Being an islomaniac, and having three island based workshops coming up, here’s a how to: make an archipelago project. (The three island workshops are: Iona, Stockholm and Venice.) Celebrate your favourite islands, large and small, with this unusual garland.

You’ll need:

• Thick paper/card. I’ve used Zaansch bord offcuts from a recent workshop
• Pencil
• A bit of paper for making notes
• Brush and ink, or coloured pencil
• Scissors
• Hole punch or awl/string
• Needle and linen thread
• Access to an atlas

Step-by-step:

Make a list of your favourite islands; significant places or simply curious outlines. Draw or trace them onto the card.

I’m inspired by maps of the imagination, which don’t have much in common with reality. (This island is where i’ll be teaching in September.)

Oh the outlines evoke such memories. Anyone recognise this part of an English archipelago?!

Once you’re happy with the outlines, it’s time to add some contour lines. These are completely made up and not at all to scale.

It’s rather meditative and relaxing painting lines….

Here’s my finished sheaf of islands, some not visited for many years…

…and one that has become home!

Cut out the shapes with scissors.

Oh I wish I was a better cartographer.

You might prefer to use a scalpel – go with whatever suits you.

Love the cut-out leftovers.

Pierce holes in each map, thinking about how each shape will hang…does it matter if it’s the right way up?!

Add thread.

You can order them as you wish.

So this is how to: make an archipelago!

Get your friends to guess which island is which.

If you’ve enjoyed this project, and would like to make more maps, then this is the course for you!