Walker Metalsmiths Blog

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irish, irish heritage, irish history, irish holiday, irish jewelry, Irish Saint, irish shamrock, Irish symbolism, Saint Patrick, Shamrock, st patrick coin, st patrick half penny, st patricks day

What is a Shamrock?

Mar 12, 2024

The simplest answer to what is a shamrock is is actually not that simple. At its essence it is a three-leaved groundcover plant found in Ireland and across the globe. Are true shamrocks wood sorrel or common clover? The jury has been out since before St. Patrick first held up the shamrock as an example of the Holy Trinity. Continue reading

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Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, celtic crosses, irish, irish heritage, irish holiday, irish jewelry, Irish Saint, St. Brigid, St. Brigid's Cross, sterling silver cross

Celebrating the coming of Spring with the St. Brigid's Flower Cross

Jan 25, 2022

Discover the St. Brigid's Flower Cross—a stunning new Celtic design inspired by the Anemone coronaria that bloomed near St. Brigid's Church in County Kildare. Learn the flower's origins, St. Brigid's patronage of metalworking, and how our designer Lindsey created this unique cross to celebrate Imbolc. Continue reading

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art, book of kells, celtic, celtic brooch, Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, Celtic designer, Celtic Festivals, celtic heart, celtic heritage, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, celtic jewelry for the holidays, celtic jewelry pieces, celtic pendant, Celtic Pendants, celtic revival, Celtic Symbolism, celtic traditions, half penny, handcrafted celtic jewelry, handcrafted cross, handmade jewelry, History, irish, irish art, irish heritage, irish history, irish holiday, irish jewelry, Irish Saint, irish shamrock, Irish symbolism, jewelry, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, Shamrock, st patrick coin, st patrick half penny, st patricks day, St. Patrick, St. Patrick's cross

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Embracing Shamrockery

Mar 10, 2021

Master craftsman Stephen Walker shares his transformation from dismissing shamrocks as kitsch to embracing them as authentic symbols of Irish heritage. Discover the shamrock's journey from 1641 coins to famine-era emigration, and why it crosses cultural and sectarian divides as a true emblem of Irish identity. Continue reading

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Brigid of Kildare, Celtic Cross, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, Celtic Symbolism, feast of St Brigid, handmade jewelry, History, imbolc, Irish Saint, jewelry design, kildare, new designs, St. Brigid, St. Brigid's Cross

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St. Brigid's Day & Imbolc

Jan 31, 2019

Some things are seasonal. Some work isn't meant to be done everyday, but only at special times of year. Perhaps it's just nice to try to feel in tune with natural rhythms and accept that some things are only for now. St. Brigid's Day... Continue reading