Sculptural Book Making
September 19-24, 2023
$1695
Telegraph Cove is tucked away on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Named for the small telegraph that fishermen and loggers used to communicate over a century ago, the Cove has been built up since then on the strength of its picturesque views and pioneering ecotourism. Today, the boardwalk is filled with colourful buildings and many passionate people excited to tell you about the location and the incredible wildlife.
During our time together you will learn the bookbinding and woodworking skills necessary to create your own unique sculptural books from locally sourced driftwood.
Our time together will begin on Tuesday at 5:00 pm as we gather for a wine and cheese reception; an introduction to each other, our work space and Telegraph Cove.
Over the next four days, I will lead you through the basics of bookbinding and will guide you into the two needle coptic method of binding a book. By the end of the first day you will have created a book with basic wooden covers which will prepare you for transferring those skills to the making of books with ‘unusual’ wooden covers.
You will learn how to create individual templates to follow the unique contours of your driftwood covers. We will explore a variety of paper treatments that will allow you to personalize your books including paper dyeing, image transfers and slow stitching techniques. Approachable woodworking skills will be introduced using basic hand tools, preparing you to continue your journey of creating unique sculptural books when you leave the island.
Our oceanfront workspace overlooks the Johnston Strait where there’s a good chance we will see whales from the windows as we work together on our books.
Instruction will be daily from 10-4 allowing for plenty of time for you to explore all that Telegraph Cove has to offer including exploring the shorelines, foraging for driftwood, hiking the nearby trails, kayaking or wandering through the boardwalk community.
One of our evenings together will include a guided tour of the Whale Interpretive Centre, home to the largest collections of marine mammal skeletons in British Columbia; an absolute must-see while in Telegraph Cove.
A whale watching tour is being planned for those who are interested with my good friend Captain John Geraghty of North Island Adventures (extra cost).
You can find a full list of things to do while in Telegraph Cove HERE.
We will end our time together on Sunday morning with a farewell breakfast.
PLEASE NOTE:
Accommodation and meals are not included (coffee, tea, water and light snacks will be provided on workshop days). There is a wonderful variety of unique accommodations from cozy cabins and historic homes to modern condominium suites and new lodge rooms. The beautiful Forest Campground, nestled in a stand of old growth trees, is a short ten minute stroll away. Check out your accommodation options HERE. Options for food include a café bakery, pub, restaurant and a general store. Port Mc Neil is a 20 minute drive by car.
COST: $1695 (+5% GST)
Price includes four full days of workshops and instruction, materials and art supplies, welcome wine and cheese reception, farewell breakfast as well as a guided tour of the Whale Interpretive Centre.
Registration will open on Sunday, April 2nd at noon CST and payment will be made HERE.
A deposit of $500 (+ 5% GST) will secure your spot on the retreat and is due at time of registration.
The balance of $1195 (+ 5% GST) will be due on June 17th or before.
I hope to meet you and make books together in Telegraph Cove!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at debra@debrafrances.com if you have any questions.
