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.

Mothers Day Gift Collection No. 1

Posted on April 14, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 189/365

I’ve put together a sweet little collection of journals for all the Mom’s out there that love to write, sketch, doodle, collage and, of course, make brag books about their kids!

I know my Mom has at least 2 journals on the go all the time. She has been one of my biggest supporters since the beginning of Sprouts Press! So, I’ve decided to put together a couple of collections of items that I think Moms like her might like. Everyone is different, of course, which is why I’ve planned for more than one collection, the second is coming out next week.

You can find these items online and some only in-person, for all the journalers/drawers who prefer to skip the digital transaction. See below for details.

From the top left, clockwise;
Fancy Coptic Journal: Light green florals and distressed text with vintage button and reclaimed leather. Has a surprise map page! Available exclusively on One of a Kind Online, go here for details.
Fancy Coptic Journal: Colourful and gold Florentine covers with golden vintage button and reclaimed leather. Only available in person at SpringPop, a pop up shop in Burlington: 408 John Street, Burlington, Ontario. April 17, 18 & 19, 2015. Go here for details.
Fancy Coptic Journal: Sweet florals in lilac and blue with matching vintage button and reclaimed leather, great size to fit in a purse or day bag. Has a surprise map page! Available on Etsy, go here for details.
Indigo Starburst Journal: Hardcover journal featuring hand-dyed indigo paper with ‘starburst’ stitching down the spine. A bit larger than the previous three books, also makes a unique and gorgeous album or scrapbook. Available on Etsy, go here for details.
Black and White Handbound Journal: A tall, handbound journal that features hand-dyed washi paper covers. A modern journal with a mix of page papers, great for sketching or writing. Available on Etsy, go here for details.

Newsletter Time!

Posted on April 13, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 188/365

A friendly reminder that the April newsletter is going out later this week, so sign up early if you want to get on the mailing list!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA This is a good month to subscribe, there are some real treats, just for subscribers, that you don’t want to miss. (Seriously, I’m pretty pumped for this month’s newsletter!)

To subscribe, go here and follow the instructions.

The Studio On a Sunday

Posted on April 12, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 187/365

It’s photo shoot day! This is something I only do once in a while, so it’s pretty exciting for me.

I love the challenge of framing a shot to best showcase my work. I find myself often taking photos that tell a story about each piece. Perhaps it’s because of the 5 photos allowed in etsy listings, but it gives definition and an end goal to a photo shoot that would otherwise go on forever in my studio! And yes, I use only natural light, diffused (indirect).

Happy Sunday!

Extra! Extra!

Posted on April 11, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 186/365Yesterday I spent some time prepping a box full of lovely little notebooks for swag bags for the Blossom and Bloom show! It’ll be happening select weekends throughout the summer in a picturesque courtyard of the Varley Art Gallery, in Unionville.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll also be a vendor at this market-style show 2 days: Sunday July 12 and Saturday August 8. Come out if you can, it looks like there will be a great variety of artisans, floral designers and artists in attendance! Should be fantastic!!

A Little Nudge

Posted on April 10, 2015 by sproutspress

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A medley of spring colours to nudge the warmer season our way – I cannot wait to sketch outside!! What are you looking forward to most about springtime?

Silkscreens and Thistles

Posted on April 9, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 184/365

You might have noticed that I’m trying to do a blog post on each of my items or series of items, to showcase their story and the process that goes into designing and crafting them.

Today I’m focusing on the Screenprinted Linen Pouches. There have been a few variations, this being what is currently available, and my favourite!

There are two images on these pouches: Queen Anne’s Lace and Thistles, both plants found in the countryside of southern Ontario. These are plants that I sketched on-site, on a beautiful sunny summer’s day (it really was that gorgeous of a day!).

Then I transferred my sketches to my silkscreen. I do this freehand, with a tracing technique, as opposed to photo based screenprinting. The result is that nothing in this process ever goes through a computer, it’s all analog.

After printing the fabric, linen of course, it’s heat-set and pre-washed. Then I cut the patterns and sew it into the lovely little pouches pictured!

After the zipper embellishments are added (hemp cord and wood beads) they’re ready for sale. The idea behind these little gems is to capture a moment and carry it with you, whether it’s a road trip, a special gift to a friend or that amazing sunny summer’s day. As always with Sprouts Press items: functional and beautiful!

To view all my screenprinted fabric items, go here.

Wordless Wednesday 08.04.15

Posted on April 8, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 183/365

Sprouts Press at Graven Feather

Posted on April 7, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 182/365

Workshop time! Join me this saturday for a creative bookmaking workshop at the beautiful letterpress printing studio and gallery on Queen St. West, Graven Feather!

*Pictured above are examples of students’ finished projects; hand bound journals!

What: Longstitch/Linkstitch Bookbinding Workshop
When: Saturday April 11, 2015. 10am – 1pm.
Where: Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto
Cost: $65, materials included.

For more information and to register, please go here.

The Studio on a Monday

Posted on April 6, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 181/365 photo 5_2

Today I’m prepping the studio for more paper dying! I love this process and the results, it’s a different kind of creativity than stitching books with a needle and thread. I miss getting paint under my nails and losing myself in the work, so it’s a welcome change of pace for a day. These are photos from a previous paper-dying session, so I’ll be sure to take some new ones and share the ‘after’ photos this time around!