. more_vert Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too Here is my illustration of an 'R'. I wanted to incorporate some Celtic design elements and the colour palette from the Book of Kells. Lots of fun to play with typography and illustration - and my colour crayons too more_vert 'Mireog' 'Mireog' Mo shárobair: more_vert From a course I rece From a course I recently did at the PSTA, inspired I believe by the Lindisfarne Gospels. My heavy handed work makes me realise just how skilled the illuminators were!! more_vert This is a detail fro This is a detail from an copy of folio 188r that I did earlier this year more_vert Attempt of letter Attempt of letter Having neither vellum, pigments or a proper quill I had to make do with what I could raid from the children's art corner. I used up the two year old's nap trying to follow scribes and the wonderful Tim O'Neil's instructions. It was not as easy as thought. It's clear that a good effort at forethought is a must, along with clear outlines and proper equipment. Even though I had superb light and was quite comfortable, I had issues trying to sort out the interlacing in a manner that made sense and fit the space required. I'm sure there was less cursing and rubbing out involved as well. (At least I had that luxury) it seems I can not log in. This is Erin Eachaidh more_vert DIco on Vellum scrap DIco on Vellum scrap A great place to practice spirals and knots...enjoy Maureen more_vert Empty more_vert This is letter M for This is letter M for St. Marc more_vert Letter T Letter T more_vert Empty pic ODT document padlet drive more_vert Shaky Effort Shaky Effort A fun project but much, much harder than it looks more_vert Simple T Attemp Simple T Attemp This was no quick undertaking. Having chosen to forgo the use of a ruler, compass and colors I begin to grasp an understanding of what a monumental undertaking a 700 page manuscript would have been. Access to the aid of a modern pen, paper and lighting were all conveniences an Irish Monk of the 8th Century would have had to do without. Brilliant exercise, provides some small inkling of the devotion it would have taken to create the like of the Book of Kells. more_vert Letter T for Tara Letter T for Tara This is my attempt at the Celtic artwork. I tried to stay true to using only the colors that they had during that time. I only wish that I had their skill set. Tara McHugh-Lee PDF document padlet drive more_vert Celtic T Celtic T It is not perfect and I feel that I don't have patience at this time to make art. I would have used different colors if I had them, so I can relate to the scribes who had limited pigments! I can tell from this exercise that it is not easy to be precise! -Margaret Christensen more_vert I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. I chose the letter T. Thank goodness for pencils and erasers or I wouldn't have gotten this far. I'm not all that skilled when it comes to drawing anything. more_vert T as in Terrible T as in Terrible I like to doodle but that is nothing like working in a scriptorium, obviously. The time and planning and skill to create this art is beyond me.I think the isolation and concentration must have been incredible--not to mention the prework. more_vert Simple T Simple T more_vert Simple T Simple T more_vert a feeble effort a feeble effort the scriptoria would not be beating a path to my door tim's example of calligraphy look so simple in the video but not so easy to reproduce [as a ciotog [left-hander] a fountain pen has long been a thorn in my side, while appreciating the beauty of the result, the mastering of the use of one has evaded me] nonetheless this exercise made me study and appreciate the formation of the insular script.while i merely doodled my name with a pencil i feel i have learned a lot from looking at other contributions and also stood back and studied the actual shapes of the lettering which can be overlooked when you look at the overall page and do not read the language the script is in. majescule is a very eye-catching font more_vert S letter The S letter The more_vert C is for Carrie C is for Carrie I need lessons at the Scriptorium lol. It is so difficult to decorate in the letter. Gave me appreciation for the scribes. True artisans. more_vert The Letter G The Letter G So I have a new respect for the amount of time and talent that went into these books. My letter is quite simple, mainly because my talent for art is lacking, but it still took me a few hours just to finish this, so I can only imagine the hours put into the more elaborate letters. more_vert Letter T Letter T It was very fun! more_vert M a difficult letter. M a difficult letter. M - I don't know why I chose this letter. It was very difficlut to get spirals, weave and/or a triquetra into it. So I ended up with something a little different! more_vert I'm really denied fo I'm really denied for drawing, I could never have been a scribe or an illuminator. But this is a small tribute to the Trinity and to the infinite more_vert I have a slate paint I have a slate painting of a hunting dog from the BOK's on my wall, not up to that quality of art, but enjoyed having a go. :) more_vert Empty more_vert P is for Pangur P is for Pangur This is a nod to the magical white cat in the movie, "Book of Kells," to the seven pangurs currently in my life, and to all the cats we've loved (especially for not traipsing through wet paint/ink and all over a deadline-due project!) more_vert P is for Pangur P is for Pangur more_vert Empty more_vert I wouldn't have made the cut. I wouldn't have made the cut. more_vert Decorating the bits that aren't letters Decorating the bits that aren't letters Although I don't illustrate the letters themselves, looking at this section reminded me a bit of how I illustrate my notebooks. I tend to write words and then draw illustrative things around them, using lines and abstract shapes. I'm not sure why, I just find it relaxing. more_vert L is for Lindisfarne L is for Lindisfarne I visited Lindisfarne in September so I decided to do my version of the letter L here using Scottish thistles and heather as well as a butterfly and two bees. It was my first attempt at applying gold leaf. It is 5 inches square. Seeing the tiny sizes of some of the Book of Kells illustrations I am in awe at their ability to work so precisely in such a small scale. My letter took about 15 hours to complete. I am also in awe of the other examples posted here. Such talent! more_vert M for Matthew M for Matthew This is my 2nd attempt of copying from the manuscript (I posted a letter T further down). I copied the illuminated M from the start of Matthew in the Book of Kells, using gouache on hot pressed (smooth) paper. Interesting how the pigments have retained their colour, even over time. The permanence of the vibrance of orpiment is quite unique. - Rachel J more_vert Illuminated G by Lola Teale Illuminated G by Lola Teale Here is my illuminated G. Using modern tools was easier than using the medieval ones but I'd rather like the latter more_vert A bit of everything A A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. 