It's the summer holidays, but summer didn't really arrive on Islay those first few weeks. Despite the grey and misty days we made the most of our beautiful island, with wetsuit clad swims and picnics in waterproofs.
We released two new linoprints this month, Curlew and Golden Eagle. Both breed on the RSPB nature reserve that surrounds our home.
Curlew, an incredibly distinctive wading bird with their long curved bills breed on the fields adjacent to the moorland here on the Oa. Several pairs bred successfully this year adding to the much needed numbers of this declining species.
Golden Eagle are on many peoples wish list when they visit Islay, particularly the Oa reserve near our home. These impressive birds can be seen soaring over the cliffs and hills throughout the year.
We left chilly Islay mid July and headed into the English heatwave to stay with family in Norfolk. It's 11 years since we left Norfolk and relocated to Islay, the immensely busy coast was just too much and we yearned for a quieter lifestyle. Being back in Norfolk we were delighted to head over to Scolt Head Island where I spent much of my childhood messing about in boats, and find it relatively unchanged.
Norfolk wasn't all about holidays, I spent much of it sewing, creating napkins and table runners with my new Wildflowers of Islay fabric. I'm keen to launch these at an event on Islay next month. Its so lovely seeing our designs printed onto fabric, we just know our customers are going to love these.
