In early Celtic art entwined fanciful animals and plant motifs were used in ornate manuscripts such as this example from the religious Book of Kells , (7th C.) which very ornately depicts the symbols of the four evangelists. Irish people still love to use knots and twined forms or plant motifs in metallic jewelry. Young and old enjoy looking at the uniquely rich designs that are a wonderful part of the Irish heritage.

Most Irish workers were farmers, but some were also craftsman, and artisans. There were many skilled Irish weavers some were among the people who immigrated to America. Weaving was a skill long practiced in Ireland. The history of weaving is long and interesting. You may wish to view a background on development of this craft. Woven items can be produced on easy to make hand looms for small items, such as place mats of yarn and cut strips of old cloth (See instructions for making a simple student loom). Large looms are usually made of wood, or sometimes metal, and take many hours to tread. Large looms are used to produce warm tweed cloth that can be tailored into fine suits and other garments.