📎 Photo 📎 Photo A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter Wobbly R Wobbly R A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D 📎 Photo The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES 📎 Photo SNAKES SNAKES A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. t t Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. my letter my letter Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. Chi-Ro Chi-Ro Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. Not very easy. Not very easy. M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. 📎 Photo 📎 Document A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. illustration illustration Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White 📎 Photo A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( Polish poetry Polish poetry Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. 📎 Photo KKk KKk 📎 Photo G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! 📎 Photo Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith 📎 Photo 📎 Photo I I 📎 Photo Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. 📎 Photo No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic 📎 Photo 📎 Photo 📎 Photo Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum 📎 Photo A bit of everything A bit of everything more_vert A bit of everything A A bit of everything A bit of everything more_vert The Happy Prince The Happy Prince A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. A D and an a - just in case you can't tell. Took me ages and a lot of practice (haven't done any of this since 1974). Enjoyed doing it but it will take about a week to get the ink off my fingers and the result would have possibly made the grade as a shopping list for the abbey, certainly not a frontispiece. Still, years of practice and a strict abbot and I suppose I would improve. Some of the ones on here are very impressive, well done. more_vert Funny way to spend lunch break on work Funny way to spend lunch break on work This is my silly attempt to write own name in majuscule insular script having nothing but red and black ballpaints and a cup of coffee to support the efforts:-) more_vert After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter After a couple of false starts and not having too much time I came up with this very basic design. It gave me an insight into some of the complexities of decorating even one letter more_vert Wobbly R Wobbly R more_vert A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. A Couple of interesting hours, mainly spent on trying to get the celtic weave right and then failed miserably. more_vert Not very easy, but I did what I could:) Not very easy, but I did what I could:) more_vert If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. If the book of Kells relied on my contribution it would never have been finished. A fun exercise but it took hours and no would have to worry about purposely adding errors so it wasn’t perfect. more_vert A capital L A capital L I limited myself to a half hour, and this is what I ended up with. Outlined in pencil and filled in with left-over markers. I could enjoy this! :-D more_vert Empty more_vert The letter T The letter T This took about two hours to get this far and I'm not so impressed with my abilities! more_vert NTERTWINING SNAKES NTERTWINING SNAKES more_vert Empty more_vert SNAKES SNAKES more_vert A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. A moment with Oscar Wilde in majuscule insular script. more_vert Yikes Yikes Well, this shows more of a psychedelic youth than medieval Ireland. Ah well, onward and upward... or sideways... more_vert T and &s T and &s I 'wrote' this 1 x T and 4 ampersands after a course with renowned calligrapher Gemma Black. more_vert I’m stuck in the lab I’m stuck in the labyrinth like the Minotaur hehe Amazed by the works on display, we might find new scribes and illustrators Not for me more_vert My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! My Letter B - although I do a lot of calligraphy, I totally need more practice on my curves, and attempting to do the Celtic Knots. Also, two cups of coffee at 5 am didn't help. Bravo on everyone's creative works! more_vert What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. What an exercise. It is very humbling to try to do calligraphy. One must have a very, very steady hand. more_vert Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... Clearly my skills lie elsewhere... A quick attempt with limited palette. I used a marker to hide the sins of my unsteady hand, I wonder what 'tricks' the scribes had for similar issues? more_vert I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. I would be asked to leave the Scriptorium. Definitely requires a lifetime to perfect this art. more_vert Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Some Book of Kells inspired decoration! Just a simple attempt, but it took a few attempts to get the components to fit - and then had a bit of bleeding through into the white spaces - grrr! It would have been so much harder for medieval scribes, with no artificial light, and coping with vellum and inks and pigments, and sometimes unpredictable results..and this was just one letter compared to their tremendous workload in transcribing the four gospels more_vert My attempt with letter G My attempt with letter G Looks like I can only get better at it ! It took me ages to illustrate and the result really makes me laugh. I will defenetely have other goes for I liked doing it and need proper colour crayons instead. With time and practice.... well done co learners for your beautiful letters ! more_vert Letter T Letter T A very calming exercise! I will definitely be learning to do more of these. more_vert Insular B from mjb Insular B from mjb more_vert Letter T - no colour Letter T - no colour more_vert Lots of hand crampin Lots of hand cramping! I can only imagine what doing something much more elaborate would be like. more_vert t t more_vert Letter T copied from BOK Letter T copied from BOK Everyone's work is beautiful and great fun to see, I'm really impressed by everyone's designs! I have copied a T from the manuscript using Goache paint. It took hours but was good fun - Rachel J more_vert Letter T. Letter T. This exercise took 4 hours from printing 2 copies of the outline. I had several goes at making the interlaced "ribbons" work. I had great fun drawing the angel, robin and dog, remembering my art teacher telling me not to put a line around figures. Finally it came in handy. The children's colouring pencils do not have the depth of colour I would have liked. At least I didn't have to sit in a freezing room in semi darkness. more_vert Letter T and G and Name Letter T and G and Name OK this is really embarrassing to post this but I think this is proof I would have have survived as an artisan or scribe of the day. My penmanship as it is is very poor and one of the reasons I learned to type at a young age - well and the class was mostly girls. This took seriously took me about 30 minutes to concentrate and have patience to go slowly. The patience and skills these people had were amazing. more_vert my letter my letter more_vert Opening Page Opening Page Opening of the book of Jonah, DNI, etc more_vert Letter G Letter G My 11 yo daughter took part in this exercise too :) more_vert My letter T My letter T Excellent exercise for patience and creativity. And