Keys to Drawing Celtic Knots & Illumination

What you will receive

We walk through this creative and spiritual journey together, which includes the following...

Welcome & supply video to help you get started, including drawing the basic knot and beginning Celtic lettering videos
20 video lessons, nearly 24 hours of edited video content, with multiple videos showing start-to-finish how to create 20 illuminated pages for each phrase of the hymn 'Be Thou my Vision' in dry media (pencil, pens, colored pencils, with suggested but optional Gelatos®)
20 downloadable PDF page layouts of the illuminated pages. Some contain additional PDFs with visual/written instructions.
20 video devotionals, around 10 minutes each, to go along with the weekly phrase of the hymn.
20 downloadable devotional PDFs with Scripture, "Heart-full" questions and spiritual exercises to inspire you to grow deeper in your walk with God
Opportunities for us to interact with one another, both written and through imagery in the comments section of each lesson, and an added "community chat room" to ask questions, comments, and post additional pages etc.
Zoom group gatherings where we can share and ask questions.
Helpful references, resources, and recommended reading lists & links
Additional bonus lesson
Bonus lesson on how to make a travelers journal style cover for the journal (wet media on watercolor paper)

How the course works and timeline:

Keys to Drawing Celtic Knots & illumination has been a weekly 20 lesson course and now is a self study with personal connections added through Zoom gatherings. Previously in the course, two lessons were made available every two weeks. Now the entire course is available to you when you purchase it, so you can go at your own pace. You will have lifetime access to the entire course and the lesson videos and PDF material are downloadable.

I value personal connection and have found live online gatherings are a meaningful way to connect and to ask and answer questions. Beginning the end of March, you will be invited to three course Zoom gatherings, over a period of 20 weeks, where we can get to know each other, share about our experience in the course, and cover any questions you would like to ask in person. The Q&A part of the gatherings will be recorded and posted in our virtual classroom. You will receive email invitations with a link for the Zoom gatherings, so make sure you opt-in for email updates.

Here is a flip through video of the 'Be Thou my Vision' journal made in this course

Testimonials

Valerie,
Revisiting the "Be Thou My Vision" the course has been very enjoyable, and I have been struck once more by just how much time and effort you have put into the course. You did a great deal of background research, and I am reaping the rewards of that …so thank you. The devotionals are rich and inspiring and your personal faith and commitment come shining through.I’ve done many online art courses and I can honestly say your instructional videos are among the best. They are very detailed, and your teaching style is clear and accessible. All in all a great course and amazing value for the price

~ Susan S

I brought my beginner's heart and Valerie filled it with Celtic knots. I really loved this class. Valerie's step by step was perfect. Each lesson builds on the next one. I was surprised by some of the seemingly complicated things I was able to do. A testament to Valerie's instruction. She was so generous sharing little tips and tricks that make the drawings look more professional. You can tell she's having as much fun as you are. And bonus deal: the devotions she pulled together for each lesson are not to be missed. They were the heart of the whole project. I highly recommend The Celtic Knots Class. It's a long journey but so worth it. Thanks Valerie.
~ Lisa B

This was the best online course I have ever taken. Valarie, you have done an outstanding job of teaching the techniques and how-to’s of drawing Celtic knots ..... so fun, sometimes frustrating, and always creative ..... and pairing these with the beautiful hymn, “Be Thou My Vision.” I loved your numerous PDF downloads containing Scripture references, journaling prompts for personal reflection, and step-by-step instructions for creating the artwork in each lesson. Everything you provided gave me, a beginner, the confidence I needed to reach out and discover an artistic ability I didn’t know I had, and a new way to spend quality time meditating with God while I worked. The Zoom meetings with you and the other class participants was always helpful and fun, and getting to see the lessons posted by others was wonderful and inspiring. Your beautiful artwork and your ability to put everything together so expertly made this course the successful experience that it was. I can’t thank you enough for opening this new avenue in me for more spiritual depth and new artistic expression. This course has been (and your talents clearly are) a blessing.
With love and gratitude,
~ Donna E

Valerie,You are an excellent teacher! You are encouraging, patient with us as we learn new skills, and always pushing us to try what’s right for us. As I used to tell student teachers, ‘park your ego outside the door’ and you have done that as you model making mistakes and moving on. I needed that tonight when I accidentally added two reddish dots to my cover! Thank you for your many long hours preparing this course for us! Because of that we have a beautiful book and we have gone on an incredible spiritual journey.
~Annie

