The Celts mastered the geometry of the spiral. In this lesson we will look at how to draw a template accurately and investigate different types of patterns. You will be able to use the patterns and designs you draw to decorate your own ceramic tiles.

There are many different groups of patterns: geometric patterns, spirals, scrolls, plaits, interlaced ribbon designs and animal and plant motifs. The Celts produced exceptional hand-decorated books and works of calligraphy. Among the most famous are the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow and the Lindisfarne Gospels.

It is possible to put a motif in an infinite number of combinations. With practice you can go on to produce highly technical and detailed work but to begin with you should use a fairly simple format. As you become more familiar with the method of putting together your patterns you can develop a more sophisticated style. Later in this lesson are examples of more complicated plait and scroll-work patterns.

Look at the animation below and copy the sequence of actions. You will need to use a compass to draw a circle, then mark the centre. Keep the compass at the same radius to draw an arc on the circle. The point of your compass should be positioned on the circumference of the circle and your arc should touch the centre. Draw two more arcs as shown in the animation to make a flower pattern.

Draw lines from where the flower tips meet the circle to form a star as shown in the example below.