very relaxing too :D more_vert Ran out of time! Ran out of time! It took an hour and a half to draw the interlace and critters, with a lot of rubbing out and messing up and changes. No time to colour it in. And I thought this would be easy. more_vert Chi-Ro Chi-Ro more_vert Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega I am no artist, but here is my attempt at A and O. more_vert Not very easy. Not very easy. more_vert M from Book of Kells M from Book of Kells This letter M is from the Book of Kells and it's the initial of Matthew. I did it 3 weeks ago during a formation concerning medieval illuminations. more_vert R with cat (lion?) R with cat (lion?) I tried to copy the cat (possibly lion) from the manuscript more_vert Here’s a letter C in Here’s a letter C in wire spirals. more_vert Christmas card Christmas card This is a Christmas card I made with uncial script and insular design elements Irish002 PDF document padlet drive more_vert An Illuminated Capital Letter An Illuminated Capital Letter This one letter took me many hours of work (quite a, few years ago) using a combination of watercolors and gold leaf. It was a gift for my mother-in-law, Lucy, who is now 90 years old. It still hangs on her wall. I have not attempted another since this one and I am full of admiration for the dedication of the monks responsible for the lettering in The Book of Kells more_vert Bon Anniversaire Bon Anniversaire a birthday card I made some years ago for my father BA PDF document padlet drive more_vert This is my coloring, This is my coloring, attempted a few years ago now, using Copic Ciao markers. You can see how the markers have bled into the paper. This is the only sample I attempted in 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' that I bought when adult coloring first became popular. I enjoyed the half that I coloured, but not enough to complete the design it seems! I am happier with an illuminated capital letter that I did as a gift many years ago now. I will try to upload this as well if the padlet will allow me a second go. more_vert Empty more_vert Empty T ornamented PDF document padlet drive more_vert A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li A Panel Illustrating Everlasting Li When the adult coloring book craze took off, I bought myself a 'My Book of Kells Colouring Book' and used my Copic Ciao markers. I couldn't achieve the precision I desired and the markers bled a little into the paper. That is the only coloring I have attempted from this book so far and, as you can see, I didn't complete it! It was certainly time- consuming, but did not take nearly as long as an illuminated capital letter that I created and framed for my mother-in-law, Lucy; this is currently hanging on her wall. When I visit her later today I will photograph it and upload to the padlet (if it allows me a second go!) more_vert Mother of Pearl Mother of Pearl This is an attempt to design a Mother Of Pearl inlay for a musical instrument peg head. This I did several years ago. more_vert I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! I am not an artist either. Used pencils, "zentangle" pen, and markers. Was a pleasant exercise. Newly found respect for the scribes!! Kells Letters _Oct 15 2018 PDF document padlet drive more_vert Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. Here is a detail of some knot-work from my series illuminating Finnegans Wake. It is a vellum focused on the daughter Issy. issy PDF document padlet drive more_vert Crack at Calligraphy Crack at Calligraphy I can just imagine how difficult it was completing the whole book after attempting just one large letter. It was a fun experience; I am no artist and it would definitely take a long time for me to master this. more_vert illustration illustration more_vert Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Here is my rendition of "G" after 30 mins. It took me less than three to be humbled by the precision of hand, eye, and inspiration!! I abandoned very quickly the idea of doing a full-page illuminated initial! Breda White IMG_2348 PDF document padlet drive more_vert Empty more_vert A sculpture I did some years ago. A sculpture I did some years ago. more_vert Polish poetry in the Celtic style. Polish poetry in the Celtic style. It is my earlier work. Lines are not so fine :( more_vert Polish poetry Polish poetry more_vert Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. Envelope sent for conference registration. It took several hours. more_vert Empty more_vert KKk KKk more_vert Empty more_vert G G Being a good scribe, takes a long time. Which I didn't have much of today. more_vert Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. Amateurish at best. This may not be my niche! However, I experimented for an hour with the Celtic spirals and knots. I found out quickly that the colour palette and my pencil crayons were an unhappy combination, far too pale for good effect. I thought afterwards that a dotted line of red around the Letter T would have improved it. more_vert 15th cent. Italian style 15th cent. Italian style I didn't take close-ups of any of my other illuminated letters. The whole page was 11x14 inches, based on a 3x4 inch original. I'm still trying to figure out the PHYSICS of how they fit in so much detail. more_vert Chi Rho Chi Rho This is a chi-rho I did a couple of years ago with symbols of the four Evangelist and an alpha and omega. My cat also makes an appearance! more_vert Empty more_vert Scribe I am not! Scribe I am not! I'm embarrassed to post this after seeing the other quite well-done art!! This took me 40 min.!!! more_vert a bit pale , using c a bit pale , using crayon and fairly basic but here it is . Anne more_vert My capital 'T' My capital 'T' The ink bled, because I used typing paper for the Celtic design. Keith more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert I I more_vert Empty more_vert Imaginary Page Imaginary Page This is my imaginary page, starting the the letter 'G' but reflecting the 'Chi'ro' from the time of Constantine. Please notice the scribe's comment in the top left corner - much like the comments witnessed in The Book of Kells itself. more_vert Empty more_vert No job in the scriptorium for me No job in the scriptorium for me more_vert Celtic planter Celtic planter This is a ceramic planter I made using the dots method for the original design. more_vert Celtic cross Celtic cross I did this about 12 years ago. A friend transferred the design to the inside of a ceramic bowl. more_vert Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! Letter A! Not as easy as it looks! LOL! more_vert Had some fun with ri Had some fun with ribbons. more_vert Basic letters - I have never been artistic Basic letters - I have never been artistic script PDF document padlet drive more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert Empty more_vert Kells Homework Kells Homework Using graph paper really helps to understand the Celtic knot construction. Final T, I used markers and pan gold for the coloring. more_vert Label used for meadmaking Label used for meadmaking more_vert Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum Pax Vobiscum et Te Deum more_vert Empty more_vert A bit of everything A bit of everything more_vert add

