The ancient Celts believed there were seven created beings: man, insects, mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and plants. With the spread of Christianity, the portrayal of created beings in any way was forbidden by the church. Artwork that had once been acceptable in Druidic or Pagan societies became highly stylised and developed into the intricate and intertwined patterns we see in zoomorphics (depictions of living creatures) and foliated images.

But, as Pagan as they may have been originally, knot work, foliage, zoomorphics and representations of long departed people were also used extensively by not only the Picts in Scotland but also by the early Christians across Europe. Many fine examples can be found across the Celtic world on stone, wood, metal, embroidery, and in the embellishment of sacred texts such as the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels.

On this cover, a dog and a duck are battling over the hierarchy of mammal and bird.

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

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

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

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

Visit the Commission Enquiries page for a full customising service.

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