Sollas Bookbinding

Christmas is coming up slowly but surely and I have finally managed to put some items on the for sale page. There is also the new option to buy a voucher. Have a look here, maybe there is something there for you…

This is a family bible for which I had to repair pages, re-assemble sections, partially re-stitch the book block, make a new cover and add the title before putting the book block into its new case. It is a lovely kind of work.

This new series features sketch books/diaries with an identity. Some have pictures of seascapes and wildlife inlayed into the front cover with a caption underneath, others have wax paper inlayed into the front cover with titles on spines and small extracts of sayings on front covers inviting the owner of the book to write or sketch in it. Bird and plant lovers might also like these books.

The books are covered in black book cloth with the titles printed in silver, photographs are black and white. Front cover titles include ‘it sings because it has a song’, ’summers and swallows’, ‘note to self’ and ‘just a thought’. Photographs feature Sollas Beach, Balranald Beach, Hosta Beach, a ragged robin and a corn flower. Email me if you want to let me know what you think of these or if you fancy a custom made title book.

Art on the Map is happening again this year. During the month of July our studio in Sollas will be open to visitors as part of the successful open studio trail Art on the Map which happens every summer as essential part of the Uist cultural calendar. See www.uistarts.org for all the details or pick up a brochure on the Uists during the trail. We would love to welcome you at Sollas Gallery!

On Tuesday the 5th of July I will give a workshop in our studio where we will make a concertina book. The workshop will last from 1pm until 4pm, is open to all ages and no previous experience is needed. Booking is essential, so please contact Taigh Chearsabhagh to put your name down.

See you all there!

Very exciting! We are front page stuff. Sollas Bookbinding features in the latest edition of The Bookbinder (volume 24). The article talks about the background to my bookbinding practice, my work and future plans. Talking of future plans, having had a gorgeous little baby boy last November, the big plan for this year is not so much the making of things (time will not be that plentyful with looking after Jack Oliver), but to have a studio workshop built in the back of my garden. It will be a lovely space for me to work and sell my books from (close to home) and it will allow me to offer workshops on a regular basis throughout the summer months. So fingers crossed for that, weather permitting and all!!!

Before I forget, if you are interested in ordering a copy of the bookbinder or just to see what is happening in the world of making books go to the website of the Society of Bookbinders

Just a quick update to say that our summer studio trail ART ON THE MAP went very well, a shame it’s over… We had brilliant visitor numbers, good chats and feedback, fully booked workshops with happy participants and scope for more, lovely sales and a number of wedding album commissions.

As the summer goes on, Sollas Bookbinding features as artist of the month in the August edition of the Uist newspaper Am Paipear. From the beginning of August you can also find a selection of books and boxes in the associated Corridor Gallery at the Am Paipear office in Balivanich. Off to the beach…

Workshop: Non-Adhesive Bookbinding
Date: 1pm - 5pm, Wednesday August 4th 2010
Venue: Sollas Gallery, North Uist, Venue 3 of the open studio trail Art on the Map
Cost: GBP 20.00

This workshop introduces you to the fascinating world of non-adhesive binding. You will be guided through the skills and materials to learn and apply traditional bookbinding techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. All materials and tools provided. Join us for a lovely afternoon.

To book phone Taigh Chearsabhagh on 01876 500 293

Our new uistarts website is now up and running where you can browse artists and craft makers living and working on the Uists and get all the latest information on our annual studio trail, which has been going now for seven years, and which is a vibrant and exciting part of the art scene here in the Uist. Feel free to browse www.uistarts.org, to get in touch with the artists, or with uistarts, and of course to come and see the venues in July/August.

We have opened a shop on Etsy featuring photo albums, hardcover single and twin books and coptic books. It should be a lively little shop with items added all the time, so please do browse
here

Sollas Bookbinding took up an invitation to feature on the Craft&Design Selected online gallery.

You can find our entry here.

I think we are in good company.

Happy browsing!!