Simple letter M

2020-04-17 18:26:19 UTC

with colored pencils.

Book of Durrow

2020-04-18 10:51:56 UTC

Pen and acrylic paint

My attempt at a D

2020-04-19 22:45:21 UTC

No paint or colours to use

Just a penciled "C"

2020-04-23 14:43:19 UTC

Copy of the page

2020-04-25 11:44:13 UTC

Hello guys, I made a copy of one of the pages. Watercolour paper, walnut ink, watercolour, red calligraphy ink for dots. Broad nib (1 mm size), pointed pen. The high of the text is 6 mm, between lines 12 mm.

2020-04-25 11:45:50 UTC

An "L" made with a sharpie!

2020-04-29 18:03:00 UTC

Tried to make the letter P

2020-05-02 03:00:16 UTC

2020-05-02 12:24:25 UTC

2020-05-02 12:26:33 UTC

The Letter D

letter d...done on computer

2020-05-05 18:25:47 UTC

Dan H

Letter A

2020-05-06 08:54:18 UTC

Combo of pen & ink, sharpie & pencil for the colour one. I love the natural softness and tonal graduation that using real ink gave to the blue colour, it was exciting to watch how it dried in unpredictable ways and had its own personality beside whatever I was doing. It felt like a spontaneous relationship between pen and paper. I had to scratch out a few lines where the ink bled into the paper - nice to reuse some old drafting techniques I learnt years ago. I like the different feel of the first pencil sketch as a comparison so will upload that also. Much respect for the scribes - I love doing the intricate work but this was quite challenging for my eyes.
Anne E

Letter A (Sketch version)

2020-05-06 09:06:27 UTC

As often happens a pencil sketch has more energy, so have uploaded this also. Really enjoyed this exercise.
Anne E

2020-05-06 18:59:29 UTC

2020-05-06 19:58:10 UTC

Letter T

My interpretation. I used highlighters to reflect the limited pallet and added items reflecting my work..

2020-05-10 09:15:20 UTC

2020-05-22 15:39:20 UTC

Letter Z - taken from the David Harris's book about calligraphy, section corresponding to the Book Of Kells :) Aquarelle markers.

Letter P Felt pens

2020-05-25 06:20:58 UTC

Letter M - Fusion of Celtic and Indian art

2020-05-25 17:36:24 UTC

From the beginning of this course, when I have had the opportunity to see the detailed work closely, I have noticed a similarity to the Indian art of Rangoli (or kollam as it is known in south India). I chose M as the first letter of my name. The long designs inside the legs of M are border kollam designs as are the designs in between the legs. I have left the dots that we use as guides to show how the kollams are drawn. For someone who is bad at drawing, I am proud of this work, which took around four hours, I just used pencil, eraser, ruler and sketch pens.

2020-06-17 15:37:59 UTC

Letter B

grottob — 2020-07-03 13:32:14 UTC

Very time consuming!!

2020-07-04 20:56:46 UTC

Found a font so played with my name. Then decided I could manage to draw something. I guess it is ok, but I can tell I am not made for the meticulous work. It was fun to try out the different styles.

2020-07-05 07:06:09 UTC

2020-07-05 09:06:31 UTC

Interlaced flame pattern

2020-07-05 09:29:34 UTC

I did this a few years ago and it was published. I remember the interlaced flame took a long time, especially trying (and failing) to make the ribbon a consistent width.

Letter L

2020-07-06 09:02:18 UTC

I really enjoyed this exercise. Knowing when to stop could have been an issue! Unless the scribes were instructed and constrained of course.

2020-07-06 14:25:10 UTC

This poor effort took 20 mins and I needed my glasses!

