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About sproutspress

As a bookbinder and artist, I like to live in a fairly analog world. I bind books by hand, with a needle and thread, I paint, draw. You get the idea. I blog about bookbinding, paper arts, crafting and other bookish goodness.

Wordless Wednesday 03.06.15

Day 239/365

Bookbinding in Guelph

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This weekend is my first bookbinding class at the Guelph School of Art!  It’ll be a great day filled with paper fun and book crafting, hope to see some of you (this is a full day workshop and I’ll be teaching TWO different bindings!!).  There are still a few spots so sign up soon!

IMG_1710-0About the class:
In this creative class, students will first learn basic expressive techniques to decorate paper and then how to transform this into soft cover hand bound books. We will use easy binding techniques that showcase stitching patterns along the spine. This is a hands-on class, everyone will leave with two finished projects.

When: Sunday June 7, 10am – 4pm
Where: Guelph School of Art (above Wyndham Art Supplies) 125 Wyndham St. N. Guelph

For more information and to register, go here.

Last Call to Participate!

Day 230/365

Last monday I announced a survey I was taking about the perfect paper for your journalling/sketching needs.  Well, today’s the last day and your last chance to voice your opinions!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on paper texture, colour and weight in a quick 3 minute survey (seriously, it’s 5 questions and mostly multiple choice).

If you’re up for it, go here.

The Studio on a Sunday

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Today in studio, things aren’t so exciting.  Instead, here’s a photo of some swag I made for Heirlooms Artisan Market happening on June 20 near Welland!

For details on the show, go here.

New in the Shop

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New to the shop is a journal inspired by tree trunks and a green canopy.  It’s part of the hand-dyed journal series and is stitched using the Coptic technique.

To see more photos and learn more, go here.

Sprouts Press in Hamilton

Day 234/36510603784_10153326517165752_7690676808225393274_nHamilton friends, great news!  Studio 205 is now restocked with Sprouts Press handbound books, including two new items to the shop: Leather journals and Canadiana Journals, just in time for Father’s Day!
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If you haven’t already checked out Studio 205 in Hamilton, you should.  They’ve got great coffee and tea, and they sell handmade and vintage goods from makers and sellers across Canada!  Doesn’t get any better than that!

For more information about Studio 205, go here.

 

Gifts for Dad, Collection No. 1

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Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day?  These books have been tested by a few Dads I know, with glowing reviews.  Whether used as a boat log, fishing journal, sketchbook or brag book of the grandkids, these handbound books fit the bill functionally, aesthetically and ethically.  Read on for details.

Starting from top left, going clockwise:

Watercolour Sketchbook*Handmade bookcloth in Stone Grey, this sketchbook houses only 140 lb watercolour paper in landscape format.  Perfect for the aspiring artist!

Indigo Starburst Journal*: This hand bound, hard cover book features handmade paper that I’ve hand dyed with Indigo, creating a unique cover pattern.  Sewn with linen thread to create the stunning starburst pattern down the spine.

Ex Libris Bookplates, Set of 4*: For the book collector or serious reader, label your library with elegance!  Hand carved and printed, this set of 4 Ex Libris Bookplates comes in grey and has ample space to write your name and even a date, if desired.  Printed on self-adhesive paper.

Indigo Fancy Coptic Journal*: A sturdy little book for notes, musings or quick sketches.  Covers are hand dyed washi paper in indigo blue, with matching linen thread stitched along the spine.  Inside, find a mix of paper (blank, graph, kraft) to keep you on your toes!

Grey Tweed Dapper Journal*: Don’t be fooled by the title, this book is as much an album or brag book as it is a journal or sketchbook.  Covers are grey tweed fabric, while pages are a mix of solid white and kraft.  Linen thread is used to bind the book and create the starburst pattern along the spine.

Indigo and Silver Quick Notes Notebook*: A simple, hand bound notebook with hand painted covers.  Fits perfectly in the breast pocket of a collared or polo shirt (pocket protector optional).

Black and White Hand Dyed Journal: A one of a kind journal (there are a few in this series, links in my shop) perfect for writing or sketching.  Great for weekend trips to the cottage or recording daily life.

*Can also be found in real life at brick and mortar shops around Ontario!  Go here to find a retailer near you.  I recommend calling ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Wordless Wednesday 27.05.15

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Guelph School of Art

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Introducing a new bookbinding workshop at the Guelph School of Art!IMG_1710-0

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be instructing a full day workshop at the Guelph School of Art on Sunday, June 7.  We will be decorating cover papers similarly to the photo above, but I’ll be teaching 2 new soft cover bindings!  This means everyone will leave with 2 hand-crafted journals.

When: Sunday June 7  10am – 4pm
Where: Guelph School of Art, 125 Wyndham St. North Downtown Guelph (above Wyndham Art Supplies)

For more information and to register, please go here.

 

What paper makes you swoon over a journal?

Day 230/365

Today I’ve got something a bit different, I’ve got a survey for you!  It’s about page papers in journals.  I want to know what papers makes you swoon when you pick up a new journal, open it and discover the perfect pages inside!  Tell me about it in a short (5 minutes or less) survey here.  The survey closes on June 1, 2015.