TREASURE of the SHORE
TREASURE of the SHORE
Learn centuries old jewellery processes on the Isle of Iona
Led by Scottish Goldsmith Sara Keith and Iona artist Mhairi Killin
27 September - 2 October 2025
5 nights, 4 days workshop on Iona
On this 4 day workshop, we will introduce you to the ancient techniques of sand casting and wax carving. Inspired by beach walk finds and Iona’s rich visual language, you will be guided through the processes from beginning to end to create your own individual pieces of silver treasure from Iona. Your home for five nights will be the lovely St. Columba Hotel staying on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Please select your room type from the drop down menu.
Only 5 places remaining.
ARRIVING IN IONA
Travel to Iona arriving in time for pre dinner welcome with Sara and Mhairi, and your fellow workshop companions. Introductions and relaxing conversations over a delicious dinner to follow.
You are welcome to arrive early on Iona, drop your bags at the hotel and enjoy some quiet time to yourself.
Either the hotel or Mhairi can be available to collect you from the pier on your arrival, please just email to let us know if you’d like a lift. The hotel is about ten minutes walk from the pier.
DAY ONE
We will begin at 10am in Iona Village Hall with an introduction to the sand casting process, including a demonstration.
After some refreshments and home baking to keep energy levels up we will head to the North end of Iona to beachcomb for flotsam and jetsam treasures for your own sand cast items.
Weather permitting we will enjoy a picnic lunch on the go (pre booked from the hotel with our compliments) and then head back to the hall for the exciting part - creating sand castings from your beach finds.
Finishing around 5pm with some time to yourself to unwind and reflect on the day, before getting together for dinner.
DAY TWO
We will meet at 10am at the entrance to Iona Abbey (your entrance fee is included in the cost of the workshop) and spend an hour or so wandering the cloisters and Abbey museum to inspire your design for a wax carved piece of jewellery.
Then it’s back to the village hall for a demonstration of wax carving, and time to translate your ideas and inspiration into patterns, shapes and textures.
Lunch is at your leisure, we have plenty of recommendations, meeting up afterwards at the hall where you will spend the afternoon carving your own design based on the sights, sounds, and patterns that have captured your imagination so far.
We will finish around 4.30pm giving you time to have a walk, unwind and reflect on the day, before getting together again for dinner.
DAY THREE
The day starts at the hall at 10am with a demonstration of how to place a semi precious stone, or a foraged ‘just as precious’ item in a sand cast form. Sara will also demonstrate how to cast a wax carved ring.
You may have collected your own treasure from the shore which, dependent on suitability, you’d like to include in your sand cast ring or perhaps you’d like to choose a semiprecious stone for your design - included in the workshop cost.
The day will be spent finishing your wax carvings from yesterday, ready to be cast in the afternoon.
Lunch at your leisure, we will aim to finish by 4.30pm, giving you time to walk, talk, or just sit and be on Iona, before meeting for dinner
DAY FOUR
This final day, beginning at 10am at the village hall will be spent finishing and polishing your treasures ready to take home. Sara and Mhairi will introduce different finishing techniques for you to try in the morning. Lunch at your leisure and the afternoon spent at the bench! Finish time is dependent on how long you’d like to work but we will aim for 4pm to give you time for one last walk or paddle at the water’s edge.
We will enjoy a final dinner together in the evening, with some time before or after to show your hand crafted pieces with the group, and share what inspired you in their creation.
DAY FIVE: LEAVING IONA
Enjoy a fabulous hotel breakfast to set you up for your journey home. Either the hotel or Mhairi will drop you at the pier in time for your ferry and onward connections.
ADDITIONAL INFO
You will receive confirmation of your booking within 48 hours. Soon after we will send you a PDF with useful information about the workshop, your journey and the island.
If not opting for the Early Bird offer, a 40% non refundable deposit of the full price is required at the time of booking. The balance will be due by 7th June. We will email an invoice link to you on 31st May and payments can be made securely by credit/debit card through our Shopify platform.
You should plan to be on Iona by the last ferry on Saturday evening and leave after your breakfast on Thursday morning, unless you have made independent plans either side of the workshop
Please come prepared to walk, and let us know if this could be problematic for you.
You will be staying at the beautiful St. Columba Hotel. Three course dinner and full breakfast are included in the price of the workshop.
All materials are included in the price of the workshop, and you will be happy to know that you will be working with 100% ethically sourced materials.
We will begin each day at 10am and finish around 4.30/5pm with a break for lunch. Lunches, with the exception of the first day are at your own expense.
Itineraries are prospective, often weather dependent, and could be subject to change.
Please read the Terms and Conditions which include our Cancellation Policy before booking. By acknowledging these conditions at the time of booking, you agree to and are bound by them.
Don’t hesitate to email us at info@aosdanaiona.com with any queries.