Letter T

2020-07-08 09:25:42 UTC

Letter T

2020-07-08 09:35:53 UTC

Spent longer trying to upload this thing than I spent doing it. I give up. Shocking waste of time.

Letter P

2020-07-08 12:09:10 UTC

Compared to other contributions mine is pitiful, but I did enjoy the experience. Just used basic pens I found around my house. I do wish I had a calligraphy pen. I have done some self-teaching of calligraphy in the past.

S

evieleech17 — 2020-07-08 14:35:48 UTC

How did they have the patience? Especi

2020-07-09 11:08:49 UTC

Letter T
Neither my hand nor my eye is steady these days, so not my best.

blacktab68 — 2020-07-09 16:37:09 UTC

T

blacktab68 — 2020-07-09 16:37:15 UTC

Well as you can see using dip pen and ink makes a mess, ( sleeve swiped across the page) especially when one is a bit sloppy. I would be kicked out of scribe school in a flash!

Letter O

2020-07-09 18:23:08 UTC

I tried with no calligraphy experience, and not much art either. This took surprisingly long!

Letter T

sgbiemmi — 2020-07-09 19:06:54 UTC

This is what I could do with the poor materials I have at home, and the poor imagination I have in mind.

2020-07-10 03:18:31 UTC

I really enjoyed this part of the course. Very naif but was my best try

2020-07-10 03:18:55 UTC

I tried very hard to get the pigments, but pastel colours I used were not very similar... but I had a lot of fun.

2020-07-10 21:21:31 UTC

Work in progress, aiming for something very simple.. it would have taken a scribe decades to master the art

annhindmarch — 2020-07-11 18:13:42 UTC

Hell! A 5 yr old could do better but enjoyed having a go...

Lee

2020-07-11 18:22:05 UTC

Fun to try

2020-07-11 18:25:15 UTC

An S for Serpent

2020-07-13 06:01:43 UTC

I don't have any calligraphy supplies so used my regular study supplies to make something.

Alllal ti

2020-07-13 13:24:48 UTC

Tied up in knots!

2020-07-13 14:55:11 UTC

They wouldn't have let me anywhere the Book of Kells...

2020-07-13 14:57:13 UTC

but it was a bit of fun nonetheless.

A

2020-07-13 15:32:49 UTC

Not very good at knots...!

Letter P

roxorange333 — 2020-07-14 04:39:55 UTC

Tried to keep to the traditional colours. Less is more in my case! Hats off to the Book of Kells scribes!

T

wjohnstone1 — 2020-07-14 05:11:35 UTC

Time and patience and a steady hand needed!

jesusjosuediazprieto — 2020-07-14 18:14:18 UTC

2020-07-15 18:41:29 UTC

I chose the first letter of my name, S. This takes TIME! But a great exercise.

Letter B

2020-07-17 17:57:48 UTC

It's obvious there are real artists in this class. I'm a doodler. This was way too much fun, but I've got to get on with the course. I used colored pencils . I couldn't resist playing with design elements. It was hard to keep the ribbon width uniform. The three-armed spirals (sun symbols) didn't want to be equilateral. I botched my first weave on the fish and learned I have to stagger the dots and not overdraw the lines. I'm going to have to let my apprentice finish this and do the outlining as I don't have the fine motor skills needed. Can anyone recognize my inspiration for the background on the top of the B?

Letter T

2020-07-18 15:54:01 UTC

This is the best I could do and it took me ages :). it doesn't look very manuscript-like, though.

Celtic/Insular Knot

2020-07-20 12:00:00 UTC

No danger of me making it in the scriptorium! Even with a pencil and eraser

Letter B

mapissag — 2020-07-21 18:13:24 UTC

2020-07-25 16:15:05 UTC

Best I could do. Tried the spirals first but couldn't get the hang of changing them to ribbons

T

2020-07-29 15:22:13 UTC

I've really enjoyed doing this. It took me ages!

T

2020-07-31 10:39:39 UTC

First attempt

T

2020-07-31 10:47:41 UTC

I´d be rejected as a scribe for sure. Well, RA is a problem and the pain in my hand was an obstacle. I was using watercolor pencils for late finish touches but I simply gave up. It is a time consuming exercise because nothing seems to work, like poor choice of colors, uninspiring and simplistic design. But this activity makes me thing about every possible challenge these remarkable scribes faced back in the 8th century. All I can say is that they truly LOVED their job.

2020-08-01 10:02:53 UTC

Letter S

2020-08-04 18:57:31 UTC

Quick, large, fun sketch in red pen and tiny decorations. I love the boldness and colour of many other submitted designs!

The art offered on the DIY page

2020-08-06 11:02:47 UTC

This is my first attempt, following the spirals, knots and dot grid patterns on the page. I think I did OK, but I'm probably going to need some more practice for any future attempts.

Letter T

2020-08-08 23:08:58 UTC

It was fun doing this!

2020-08-12 12:08:14 UTC

LetterT

2020-08-18 01:04:59 UTC

First attempt at illuminated R - great fun!

2020-08-20 20:28:38 UTC

Letter C

2020-08-29 15:40:45 UTC

It was difficult to get which bits went under and which over and it's not very symmetrical

I used my Ipad to draw this.

melissabarbosajornal — 2020-09-02 21:06:31 UTC

The Letter T

2020-09-06 15:15:42 UTC

Must have been very hard without felt pens etc.have to concentrate really hard to do the overs and unders. I kept getting it wrong!