Hi Valerie, thank you so much for the blessings you have brought into my life. The devotionals have challenged, blessed and brought deep comfort at a time when I needed it. The art side has stretched me well out of my comfort zone and how wonderful it has been to celebrate achievements and learn to give myself grace when it isn’t how I saw it in my minds eye. It’s your gentleness and encouragement that has led the way. Valerie thank you also for all the suggestions of books, waiting to be read and absorbed, and the new music, it’s been so enriching. There are still many pages to complete but it is an anticipated journey. I am so very great full to Father God for the blessing you are.
~ Margy

Valerie, I have to thank you for this wonderful and heartful course. I can’t tell you, how much joy and new things it brings to my life. You are really a wonderful teacher, but maybe more of a spiritual mentor with so much heart and love for your members of the course. I learn a lot. Not only about to be creative and especially here finding my way of bringing it to life, but also encouraging to trust one self and that everything comes at the right time in the right way.

The other point of learning is, that I can find a way to see God in another way, in a new and different position in connection with my daily life. It gives me so much joy and I really like the hours when I’m doodling, reading, journaling, etc. The work calms me and gives me silence in my head. My relationship with God is far from being regular or trustful, but I hope so much to can start in a new way to let God into my life this year. I have no expectations, other than I am wholehearted willing to give it an honest chance.

A life with God in my heart. I am so grateful, that God sent you to show me the way. Your effort is so big and my deepest respect for your doing. Thank you, dear Valerie.

May God bless you and give all your efforts you are doing for us back to you.
Blessings and love,
~ Nicole S.

Valerie, For me the most meaningful part of the course were the devotions that you presented for each stanza. They were very encouraging, thought provoking and a wonderful reminder of God’s great love and care for us. I especially remember the statement you made about how different would our lives be if we fully lived as fully loved and redeemed. The spiritual side just seemed to revive me and give me new and fresh ideas for painting and expressing my faith through that media. The class was a wonderful experience for me and I will always remember its impact. Ive never seen a Bible study or hymn study to incorporate art like this truly, unique and exciting.
~ Sandy

"This course far exceeded my expectations. I loved the art lessons. It was truly an oasis of peace in a time of uncertainty and anxiety all around us. Without a doubt, the Scriptures you chose will have the most lasting impact on my life. I just want to thank you so much Valerie for all the work you put into this course. I appreciate your heart for this work. It has ministered deeply to me and I have been richly blessed."
~ Louise T.

"I have loved everything about the course, thank you so much. I've been saying for a long time that I don’t know what I should be doing next and I this is exactly what I was looking for. The creative side of this course particularly has been so fulfilling for me, I'm learning so much and really enjoying the lessons and seeing where they take me in between. The blend of Celtic art with a contemporary feel too has been just right. The spiritual side has been good too and gives more depth to the art we’re working on."
~ Annette O.

"I have benefited deeply by the way you have connected the teaching about Celtic art/knots and the devotionals. There is so much depth in the way you have woven the two together. The art and the spiritual are one. The DEPTH of these lessons is what speaks to me most meaningfully and the integration (not separation) of the art and spiritual. This is the most meaningful art course I have ever taken. I am so grateful that the Lord led me here. Your lessons are FULL of creativity, depth and life. Thank you!"
~ Tacy M.

Valerie, Even though it may take me the rest of 2021 to soak in your wonderful devotional and complete the spiritual meditation of drawing out your lovely Celtic designs— I want you to know that I deeply value you!This course is such a beautiful gift to those of us who have been privileged to take this journey along with you as our tour guide.The devotionals have encouraged and challenged me.I love the pages that I have been able to draw and color.It has been so nice to have your designs to follow and learn from.The videos, which I know take tons of time to film and edit, are so valuable!Thank you, Valerie, for pouring you heart, soul and love into designing and facilitating this class.I am blessed and encouraged by your gift.
~ Mimi

"This course has helped me grow as an artist in so many ways. The techniques and attention to detail when presenting them has pushed me to try things I would have rejected 6 months ago. I am proud to show my spreads to friends and fellow artists and say -“I did this!” Valerie, this course has been wonderful. I love the concept of working in pieces and having it become a finished book. I will be ready to sign up for your next class as soon as you announce it. Your devotionals for each lesson in this course have encouraged me to compare scriptures in different bible translations. I also enjoy any and all of your explanations of religious symbols used in art. '
~ Betsy R.

