Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish American Car Magnets

Irish American Car Magnets

Scotland is a country with a very rich heritage and culture, much of which is expressed through our love of crafting. Here, we'll take a more in depth look at 3 types of craft from across the country.

In part, a love of crafting is due to a wish to leave something tangible to future generations. Nothing expresses home and caring quite as well as a handmade item. Many such items are in fact kept and passed down from parent to child becoming significant, valuable heirlooms.

When we craft, we are in a sense connecting with our past and yearning for continuity. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in traditional skills spurred on by a wish to nurture them, thereby avoiding them dying out completely. There are strong Celtic and Pictish traditions in Scotland of course and the symbols of these are reflected through many of the crafting media, displaying an incomparable beauty and simplicity that finds admirers around the globe.

Fair Isle Knitting

Fair Isle is in the far north of Scotland, lying half way between the Shetland Isles and the Orkney Isles. It's a small island with few raw materials available and knitting provides an income for many of the women there. The knitting technique, which was named after the island, was actually developed in Shetland and creates distinctive patterns from the region. These patterns don't usually have more than two or three stitches in any colour at one time since they are stranded.

A block of one colour that is too long will mean an overly long strand of the other colour which could be too easily caught on a button or other item. Knitting is done in the round and Shetland jumper-weight yarns at 8 stitches to the inch are normally used. Fair Isle sweater construction involves sewing or fastening the work where the arm holes go, and then cutting the knit fabric to make the armholes. These cuts are called steeks by American knitters, but the term is not used in Shetland.

Weapon Craft - Sgian Dubh

Another well known Highland craft is that of creating custom sgian dubh (pronounced skee(a)n doo). Sgian Dubh are worn as part of Highland dress, tucked into the man's hose so that only the pommel can be seen. Now having only a ceremonial function, the blades are often made from brass which is then nickel plated while the handle is made of plastic.

However, some pieces are highly crafted works of art commanding high prices. The blades are constructed from titanium, sterling silver or Damascus steel then finely etched with celtic designs, clan crests, regimental symbols or personal inscriptions. The handles are then made from a variety of natural materials such as Highland Bog Oak, Scottish Yew, Ebony, Rosewood and antler bone. These are also extremely decorative, utilising celtic, pictish and clan symbols.

The pommel is normally fitted with a semi-precious stone such as the Cairngorm, a smoky quartz from the Cairngorm mountains, or amethyst from Tayside. The final necessary piece is the sheath for the blade and these are also made of either wood or fine leather tooled with complimentary patterns.

Weaving

The tartan, or plaid, is a woven material made from spun and dyed wool in different weights. There are over 2800 publicly known tartans with the oldest dated to the third century, making it 1,700 years old. Although today's patterns are colourful, originally the material would have been limited by locally available materials.

The word "tartan" actually described the way the thread was woven to make the cloth: each thread passed over two threads then under two threads, and so on rather than referring to the pattern itself.

Weaving in Scotland was originally based around cottage handlooms for making linen from home-grown flax. Rough woolen cloth was then introduced in the Lowlands around the 16th century. Harris tweed eventually arrived from the Outer Hebrides in 1840 courtesy of Lady Dunmore. As wool gained in importance, particularly in the Borders, finer wools, known as worsted became available.

After a long period of decline from the 1870s onwards, recent years have seen a regeneration of traditional weaving techniques. Many art and design students, encouraged by support from The Scottish Woollen Publicity Council through the 1980s and 90s, have set up their own businesses using computerised looms. Others have computerised handlooms for weaving craft items.

Discover more arts and crafts ideas, crafting resources and news at http://artsandcraftsideas.zoxic.com

Fun Irish Fridge Magnets (Set of 2) $10.99 Three-dimensional resin magnets are a double dose of Irish cheer. By John Hinde, Ireland. 3 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 1/4 each.

Places In Ireland Magnets - Scenes $10.99 These acrylic-encased fridge magnets showcase colorful Irish countryside and pub scenes. Package of six 1 1/2 X 2 1/4 magnets. From John Hinde, Ireland. Buy 2 for $9.99 ea.

Places in Ireland & Pub Fronts Magnets $10.99 These acrylic-encased fridge magnets showcase colorful Irish countryside and pub scenes. Package of six 1 1/2 X 2 1/4 magnets. From John Hinde, Ireland. Buy 2 or more for $9.99 ea.

Jumbo St.Patrick's Day Irish Decorative Magnets $1.99 Our Jumbo St.Patrick's Day Irish Decorative Magnets are the perfect way to decorate your home and liven up the spirit of st.patrick's day. Stick these magnets to your car, refrigerator or school or gym locker for a wee bit of holiday cheer! Each jumbo magnet measures approx 6" x 5" and is a great way to show your Irish pride! Each magnet is sold individually in your choice of festive Irish design.

Clover and Claddagh Magnets $7.99 These metal magnets are so functional - besides being sturdy and securely holding items they look so impressive with their lovely design and touching sentiments. 1 1/2 x 3. Shamrock Gift Co., Dublin.