Illustrated R

2020-09-07 09:40:19 UTC

A bit messy, but I love the outcome. Using dots as guides made the job far easier than it would have otherwise been.

Letter S

2020-09-10 12:48:01 UTC

As both my initials are S, I drew this. Something I will go back to when I have time!

martinbyrne22 — 2020-09-13 20:01:06 UTC

Letter O
Much harder than I imagened.
Symmetry in in Book of Kells is amazing.

Novice!

2020-09-20 08:06:32 UTC

A bit rushed on time with this however, remarkable how this starts to take form.

I am simultaneous taking a course on calligraphy and illumination based on the hymn - Be Thou my vision : Here is the homework from week one

2020-09-27 01:09:21 UTC

Letter T

mcmenemy_peg — 2020-09-27 17:19:07 UTC

I would have never passed in scribe school. No patience.

Letter M

2020-09-29 19:23:29 UTC

Not enough colour, but loved doing this. Wish I could draw a peacock

Letter T

2020-10-01 13:00:57 UTC

Perhaps I should tell you that I have to concentrate to make my normal hand- writing readable, even to me at times.

Letter T

nortonarmstrong — 2020-10-02 10:52:48 UTC

nortonarmstrong — 2020-10-02 12:13:43 UTC

artist I am not but made an attempt anyways.

2020-10-06 20:22:58 UTC

2020-10-08 17:00:26 UTC

My letter "J" I'll add color later :-)

The letter T

2020-10-09 17:52:40 UTC

Oh dear, smudged ...Good fun doing it though.

Letter G

2020-10-11 20:58:43 UTC

Really enjoyed it!

letter T... or at least an I tried

2020-10-14 21:30:41 UTC

📹 My letter S

2020-10-15 18:42:01 UTC

I hope to have the opportunity to do some other experiment

Ref Mags Hammet comment Kathryn Otley

2020-10-17 21:55:49 UTC

We were asked What inspires most: as part of my response I refer to a nametag I created in textile embroidery

ritacore43 — 2020-10-24 16:29:52 UTC

My monochrome effort!

Creatures of Z

2020-11-08 00:27:15 UTC

My attempt means i have a better appreciation of the time and skill involved.

2020-12-26 15:15:20 UTC

Letter T
By: Tingting Ji

Who is sir T similar to?

Letter T

2020-12-28 15:46:36 UTC

Those knots are quite tricky! This is my second attempt.

Another letter T

newhan1 — 2020-12-29 15:41:15 UTC

Took me 2 and a half days, taking it easy and practicing some parts on another sheet until IU had it right. Loads of mistakes. Not all colored in and not utilese all the space and is A4 size, using pencil, felt tips, ruler and electric and heating. I pity those poor monks.

First attempt at

2021-01-07 14:49:29 UTC

Attempt at a letter B

2021-01-09 22:05:31 UTC

I didn't have time to spend an hour + on this as some have, so here is my 15-minute sketch! Found the interlaces trickiest, and didn't even attempt any llittle animals...

2021-01-13 14:28:55 UTC

These are my attempts at letters T & G

Letter T This has only increased my respect and awe for medieval illustrators. Took me ages just to work out what I wanted to do and didn't even have to draw the letter. Drawing was a lengthy exercise and that was without mixing my colours!

2021-01-16 11:57:25 UTC

my illustration

2021-02-01 20:17:24 UTC

i chose the letter e for my name - I turned it into some sort of cat bc I really like how the monks drew animals.

2021-02-03 10:53:58 UTC

A humbling task - The letter G

2021-02-04 15:11:35 UTC

This has made my respect for the ancient scribes and illustrators significantly deeper. I've spent the better part of two days on this and it is awful. Apart from my incapability, I learned two new things the scribes etc had to battle with - mixing pigments, say, red and blue for purple - being able to mix enough of that colour to complete the picture, and secondly, some sort of blotting equipment to rescue a small spot from being a blob. I certainly had fun, but Im very glad it's not a full time job.

A humbling task - The letter G

2021-02-04 15:24:32 UTC

2021-02-09 10:30:11 UTC

An intense writing task

2021-02-10 08:00:40 UTC

This attempt (humble attempt, really) took me about half an hour and I tried 3 times to create what can maybe be considered a good celtic knot. Anyway, considering that I decided to use just the celtic knot and spirals, without drawing proper images, such as animals or human figures, and given that this took me quite a long time, I can only imagine what a great effort was made by the scribes for the majestic Book of Kells. But, I'll admit, it was very fun to try!

The Letter J

judypom57 — 2021-02-15 11:36:11 UTC

I really enjoyed that and felt that it got easier as I went along. The scribes would have been very skilled at what they did so presumably they were able to work at a faster pace. I know I was in a heated room with plenty of light and a good supply of tea, but I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

Letter J with brush-pens

2021-02-18 20:17:06 UTC

I borrowed my daughter's brush-pens/ fancy markers to give this a go. I really enjoyed the hour I spent, realising that to just get the hang of the pens would take me quite a while! I find the synthetic colours so garish when compared to the beautiful warm tones of the natural pigments. I didn't spend the time to learn any of the Celtic knotwork- I stayed more freestyle! I got a few shoves from a toddler & I somehow managed to embellish
my piece with one of her noodles.