"I loved learning how to draw the Celtic knots, experimenting with them, and the great variety. I was blown away by the creativity of each lesson. I loved how Valerie encouraged us to make the designs our own as well. I found that I didn’t always want to do my own thing because I loved the way she did them. But it was really fun to think about how to do them differently. I really appreciated how God-centered the course was. The focus was always on him and how I could get to know him better and love him more."
~ Sandra E.

"Valerie, this course has been simply wonderful for me as you can see from my postings. The lessons have given me a reminder that God gives comfort and has a master plan. The lessons are like a cloak wrapped around helping me to trust more, branch out and create other pages from scripture that speak to me. The course is beautiful, your beautiful, and I'm forever grateful our paths have crossed."
~ Kimberly M.

"I absolutely love the imagery and the way Valerie ties the song throughout the lesson provides excellent fluidity (It was stuck in my head to the point where I made up lyrics of my own - HA!). This is such a wonderful, spiritually focused course, and Valerie provides such a welcoming and loving presence! The way she structures her videos providing personal thoughts and feelings fosters collaboration and a safe place for creativity and healing. Valerie's instruction is easy-to-follow throughout the course and each section is broken down into easy-to-follow steps. I found the way she tied in scripture and outside texts was helpful. It was also helpful how Valerie broke the hymn down into two parts and provided personal insight before each piece. This provided me a spiritual focus before each tutorial that wrapped the creative process into the divine. Along with this, her reflection questions are a great start to the course and year (Timeliness!). The comment section is a good place to share ideas, thoughts, questions, and post student creations."
~ Ann H.

"I have loved learning about the “Be Thou My Vision” Hymn, and that hymn has become more special to me because of this course. I have never used a compass in my art but I have loved using my compass a lot! I didn’t realize how much fun I would get from making circles and designs. Also the symbolism is so rich in the Celtic art and so as I am creating I just find myself really thinking about that in the background. It really has made the art more rich with the spiritual."
~ Merri L.

"I would more than highly recommend Valerie Sjodin’s “Keys to Drawing Celtic Knots & Illuminating class.” Valerie will take you on a very personal 20-week adventure using devotions, scripture, music and art to journey alongside the beautiful hymn, Lord Be Thou My Vision. Your soul will feel a new rhythm as you travel inward to explore not just the beautiful lyrics in this special hymn, but the deeper meaning behind every word. Valerie has perfected a method of using not just one’s senses to become closer to God, but she will show you step-by-step how to tap into the creative, colorful and cherished gifts that God has given every one of us. The class begins with an empty book and ends with an incredibly beautiful keepsake that will continually speak to how you envision God in your own heart and soul.
~ Mary G.

Valerie, you outdid yourself with these amazing lessons chock full of so much good information. I never in a million years would have thought I could create anything close to lesson 16. Yet, you broke it down and made it possible. And I couldn’t believe there was even a “bonus” lesson, too, which I am working on now. So many songs are running through my head while thinking about and writing the different names/attributes of Jesus. Thank you, thank you!
~ Elizabeth I.

"Thanks Valerie, this has been a fabulous adventure. I have lived and loved the hymn snd picture my art work as I work through the phrases in worship."
~ Ellen U.

“This course is an invitation to creatively connect to the Holy, through the words, and especially in the process of drawing. Valerie’s lessons are very enjoyable to follow and provide challenges that will increase your skill. It exceeded my own expectations.”
~ Greta K.

Dear Valerie, Thank you so much...the course is so full of scripture, guidance, inspiration and information. I want to say I really appreciate all the study and planning that went on behind the scenes to make it possible.
~ Anne N.

The most meaningful part of this course has been finding where it takes me. Regarding the spiritual introspection as well as the art. I often surprise myself, and that has become a great joy.
~ Maureen B.

"What an amazing journey Valerie! I have taken several of your courses but this has been, by far, my favorite. I have learned so much from you artistically and spiritually. You really thought of everything from music, to references, art techniques, devotionals, and more! You are such a gifted artist and spiritual director. We are very blessed to have you share your many gifts and talents. Thank you! Blessings to you and I can't wait to see what you are planning next."
~ Debbie H.

