Celtic Birds Cushion Cover

Dating back to pre-Christian times, Celtic art often features birds and animals. In keeping with this connection to nature it seemed neutral, earthy shades would make a good colour choice, ranging from brown and beige, through to terracotta reds and even creams and white. 100% wool also felt like the right fibre choice.

The Celtic birds cover is based on the peacock, which was believed in the Middle Ages to have flesh that didn’t corrupt after death. Christians adopted the use of peacocks, as seen in The Book of Kells as a representation of Christ because of this perceived purity.

CONCEPT BOARD

The main body shape of the birds is created by using I-cords as they are easy to make and capable of endless manipulation.

As you can see from the concept board the detailed elements are worked in embroidery stitches and the birds are holding a small celtic knot, most often referred to as a trinity knot as it has three distinct loops. The meaning of the trinity knot, or Triquetra, is often debated. For example, the early Christian view is the symbol represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  However it is well known the image pre-dates Christianity and, a more pagan belief sees the trinity knot as the drawing of the three inherent feminine powers: Mother, Crone, and Maiden. Still another understanding can be found in a more metaphysical sense where the use of three is seen to represent mind, body and spirit, or perhaps birth, death and renewal.

Art Deco Sunburst Cushion Cover

Art Deco was a popular design movement from the 1920’s to 1930’s, a movement between the two World Wars. It affected all forms of art from architecture, interior design, sculpture, furniture, industrial design and visual arts such as fashion, clothing, jewellery, paintings, graphic arts and film.

Art Deco style is elegant, functional, streamlined and geometrical. The style began as a Modernist response in opposition to Art Nouveau styling which featured elaborate, flowing natural forms plus female imagery.  Bold colour schemes were used such as silver, black, chrome, yellow, red, creams, greens, beige or oyster and eau-de-nil.  In keeping with this bold idea black seemed a good background colour, with the use of strong coppers and bright turquoise.  100% wool also felt like the right fibre choice.

CONCEPT BOARD

The sunburst effect was very popular and as you can see from the concept board it is seen in a variety of forms on architecture, furniture and interior design.

It is considered to represent exuberance and optimism in the Machine Age. The Chrysler Building, considered the finest Art Deco skyscraper, prominently features a sunburst crown and it can often be seen replicated throughout both private and public structures.

We added the turquoise chevron to add an extra geometrical dimension and to make the colours ‘pop’.