Irish Angel Car Chime $8.99 This silverplated guardian angel will guide and protect, enhanced by tiny, soothing bells. Imported. 6 1/2 long. Exclusively Ours! Buy 2 or more for $7.99 ea.

Irish Guardian Visor Clip $5.99 Guide and protect your loved ones behind the wheel. Antiqued pewter. Clips easily to car visor.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish 12 Car Magnets - Set of 2 $25.95 Tell the world you’re a fan with the NCAA Notre Dame Fighting Irish magnetic banner. On your car, around the office, or at home, your magnetic banner looks great! It adheres magnetically – or use thumbtacks to attach to non-metal surfaces. It's made of heavy gauge magnetic vinyl, so it lasts and lasts. Colors stay bright, indoors or out! Plus, it's flexible, so it looks great on curved surfaces. The magnet is 12" in size.

Irish Racing T-Shirt $15.99 Race-car aficionados will love this light-hearted shamrock and leprechaun-adorned T-shirt. Full design on back of shirt; smaller design on front. Printed in USA. 100% cotton. Sizes S (34-36), M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48) 2XL (50-52)

Irish Forest Air Freshener - Shamrock $5.99 Take home the fresh, clean scent of Ireland. These fresheners are ideal for home and car. From Ireland. Poly resin. 3 3/4 Dancer

Irish Forest Air Freshener - Dancer $5.99 Take home the fresh, clean scent of Ireland. These fresheners are ideal for home and car. From Ireland. Poly resin. 3 3/4 Dancer

Irish American Friendship $59.99 Irish American Friendship - Wall Decal

American and Irish Flags $39.99 American and Irish Flags - Giclee Print

Irish Car Bomb Irish Jr. Raglan by CafePress $28.5 Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cottonSize up Irish Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Claddagh Car Chime $9.99 Brushed silver plated claddagh chime, with tiny soothing bells and a green crystal. 6 1/2 long. Imported. Two or more $8.99 ea.

Kelley Horse Head Car Magnets $15.95 Show everyone youre a horse lover with the Kelley Horse Head Car Magnets. These fun magnets make a great addition to any vehicle

Irish Crystal $6.99 "There's evil people around, Dermot love. . . . I knew about them even before me dream. Really evil people. Won't we have to fight them!" This latest tale of Nuala Anne McGrail, the engagingly fey heroine of such irresistible books as Irish Cream and Irish Lace, begins with a foreboding dream of some terrible impending evil. Dermot Michael Coyne, Nuala's adoring husband and spear-carrier, knows better than to ignore his wife's second sight, but from whence does this nameless peril originate? From the Homeland Security goons determined to deport the Irish-born Nuala on the basis of nothing more than vague suspicions and accusations? From the spiteful neighbors campaigning against their family's beloved Irish wolfhounds? Or from the tangled dealings of the Currans, a prosperous clan of Irish-American aristocrats, with whom Nuala and Dermot have recently become acquainted? The true danger becomes shockingly apparent when a catastrophic car-bombing rocks the Chicago riverfront. Uncovering the twisted minds behind the bombing is not easy; Dermot and Nuala soon find themselves enmeshed in a complicated tapestry of lies and secrets. Nuala's preternatural instincts also lead her to a forgotten manuscript revealing the treachery and deceit behind a tragic chapter in Irish history: the saga of bold Robert Emmet and the failed uprisings of 1798 and 1803. Between the past and the present, our heroine and her devoted spouse have more than enough mysteries to contend with, but the two of them are bound to make the truth just as clear as . . . Irish Crystal.

Peel and Stick Pennant $16.99 Show your Irish pride any where you want! This pennant can be stuck on anything, and it can be easily removed hundreds of times without damaging or leaving any residue on the surfaces. Display it on your wall, car, or anywhere you want to make a statement. 12 x 30

Car Magnets (Norman, OK) $19.99 Car Magnets (Norman, OK) Car Magnets (Norman, OK)All shirts are high quality, machine washable printing ink applied to comfortable, durable, and high quality cotton shirts. The shirts do not feature team logos or names, and are licensed only by the first amendment! Let your voice as a fan be heard and support your favorite team today!

Car Magnets (Columbus, OH) $19.99 Car Magnets (Columbus, OH) Car Magnets (Columbus, OH)All shirts are high quality, machine washable printing ink applied to comfortable, durable, and high quality cotton shirts. The shirts do not feature team logos or names, and are licensed only by the first amendment! Let your voice as a fan be heard and support your favorite team today!

Car Magnets (Tuscaloosa, AL) $19.99 Car Magnets (Tuscaloosa, AL) Car Magnets (Tuscaloosa, AL)All shirts are high quality, machine washable printing ink applied to comfortable, durable, and high quality cotton shirts. The shirts do not feature team logos or names, and are licensed only by the first amendment! Let your voice as a fan be heard and support your favorite team today!

St. Pat's Irish Car Bomb Team Funny Jr. Raglan by CafePress $28.5 St. Pat's Irish Car Bomb Team t-shirts with an Irish shamrock and St. Pat's Irish Car Bomb Team in green letters. Grab your stout and your shot and get your Irish car bomb ready Funny Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Magnets $10.49 Magnets

Celtic Changeable Ring Boxed Set $31.99 This set of semiprecious cat's eye stones lets you match your ring to your wardrobe. The interchangeable settings for this lead-free, silverplated brass ring are firmly held in place by magnets. Imported. Sizes 6, 7, 8 only.