Keys to drawing Celtic Knots & Illumination Course Supply List

Pencil (mechanical pencil preferred)
Dark graphite pencil (size 4B -9B) The higher the number with a 'B' after it, the darker the graphite
Eraser - white pen type of eraseror Tombow eraser (these are a bit different than the one in the video)
Kneaded eraser or white eraser
Paper stump for blending graphite (this link includes a kneaded eraser)
Compass
Ruler (I prefer cork back for non-skid)
Calligraphy marker/s - I'm using Calligrapher pen set (1,2,3 sizes) by Sakura
Drawing pen/s, 01, 02 or 03, and 04 or 05 size nibs recommended: Micron pen set: https://amzn.to/2UVs3EM or Staedtler Pigment Liner set: https://amzn.to/3e0lhaj or Copic Multiliner set: https://amzn.to/382M02e
Colored pencils (recommended at least a set of 24 colors) a lighter/medium value and darker value of colors, such as a bright green and a deep green, In a number of videos I'm using: Cerulean blue, Scarlet Lake, Apple Green, Canary Yellow, Sunburst Yellow, Light Aqua, Non-Photo Blue, Magenta, Vermillion Pale, Prussian Green, Indigo blue: Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 72 Pack or Prismacolor Colored Pencils Art Kit Artist Premier Wooden Soft Core Pencils 150 ct. or Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils, Set of 24 Colors in Stand-up Easel Case (157SB24)
Colorless pencil blender - Prismacolor Colorless Blender
Pencil Sharpener bought since the video was made
Red 08 no-bleed colored pen. I'm using a micron in the video
Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gold Silver & Copper pens
White extra fine Posca paint pen
Gelatos Iridescents set
Stiff brush to apply Gelatos
Celtic Alphabet Stencil
Optional: colored pens - Micron or other no-bleed pen/s

JOURNAL RECOMMENDED OPTIONS

There are a number of options for the journal and DOTTED paper to use in this course, such as a regular A5 dotted journal such as a: Leuchtturm 1917 journal with 80 gsm dotted paper. Since the making of this course, Leuchtturm 1917 has come out with a journal with heavier 120 gsm dotted paper.

OR a thicker paper if you want, OR in A5 DOTTED traveler style journals, which is what I am using:

This set of 3 journal refills with 40 sheets, 80 pages each of dotted 100 gsm paper is a great option for our course. One can be used for the finish work and the others for practice, notes etc. Wanderings Travelers Notebook Refill Inserts - Dot Dotted Paper, A5 size - Set of 3 | Journal Refills For Leather Travel Notebooks, Diaries and Planners -8.25 x 5.5 Inch - 240 Total Pages

Another less expensive option is (Set of 3) A5 Dotted Notebook/Travel Journals 80 gsm thickness - 5.5 x 8.25 Dot Grid Paper, Total 40 Sheets each, 80 writing pages each, Black/White/Kraft Brown Cover. The covers and paper are not quite as thick (80 gsm) as the ones above but have a dot pattern on the front. I’m actually using this one in mine but the thicker paper would be better, but wasn’t available at the time of the videos.

*If you want a leather cover that protects the journal covers, here is a link to a journal journal includes 2 elastic bands and comes with blank journals. The one I originally bought is unavailable, but this one looks like a good substitute if you decide to go that route. It has a small embossed compass on the front: A5 Leather Notebook - Wanderings A5 Refillable Travel Journal, Hand-Crafted Genuine Leather - Perfect for Writing, Poets, Travelers, as a Diary - Blank Inserts - 22 x 15cm, 8.5x6" (A5)

*In the bonus lesson I show how to make a journal cover for the traveler's journals

A brief history of St. Patrick and the hymn 'Be Thou my Vision'

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start and finish?

The course starts now with the Welcome and information. It is a journey I am excited to walk together. The lessons are planned for 1 per week, but you will receive two lessons at a time in order to give you the greatest flexibility of when you do the lessons. This is a 20 week course, and after that you will have lifetime access to the entire course and the videos AND PDFs are downloadable. Two lessons will be published every other Friday and you will receive a reminder email with a link to our class.

How long do I have access to the course?

You have lifetime access to this course AND the lesson videos and PDFs are downloadable. That means after enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own, as long as the course is on Teachable. If this school ever closes you will be notified.

Can I copy the material for others, share the content, or use the course content to teach?

Nothing in the course may be copied or used with the intent to share, teach, or sell the content. Sharing login details, copying and posting on social media as your original artwork is not allowed and against copyright law. I appreciate your honesty and respect for the hard work and time and expertise investment put into this course, and hope the course will inspire you to branch out with your own ideas and blessing others.

Can I post my journal pages from this course online?

The course content and page layouts are my original copyrighted material (Valerie Sjodin ©2020-2024). Posting course content is not allowed. Feel free to post your own original art and journal online. If you post your journal pages to social media please include a link to my website: https://valeriesjodin.com or the teachable site: https://valeriesjodin-courses.teachable.com/ . A good recommendation for a course helps get the word out. If you are pleased with the course, it would be wonderful if you referred a friend!

