Walker Metalsmiths Blog

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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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art, book of kells, Catherine Crowe, celtic, celtic calligraphy, Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, Celtic designer, Celtic History, fiber artists, History, irish art, key patterns, Local Events, meaning, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, Michael Carroll, Mike King, Ruth Black, Scotty MacCrea, Stephen Walker, symbolism in art

International Celtic Artists’ Conference in Andover, NY

Apr 05, 2019

For years I thought it would be a great thing if Celtic artists working in the present could come together and meet to exchange ideas and inspiration. Now with the help of my friends, this is going to happen, very soon and right here in... Continue reading

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art, artisan, Celtic History, celtic jewelry, Celtic Symbolism, craftsman, History, irish jewelry, Irish symbolism, Symbolism

Celtic Art: The Local Tradition

Sep 11, 2018

I am pleased to announce an exhibit in Andover NY this September 21 to 29 will display locally produced Celtic art and design from the past fifty years. This special event honors the local tradition of Celtic art as lived by my teachers, students, my friends and apprentices.

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argdagh challace, art, artisan, Celtic Cross, Celtic Cross History, Celtic History, Celtic Symbolism, handcrafted cross, history, irish jewelry, Irish symbolism, kerbschnitt, meaning, Meaning of Celtic Symbols

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A Project for Lent- Cross of Cong Research

Mar 01, 2017

Stephen Walker's experimental project to recreate a lost medieval panel from the 12th century Cross of Cong using traditional Celtic casting techniques. Discover how he applies archaeological research to duplicate intricate bronze decorative panels using clay and cow dung molds—a methodology he'll present at the International Insular Art Conference in Glasgow. Continue reading

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art, artisan, celtic jewelry, craftsman, custom jewelers, custom jewelry, engagement ring, goldsmiths, irish jewelry, jewelry design, metalwork, one of a kind, ring, sapphire, studio, trinity knot, triquetra

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Custom Celtic Rings — How Does It All Work?

Apr 11, 2016

Handcrafted custom Celtic rings in gold with gemstones — buy in stock, customize a previous design, or work with our designers to create something entirely your own. Continue reading

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allegany artisans, art, artisan, engagement ring, irish jewelry, jewelry design, ring, ring sizing

How To Find Her Ring Size (without ruining the surprise)

Oct 08, 2015

Find her ring size without ruining the surprise with three expert methods from Walker Metalsmiths' 40+ year tradition. Learn the paper trick sizing technique, ring borrowing strategies, and what to do if you can't determine her size—plus free sizing guides and backup solutions for engagement ring confidence. Continue reading

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art, Celtic Cross History, Celtic History, celtic revival, Celtic Symbolism, chi-rho, claddagh meaning, dal-riada, Irish symbolism, Meaning of Celtic Symbols, symbolism in art, trinity knot, triquetra

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In Search of Meaning: Symbolism of Celtic Knotwork and Design

Dec 31, 2013

Explore the mystery of Celtic knotwork symbolism. Stephen Walker reveals what art historians say about trinity knots and interlace designs, examines how modern craftsmen created meanings like "endless paths" and continuum, and explains why Celtic art's greatest power lies in its ability to connect past and present through living tradition. Continue reading