New in the Shop!

Day 324/365DSC_0726I’m so excited to say that there are a couple of new Canadiana Journals in the shop, one of them, pictured above, with RED edging!!  Of course, they are coptic stitched, for flexibility and ease of writing or sketching.DSC_0714While the red journal showcases Quebec maps on the cover, the book pictured above features The Great Lakes.  Complete with rustic brown edging, which reminds me of old school provincial park rangers, of course.

Interesting fact: you can find these books in the Travel Journals section of my online shop, as opposed to the Hard Cover Journals section.  Just go here to see!

Wordless Wednesday 26.08.15

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Etsy Made in Canada: Toronto Vendor LookBook!

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As I mentioned last week, I’m so pleased to announce that I’m a part of the Etsy Made in Canada: Toronto show at the MaRS building!!

Curious to see what type of vendors will be there?  No worries, the hard-working and super talented folks leading the Toronto Etsy Street Team have put together a look book of all the vendors!  Amazing, right?!  View it here.

For information about the show, see the Toronto Etsy Street Team’s website here.

Book Arts History: August 24, 1456

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Today is an important day for us modern bookbinders – it marks the day, in 1456, the first Gutenberg Bible was finished!

Johannes Gutenberg was the first person in Europe to make a book printed using moveable metal type.  Previously, the contents of books were hand-written and incredibly labour-intensive.  Think of Illustrated Manuscripts and really large, elaborate leather bound volumes.

However, there is a twist.  And at this point I must admit that I’m no expert in bookbinding history.  So I’ll start by admitting that I learned this next part by eavesdropping on a nearby conversation at a book arts fair some time ago, then went home and did some more research.  (Total introvert, I know, I know)

So, the big deal with the Gutenberg Bible is that it was printed with moveable metal type, similar to letterpress printing today, which was a new technology.  It led to so many changes: the way books were made, how information was conveyed and who could afford to own copies of said books.  In fact, in a round about sort of way, even some of my own book art pieces can be attributed to the invention of moveable metal type and the printing presses needed to use the type.  For example, my Artist’s book ‘O2’, as pictured below.DSC_0711_fotor

However, (this is the twist) in the early 1900’s it was discovered that 78 years prior to Gutenberg, another book was made using moveable metal type; the Jikji, in Korea.  The Jikji is a collection of Buddhist teachings.  Originally several volumes were created, but only the last was found and is currently in a museum in France.

I think it’s so interesting that bookbinding, seen as dull and uninteresting to many, had a hand in paving the way to the delivery of information as we know it today.  Of course, I’m just barely touching the surface of this topic.  There are many websites dedicated to unravelling the details of the two books and the true history of the invention of moveable metal type.  If you do a quick google search on each, you should get a good roster of reading for yourself.

 

 

The Studio on a Sunday

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Today in the studio it’s all about mini book necklaces!!  Lots and lots of them!  There are some new colours this time around, and of course the old favourites!  They’ll be ready in time for Etsy Made in Canada Toronto on September 26!!

Summer Brights

Day 319/365P90212600_fotorI recently spent some time in my mother’s garden, which is an amazing space.  I was mesmerized by her zinnias; so bright, cheery and colourful!  While I didn’t snap a picture, preferring to just enjoy the moment, it stuck with me and inspired this small collection of my brightest red items!  What flowers are brightest in your garden?

Clockwise from top left:

Painted Quick Notes notebook in two-tone red, Elegant Quick Notes in red floral, Starburst Book Ornament, No-Nonsense Quick Notes notebook in burgundy, Square Ex Libris Bookplates handprinted in red, Starburst Journal in Florentine Red, Rectangle Ex Libris Bookplates handprinted in red.

New in the Shop

Day 318/365DSC_0702Introducing the newest addition to the Indigo Journal series!  I’ve tried something a little different with this cover, opting for a more organic colour block effect.  I love how it turned out!!

As always, the covers are hand-dyed by yours truly, and the book is also handbound by me.  I love this series of journals, they’re the perfect size to throw in a daybag and take with you, and pretty enough that whatever you put on the pages will feel special!

For details and more photos, go here.

Etsy: Made in Canada Toronto!

Day 317/36511863263_10153543357659289_3477049768967119611_nI’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be a vendor at this year’s Etsy: Made in Canada Toronto show at the MaRS building!  Last year was such an incredible show, I cannot wait to see how this year turns out.  Stay tuned for more information, booth numbers and a couple more surprises!!

For more information, see the Toronto Etsy Street Team website here.

Wordless Wednesday 19.08.15

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Lavender

Day 315/365DSC_0714A few Studio Sundays ago I shared some ‘in progress’ photos of a custom wedding guest book I made.  I thought it would be fun to follow up and share some photos of the completed piece.  I’m really pleased with the finished product and so were they!DSC_0705_fotorI especially like the deep purple along the spine, which plays many important roles in this binding.  First, it looks good (if I do say so myself!) and picks up the floral pattern on the covers, it really showcases the stitching along the spine and adds a bit of durability to the binding.  However, those familiar with the coptic binding, also know that it’s an exposed spine binding.  This means that there’s a small gap between the signatures when the book is open.  This is just the nature of the binding.  But by adding the purple along the spine, it seals the gaps and allows the possibility of tucking paper ephemera and other mementos between the pages!

I love unique projects and welcome custom orders, however holiday season is just around the corner and a busy time!  If you have an idea for a special gift, get in touch soon so I’ll have time to make your book and avoid disappointment.  To start, just answer a few questions here, then I’ll get in touch with a quote and we can work from there.  Easy peasy!