Iona Driftwood Binding Retreat 2018

Winds were gusting on the West coast of Scotland in March, yet Calmac delivered my intrepid group of creative adventurers to Iona without a splash.

We began with word maps and simple stitch. Isn’t Annie’s inkery atmospheric?

Single section bindings and practicing Coptic stitch came next. Charlotte’s instant photos were amazing.

Ali let loose with watercolour on thick Bockingford paper.

A blast of fresh air, and a spot of beach-combing after class.

Selecting exactly the right piece of driftwood (out in the barn full of boats.)

Marking holes ready to be drilled.

Gathering inspiration.

Island calligraphy.

Covers with character.

Carmen’s covers have shells on the inside!

Wonderful to celebrate Tina’s birthday. Hard to believe that those sheep aren’t impressed by Winifred’s paper cuts…

Map, shells and Charlotte’s hands!

Stitched, ripped landscape lines.

Carmen’s carpet work place.

Somehow everything comes together on the last afternoon. A few deep breaths and loops of linen thread. Sewing pages into driftwood.

Tina’s book bursting with loveliness. I wish I could show you inside. She brought along a tiny printer and gave us all brilliant snaps.

Spectacular results.

Thank you to Iona Hostel.

Thank you to Annie, Ali, Carmen, Charlotte, Tina and Winifred.

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