Joanna Caskie is an artist based on Mull
What’s the story behind your brand?
My work has really developed from a love of paper. About ten years ago I was on maternity leave and was feeling a bit lost and knew I had to start making something. I saw my baby’s nap time as an opportunity to start exploring this wonderful material after carrying lots of papery ideas around in my head for years!
READ MORE: Made In Scotland: Top gift ideas to show home is where the art is
I take a lot of inspiration from the landscape on the Isle of Mull. The colours I tend to use are a reflection of the colours and textures I see around me, from the beach to the sea to the old ruins and sheds dotted around the island.
Joanna Caskie (Photograph: Fiona Higgins)
What do you make?
I make one-of-a-kind books for other people to fill with ideas, sketches and memories. I also make papier mâché sculptures – usually in the form of little croft houses, with the occasional lighthouse thrown into the mix.
How do you make them?
I have a home studio in our converted attic so everything I produce comes from there and whether I’m making books or wee houses, there are quite a few stages involved.
Most of the books I make are bound with the coptic stitch, which creates a beautiful decorative spine which I leave exposed. I begin with large sheets of paper that are torn down to size, then the covers are wrapped and left to dry. Later, sewing holes are created in the pages and covers and the whole lot is bound together to make a unique book.
My papier mâché pieces begin with an armature which is wrapped in many layers of paper. Gradually the details are added with paint and collage, and this is when each one’s unique personality starts to develop.
What sets you apart from other makers?
Tricky question! I guess when you work with your hands each piece is special because only you could have made that item in that moment.
What are your most popular products?
Books with recycled maps on the cover are the most popular so far. And out of my papier mâché pieces it’s always a simple white cottage with a red tin roof that seems to hit the spot with most people. I try to change my colour palette but keep coming back to that classic combination!
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here