My first attempt

2021-02-24 16:10:23 UTC

An enjoyable exercise that proves I wouldn't make it to the scripturium.

A long apprenticeship needed! I suppose that if I spent 10,000 hours of practice, I might then be a little closer to the standard of the monks of Iona and Kells. So that means a 5 to 10 year apprenticeship is probably required before you're allowed to work alone on a precious document like the Book of Kells.

2021-02-25 15:45:41 UTC

FutureLearn

carmenjovevidal — 2021-03-12 09:26:47 UTC

Thank you FutureLearn and Trinity College for this wonderful course.
My Calligraphy and design is quite simple but it was a lot of fun. I did it in about 90'. I can,t imagine the amount of time it took the scribes produce the Book of Kells.

Very basic e and o, more practice needed.

2021-03-15 12:34:46 UTC

I think this activity would be perfect for calming the mind.

2021-03-18 00:02:42 UTC

Giving it a try. I have great respect for the artist, I cannot imagine the time and patienc it took to have the precision of skill to master this art. SM

2021-03-22 15:49:41 UTC

The

Letter g

2021-03-22 16:00:05 UTC

G for gin ! What a lovely exercise....printing out a template letter def made this task less daunting. Less arty-types take note 👍🏼

2021-03-23 14:29:48 UTC

Loads of fun.

Letter A

2021-03-24 09:59:36 UTC

Wow what a fascinating exercise. It took me ages to even manage this attempt. I have untold respect for those scribes who produced such beautiufl work.

Letter T

2021-03-25 01:47:29 UTC

harder than you realise! Boy those monks must have practised heaps

2021-03-26 21:12:55 UTC

Coast - C

2021-03-30 18:08:34 UTC

Something nice from warm places - elements become symbols of peace through our memories of the times spent there.

2021-04-03 18:46:51 UTC

BH:-This is my effort. it took a lot of time to get it right needed black outline first

This was my effort from Book of Kells. took a lot of time BH

2021-04-03 18:47:31 UTC

Letter T

2021-04-04 15:55:48 UTC

Not very colourful I know, and my interlace got quite confused, but I really enjoyed this activity!

Letter P

2021-04-12 18:48:36 UTC

Rather messy and vague but absorbing.

2021-04-12 18:49:52 UTC

Letter C

2021-04-20 14:48:56 UTC

Thank you for this course! I've learnt by it a lot. Created a few book-of-kells-like animals.

2021-04-21 16:09:11 UTC

2021-05-04 03:07:09 UTC

Only took me 5 1/2 years

2021-05-13 15:11:59 UTC

Brought to you by the Letter T

2021-05-18 04:04:46 UTC

This exercise was a delight! I learned more about the designs and the drawing techniques. Although I used brush pens, I used the key colors of blue, purple, black, gold, yellow, and red. Took me awhile to learn the over- under knot techniques, but once I did, I was able to draw the remainder free-hand!

My attempt from long ago

2021-05-23 19:01:14 UTC

I did this 35 years ago after a class to learn insular writing and decoration. It took many hours and since I am on the free course I do not have time to do another but for what it's worth here is what I came up with after practicing the script. It is a marvelous medieval quote from a monk and is a riddle. I hope you enjoy it. I intentionally made sure I did not have room for the m of the word wisdom in the first line so that I could do what the monks did and use an animal to point with its legs to where the letter was supposed to be.The script is not very well executed and would look better in latin of course!

2021-05-23 19:05:15 UTC

2021-06-06 21:22:16 UTC

Some fantastic stuff on here!

2021-06-13 13:55:08 UTC

first try!

Sharon Mcmullan

2021-06-15 19:10:03 UTC

Tried it with letter L

aashnaguptausa — 2021-06-27 15:19:22 UTC

I created these letters with brush pens. It was difficult for me to create the forms, especially the knot. I need to practice more.

My attempt

2021-08-09 14:17:44 UTC

This is my rather poor attempt at the letter "A". I found this activity to be a lot of fun. Some of the pictures others have submitted are spectacular masterpieces!

Letter X

2021-08-29 13:15:47 UTC

I did this over several evenings. In doing so I marvel at the planning, skill and craftmanship of the scribes of the Book of Kells. When attempting some latticework, the blue ink ran! My example of 'flaws and imperfections'! You appreciate their work even more.

2021-09-06 09:02:24 UTC

2021-10-19 20:53:15 UTC

I suppose it could've gone worse. About 3 hours with various calligraphy nibs & inks. Only one big boo-boo with several bleeds. Not bad for a first attempt.

2021-11-21 04:11:05 UTC

2021-12-10 21:20:17 UTC

Difficult, but this is just a quick second attempt. I find it hard to see the bridges and tunnels once the lines are drawn

My first attempt after studying the Book of Kells.

2022-01-02 06:42:35 UTC

I took this course once before. I was very inspired and wanted to attempt something that told a story while inlcuding some authentic items. I am still creating, and i am thoroughly obsessed with the art form, the script, and the inspiration it takes to create something. I hope you enjoy.

