This eight week Celtic knotwork drawing course will take you from beginner Celtic knotwork to a more advanced level. I will take you step-by-step through the process and will give you plenty of hints and tips along the way to expand on your Celtic knotwork as you progress through the course.

The course will take place over eight consecutive Monday afternoons from 21st September 2026 to 9th November 2026 inclusive. This course will need at least two people booked on in order for it to go ahead.

Whilst this workshop is suitable for beginners, it is very helpful to have an interest in Celtic knotwork in order to understand the principles behind the construction.

You will get the best out of the course if you work on what you have learned each week during the week, so please make sure you also have time for some homework!

The course will comprise of the following:
Week 1 – 21 September: Introduction to Celtic knotwork and to some of the main scholars of the artform. Learning the rules and how to draw basic, plain knotwork.
Week 2 – 28September: Learn how to create more intricate knots using break lines.
Week 3 – 5 October: Learn how to create borders and use break lines to create intricate border knotwork.
Week 4 – 12 October: Learn how to create Celtic crosses. We will also look at how to use diagonal break lines.
Week 5 – 19 October: Learn how to create triquetras, both with a pair of compasses and freehand. We will also take a look at how to combine these to create four and six sided triquetra knots.
Week 6 – 26 October: Learn how to create freehand spirals, and how to combine them to create triskelions.
Week 7 – 2 November: Circular Celtic knots. Take your knotwork to the next level and learn how to create knots in the round.
Week 8 – 9 November: Using the skills you have learned, you will start work on creating your own larger piece of Celtic knot artwork, with me there to guide you. You will lay the grid out during this lesson, ready for you to colour and complete at home.

Each week I will take you step-by-step through the topic of the week, and then in the remaining time you will be free to create your own knotwork based on what we have learned. I will guide through through your own pieces.

Each week you will receive a hand out of the area covered that week and I will also set a little homework for you to do!

In the video below, you can see examples of what previous students created in each week of the course.

The aim of the course is to keep alive the geometric skills and intricate work of the stonemasons and scribes that form our insular Celtic and Pictish knotwork heritage and to pass these skills on to others.

You will learn how to create your own Celtic knotwork pieces inspired by the artwork of the ancient scribes and stonemasons.

Celtic knotwork is also beneficial for improving problem solving, mental agility and hand-eye co-ordination.

All tools and materials are provided. There will also be hot drinks and light refreshments.

About the workshop space:

The workshop takes place at my home workshop just outside Stanley, County Durham. It is a small workshop, so workshop classes are also small, which means you will receive plenty of individual attention. This workshop will need at least two people booked on it to go ahead.

Please note that my home workshop is accessed by stairs.

Hot drinks and cake will be served during the workshops, please let me know of any dietary requirements when you book.

Please make sure you are available for each of the sessions. I’m afraid I cannot give refunds if you are unable to make some of the dates of the course.

About your tutor:
I am a Celtic knotwork artist based in County Durham. I have been drawing Celtic knotwork for over 20 years and have published two Celtic Knotwork Colouring Books. My work has been exhibited in various venues around north east England and overseas. You can see more of my work at carriedennison.co.uk and on Instagram at @dendryad