PEP tangles - my Zentangle Inspired Art blog

Friday 14 February 2014

Double Heart Triskele With Favourite Tool(s)

I subscribe to Jason Bellchamber's You Tube Channel where he gives tutorials on how to draw Celtic Knots. What I find particularly interesting about his videos is that he also talks about the history behind a particular pattern & what it might have been used for. Some time ago I saw his Double Heart Triskele videos (One, Two & Three) & decided that I'd try using the pattern for a Valentine's card. This is what evolved as I worked with it.

front of card
angled view to show contrast between metallic pen work,
satin gold cardstock & matt black panel
close-up in lamplight showing shimmer of  metallic
pen work &  fussy cut detail 
inside of card

Sakura Metallic Gelly Roll pens were used in black & gold for drawing the knot which was then carefully cut out & mounted on a piece of satin gold cardstock slightly smaller than the outer border of the knot, this was then mounted on black cardstock before placing on a white card blank. The inside is simply a piece of black cardstock mounted on satin gold cardstock before the card blank.

Whilst I was working on this - particularly the fussy cutting - I was reminded of Brenda's 5th Blogaversary celebration with her challenge to make a project using a favourite tool. My very favourite tool is a pair of scissors, specifically the EK Success Cutter Bee Scissors. I tried many scissors before I found a pair that was both sharp & fine enough to cut intricate detail in awkward places. In fact I really want to get a second pair to have as a spare, but they are not easy to find in the UK. If I were to be allowed an additional item it would be my embossing tool(s), particularly the fine one which I use to smooth down the cut edges. I enable my embossing tools to run smoothly along any edges by dipping them in Perga Soft. 

Congratulations Brenda & thank you for setting such a thought-provoking challenge - I really had to think about the one item that I am not without & that accompanies me wherever I go. 

11 comments:

brenda said...

This really is so intricate Paul and I found myself following the various lines around and discovering lots of patterns within the pattern - if that makes sense.

It really is very clever work and it would be wonderful to watch you creating, but there again perhaps not as I would never stop talking and drive you crazy with my chatter.

I am so pleased you joined in my blog celebrations, part of my idea was that there are so many different styles of crafting that it's an opportunity for people to see work of those they may not see in their normal crafting circles.

B x

judith@poppy cottage said...

A breautiful card Paula, the colours are really well chosen to show off the clean design so well. The black makes a perfect background for the metallics. I am a real fan of Celtic Knots, owning several books on the subject. The two hearts that you have created is a lovely image, and I really like the patterns within the overall design. Superb cutting, your scissors obviously do a great job in small areas. Judith xx

Jean said...

Fabulous work Paula.I love this design and it looks real classy with the gold and black card. Amazing cutting out job as well.
Jean x

Annie said...

Hi Paula! your Celtic knot is stunning and perfect for Valentines - such intricate detail, you must have good eyesight! glad to here you are doing ok, we are expecting another battering tonight, it's pretty bad now so fingers crossed, especially as DH is trying to make it down here. Tomorrow we are hoping to drive to Yeolvilton for an aero model fair .. .. so I'm hoping the wind will have blown out by then.
take care, keep warm.
hugs, annie x

Elaine said...

Beautiful work Paula. The use of the metallic pens has given such an interesting effect and I love the use of the satin gold card, always my preferred option for gold as it is softer and looks so much more classy. I am sure this card was very much appreciated, a little work of art with inspired by historic designs. Stay safe in this challenging weather. Elaine xx

jackiescrafts said...

Paula this is a beautiful card and so intricate. I love Celtic knots too so will be following your link to the YouTube videos.
Jackie x

Miranda said...

This is beautiful Paula and a lot of work cutting,but worth the effort! I've seemed to have missed your beautiful colourful art journal pages in the previous posts. They are so lovely....I wish I had more time to create such things......warm greet Miranda

veronica said...

wow Paula, this is fantastic!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow Paula your artwork is gorgeous, I love how the two hearts intertwine. Fabulous ! Happy Valentines day, Shirleyx

alexandra s.m. said...

Hello dear Paula,

I love your artwork and your Celtic knots look amazing. The color scheme that you picked could not have been more elegant.

Thank You~

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I LOVE your Celtic knot and the rich color scheme you chose to do it in! I've done Celtic knots in the past, but have never connected two hearts. Blessings!