Thankful for the pocket of peace received while doing this

2022-02-08 15:13:32 UTC

Growing up as an artsy kid, I accepted the challenge as soon as I was welcomed by the other people`s interpretations. I tried to choose colors that were the closest to the original pieces. I must say this took longer than I previously anticipated, and thinking how these kinds of letters were drawn, (with less efficient pens, paints, light) and so much smaller than ½ page of xerox. I’d revise my answer and state that, even with a few monks working on it, I believe that The Book of Kells would have taken more time to be made. Probably around 75 years considering my first guess was round 60…

Some things are best left to the experts...

2022-03-03 16:00:42 UTC

A naive effort, hopefully to encourage other non-artistic folk like me. Neville H

2022-05-14 04:25:41 UTC

My first attempt at the Letter T.
Acrylic on canvas.
I am really enjoying this course.

2022-06-01 22:01:09 UTC

2022-07-03 10:48:25 UTC

Just a quick try. It was fun.

bussbrigitte — 2022-08-22 07:35:04 UTC

This exercise gave me an entirely new respect for the scribes and illustrators of the manuscripts - making a design based on geometric principles is one thing, adapting it to a given space another one entirely. I stayed basic (and maybe somewhat modern) and it still took a fair amount of time to get it to a reasonable standard. Hats off to them! I automatically veered to my fave colurs but they seem semi-authentic.

Calligraphy poem from 7th grade, had a computer glitch and am using an early homework

2022-10-21 19:04:32 UTC

by WL Meadows c 1972-2022 all rts res

Celtic knot work, dance slippers with spirals

2022-10-21 19:09:19 UTC

These are dance slippers spelling my initials WM and containing spirals. I created the shoes before adding the spirals, just hand drawn and primitive. I had a computer glitch and am using an earlier image with later primitive spirals, by WL Meadows c 2022 all rts res

Letter O

2022-11-21 12:46:37 UTC

Letter T - first try

koningleonie — 2023-01-25 13:53:49 UTC

This is my first try. It took considerably more time than that I had estimated beforehand. If I would have had a scribe as mentor, I am sure the advice would have been to train more on my patience, my neatness, and on getting a more steadier hand. I would absolutely follow up on these advices, and hope to upload more later.

2023-03-15 23:05:35 UTC

This illustration is based on an example of a capital letter "T" in the Latin word Tunic (Then) in the Book of Kells.

Donal Vaughan

2023-03-15 23:15:20 UTC

This illustration is based on a letter G from the text of Matthew's Gospel (Matthew XVI) in The Book of Kells.

2023-04-10 07:01:35 UTC

2023-04-15 21:59:11 UTC

My practice work

2023-06-14 11:37:16 UTC

2024-02-22 05:00:05 UTC

2024-04-05 20:50:41 UTC

Minne was based on Jewish Hebrew and Celtic art

Letter T

2024-08-15 05:28:07 UTC

What still begins with 'W', but here's to D's and d's. What's with theses Dd's?

2024-10-10 11:25:58 UTC

"Big D, little d" what doesn't begin with Dd?

2024-10-10 11:28:27 UTC

Oh, Good-Dd!

2024-10-10 12:34:26 UTC

Phycodelic Pinecone created by Darcie L. Tredwell

2024-10-10 16:56:58 UTC

Pinecone on projector

2024-10-11 02:00:01 UTC

Light box with personalized pinecone stencil.

Dd on the lightbox

2024-10-11 02:02:09 UTC

Looks like old work fashion vellum.

2024-10-11 02:11:52 UTC

This I created on brown paper bag.

Panger Ban

2024-10-16 15:07:39 UTC

I rewound the class to this lesson intending to share this illustration and Poetry.

2024-10-24 02:51:07 UTC

This was so much harder than I thought it would be. Much respect to the scribes of the BOK for their outstanding artwork. And kudos to all my fellow students - your drawings are great!

Sionnach

2024-12-05 10:18:35 UTC

2025-05-16 15:33:55 UTC

2025-07-30 19:00:49 UTC

I had always wondered if the art in these insular books were really doodles, a way to escape the boredom of copying the same text over and over. My 30 minute attempt has made it obvious how practiced and deliberate their artwork really must have been. A convincing exercise for sure! Thanks for making this class available.

2025-09-25 18:24:00 UTC

The letters C and J!

My submission...Phew, this took some finding how to post...My project took my 6 1/2 hours...I really enjoyed the process and am feeling quite 'chuffed' with myself...I'm 74 years old, not an artist, not even a hobby artist, but got hooked on illumination around 3 months ago and can't leave it alone...

lindasemple — 2025-12-18 15:37:19 UTC

My work

edwigetimmerman — 2026-01-07 10:09:11 UTC

My interpretation du livre de Kells, in 3 dimensions with details from different pages

Study of interlacing

edwigetimmerman — 2026-01-07 10:17:44 UTC

study of interlacing

edwigetimmerman — 2026-01-07 10:20:38 UTC

2026-03-16 07:51:28 UTC

Thanks to the useful video “How to Draw a Triquetra Celtic Knot -Step by Step” I produced a triquetra, which I have shared. Considering that I haven’t drawn since I was a child, it was really exciting because, by following the instructions, I actually managed to draw a Celtic knot. And now, after this practical exercise, my admiration for the scribes’ skills has grown exponentially.