Irish American $129.05 Irish Americans are citizens of the United States who trace their ancestry to Ireland. A total of 36,495,800 Americans more than 12 of total population reported Irish ancestry in the 2006 American Community Survey. The only selfreported ancestral group larger than Irish Americans are German Americans. This figure does not include those reporting ScotsIrish ancestry, who are counted separately, and account for at least five million additional Americans. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 196 Publication Date: 2009/11/24 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.44 inches

Irish Car Bomb Irish Jr. Jersey T-Shirt by CafePress $22.25 Turn heads in this hot, hip, curve-hugging tee from American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, ring-spun cotton, it gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering, it39;s a casual, effortless way to ensure you39;re stylin Irish Jr. Jersey T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Turn heads in this hot, hip, curve-hugging tee from American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, ring-spun cotton, it gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering, it39;s a casual, effortless way to ensure you39;re stylin

Irish Car Bomb Irish Women's Fitted T-Shirt dark by CafePress $26.5 Turn heads in this hot, hip, curve-hugging tee from American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, ring-spun cotton, it gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering, it's a casual, effortless way to ensure you're stylin' in comf Irish Women's Fitted T-Shirt dark Tee, TShirt, Shirt Turn heads in this hot, hip, curve-hugging tee from American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, ring-spun cotton, it gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering, it's a casual, effortless way to ensure you're stylin' in comf

Irish Car Bomb Irish Men's Fitted T-Shirt dark by CafePress $26.5 For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T by American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this v Irish Men's Fitted T-Shirt dark Tee, TShirt, Shirt For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T by American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this v

Notre Dame Fighting Irish 12&quot Vinyl Magnet - Set of 2 $33.99 Show your team spirit proudly with this set of 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 12" Vinyl Magnets. Each 12" Notre Dame Fighting Irish magnet is made of heavy gauge magnetic vinyl and sticks to any metal surface- including car doors. These Notre Dame Fighting Irish magnets are decorated in the team colors and prominently display the Notre Dame Fighting Irish primary team logo. Officially licensed.

Irish Blessing $7.99 Irish Blessing

Luck O Irish - American Greetings - Photo St Patricks Holiday Card $1.69 "Wish family and friends the luck o' the Irish with a photo St. Patricks holiday card they're sure to love. With a festive green background, the Irish flag, and your family's photo, it's a sweet and personalized celebration of the holiday. 5"" x 7"" Flat Car"

Irish American Chronicle $9.99 The Irish American Chronicle is the definitive illustrated book of the Irish American experience. It presents the story of Irish influence in every aspect of American life. The book shares an in-depth account of how the Irish helped change America, shaping America's music, politics, literature, and slang. The Irish American Chronicle begins with an absorbing history of Ireland and chronicles the Irish in America from the Revolutionary War to the present. Hundreds of Irish Americans are profiled, from presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan to automaker Henry T. Ford, activist Mother Jones, and writer Anna Quindlen.

New Jersey Irish Shamrock Men's Fitted T-Shirt da Irish Men's Fitted T-Shirt dark by CafePress $26.5 New Jersey Irish Shamrock t shirts and apparel.New Jersey Irish Shamrock mugs buttons magnets and more. Irish Men's Fitted T-Shirt dark Tee, TShirt, Shirt For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T by American Apparel. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this v

9 8.5x11 Car Door Magnets $53.45 OvernightPrints.com is your online printer for premium, full color car door magnets. Large and Small sizes available. We offer top quality printing. Upload a custom design in just seconds, free of charge. High quality 12 Mil. Thickness. Choose from 1 to 100 quantity. Ready to ship in just 3 days. Magnets are an effective and economical way to promote your business all-day, every-day.

10 8.5x11 Car Door Magnets $59.35 OvernightPrints.com is your online printer for premium, full color car door magnets. Large and Small sizes available. We offer top quality printing. Upload a custom design in just seconds, free of charge. High quality 12 Mil. Thickness. Choose from 1 to 100 quantity. Ready to ship in just 3 days. Magnets are an effective and economical way to promote your business all-day, every-day.

63 11x17 Car Door Magnets $563.25 OvernightPrints.com is your online printer for premium, full color car door magnets. Large and Small sizes available. We offer top quality printing. Upload a custom design in just seconds, free of charge. High quality 12 Mil. Thickness. Choose from 1 to 100 quantity. Ready to ship in just 3 days. Magnets are an effective and economical way to promote your business all-day, every-day.

64 11x17 Car Door Magnets $572.15 OvernightPrints.com is your online printer for premium, full color car door magnets. Large and Small sizes available. We offer top quality printing. Upload a custom design in just seconds, free of charge. High quality 12 Mil. Thickness. Choose from 1 to 100 quantity. Ready to ship in just 3 days. Magnets are an effective and economical way to promote your business all-day, every-day.

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