Book Arts 103

Posted on April 18, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 193/365

A bookbinding workshop in Burlington, Ontario!I’m excited to announce that Sprouts Press has teamed up with the Burlington Public Library! I’ll be teaching how to hand craft your own journal at the Brant Hills Library brand new Bookbinding Hub!

When: Saturday May 9, 1pm – 4pm (just in time for mothers’ day!!)
Where: Brant Hills Library, 2255 Brant Street, Burlington
What: I’ll be teaching the Longstitch binding, each student will leave with a finished softcover journal.

Not only is this amazing because there is a Bookbinding Hub in a library (brilliant!!), but also because I once worked at the library, many moons ago. I’m really looking forward to this workshop, it’s going to be special!

To learn more and register, please visit the library’s website here.

SpringPop!

Posted on April 17, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 192/365

Today marks the start of the SpringPop Pop Up Shop & Maker Mart!

The show is located in beautiful downtown Burlington, right by the lake. Sprouts Press will have some items there: lots of styles of journals and sketchbooks large and small, some mini book necklaces, ex libris bookplates and bookbinding kits! There are so many talented artisans, artists and makers showcasing their work at this show, go and check it out if you’re able!

Where: 408 John St., Burlington, Ontario
When: April 17 *Opening: 6pm – 9pm, April 18: 10am – 6pm, April 19: 12pm – 5pm.

For more information, directions, etc, please go here.

Handkerchiefs

Posted on April 16, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 191/365

It’s allergy season here in Toronto, and who knows where else! Time to ditch the tissues and get some reusable, eco-friendly, handmade Hay Fever Hankies!! For a bit of wit, I’ve printed each hand sewn hanky with an image of a plant that causes allergies. You can choose from: Ragweed, Timothy/Hay or Crowsfoot!

Hayfever Hankies are on sale in my Etsy shop, here. Or in person at Freedom Clothing Collective on Bloor St West here in Toronto.

Wordless Wednesday 15.04.15

Posted on April 15, 2015 by sproutspress

Day 190/365

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

Day 185/365 DSC_0729_fotor

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!