Can I make prints of the pages made from the patterns in this course and sell them?

No. Copied work is called a derivative work, not an original. The page layout designs along with some of the Celtic knot designs are copyrighted by Valerie Sjodin©2020. You are free to take what you learn and make your own beautiful art.

Are refunds available?

If you are unsatisfied after viewing the course information in the Welcome section, contact me before the first lesson is published for a refund. No refunds will be given after the Lessons begin. However, I want you to be happy with your experience in this course. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may contact me at [email protected]. Thank you!

Is this course like Bible Journaling?

All the techniques taught in this course can be used in Bible journaling and are suitable for thin pages. The specific page layouts are an A5 size and not the size of most of the margins in the journaling Bibles, but elements could be adapted for Bible journaling. Please see the supply list for more detailed supply list.

Is this course specifically Christian in the devotional content?

Yes, influenced by Celtic Christianity, with the belief in the Holy Trinity, God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

If you have further questions...

Please email me at: [email protected]

Get started now!

Keys to Drawing Celtic Knots & Illumination Coupon Discount

Easy ways to draw Celtic knots, designs and lettering on a spiritual journey through the Celtic Christian hymn 'Be Thou My Vision'

Included in this course:

Welcome & supply video to help you get started, including drawing the basic knot and beginning Celtic lettering videos
20 video lessons, nearly 24 hours of edited video content, with multiple videos showing start-to-finish how to create 20 illuminated pages for each phrase of the hymn 'Be Thou my Vision' in dry media (pencil, pens, colored pencils, with suggested but optional Gelatos®)
20 downloadable PDF page layouts of the illuminated pages. Some contain additional PDFs with visual/written instructions.
20 video devotionals, around 10 minutes each, to go along with the weekly phrase of the hymn.
20 downloadable devotional PDFs with Scripture, "Heart-full" questions and spiritual exercises to inspire you to grow deeper in your walk with God
Opportunities for us to interact with one another, both written and through imagery in the comments section of each lesson, and an added "community chat room" to ask questions, comments, and post additional pages etc.
Five live Zoom group gatherings to connect with one another, answer questions etc.
Helpful references, resources, and recommended reading lists & links
Bonus lesson on how to make a travelers journal style cover for the journal (wet media on watercolor paper)

How the course works:

The course starts now with the Welcome and information available at time of purchase. It is a journey I am excited to walk together with you. The lessons are planned for 1 per week, but you will receive two lessons at a time in order to give you the greatest flexibility of when you do the lessons.

This is a 20 section course, and after that you will have lifetime access to the course and the lesson videos are downloadable. The first two lessons will be published on the scheduled Friday. After that two lessons will be published every other Friday and you will receive a reminder email with a link to our class. We will have a total of five live Zoom gatherings throughout the course, You will receive email invitations with a link for the Zoom gatherings.

$175

Your Instructor

Valerie Sjodin

Hi there!
I’m Valerie. Creating has been a solace for as long as I can remember. Art making has been a continual source of comfort and joy in processing my life and helping me to connect with my Creator, and other like-hearted people.

I absolutely love sharing in the ‘Aha’ moment with people as they discover they can do something new and creative, something that previously seemed a mystery, or even impossible.

My passion is art making and encouraging people to connect with God through creativity. Teaching Art Journaling and Art & Faith workshops in person and online are ways I live out that passion. My hope is to inspire people to believe in and improve their creative ability. Taking time to listen and respond to God through art making is a natural part of my life and faith journey, a combination of being and doing, a collaboration and conversation with God.

As an adult learner, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, have attended and taught numerous workshops over the years, including how-to classes such as: coloring with colored pencils, painting and travel art journaling classes at local libraries; and exhibited art in galleries and exhibitions over the years. For ten years, I loved teaching Art and Art History to Jr. High and High School students, and volunteered in the Art Literacy program at a local elementary school.

Prayerful Doodling book published in 2018, is an outgrowth of connecting with God through creativity. In the book Paintings, Prayers, and Passages, I tell my faith journey through art. You may also find my work in Complete Guide to Bible Journaling and the Holy Bible: Mosaic, and Somerset Studio and Art Journaling magazines. In 2016 I worked on, and published through Taunton Press, two faith-based coloring books, Colorful Blessings and Colorful Blessings: Celebrating Everyday Wonders.

Thank you for stopping by!