Celtic Necklace by Kathyy HerdzinaOne of the truly talented artisans I know is Kathy Herdzina. Kathy has been my friend for 10 years, and we both show our work at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Kathy draws the most amazing life studies and she also weaves the most amazing Celtic knot jewelry.

That’s how we first met. I was showing my Celtic art at the Scottish Festival in Costa Mesa, California when Kathy stopped by my booth. She showed me a Celtic knot choker she had made using black and blue intertwined leather strips. Well, I wanted it right then and there and after I purchased it I suggested that Kathy apply as a guest artist at the Pleasure Faire. She was accepted, and it wasn’t long before she had her own booth.

These days Kathy doesn’t use the thicker leather strips. Rather, she uses thinner leather cord which comes in a greater variety of colors and has a smoother, more refined look. And when she adds charms and beads, what can I say. Magnifique!

The Celtic knot patterns that Kathy uses are historically accurate. Some come from archeological digs, such as one from Sweden that dates to the Vikings circa 627AD. In addition to using Celtic charms as the centerpiece of her creations, Kathy also uses charms that feature natural stones or that are thematic, such as Lord of the Rings, Steampunk, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Nautical or Pirate.

Kathy can make just about anything you want. After all, she is a true Mistress of her Craft. If you need a special design, just contact her. There are few things more dazzling than one of her special pieces.

   You can find Kathy’s work at

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