Reclaiming Cigar Boxes

Posted on December 27, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 81/365

Yes, this is another variation of the coptic binding. Meet the Reclaimed Cigar Box Journal. I believe in reclaiming materials whenever possible, this is one example. I mean, cigar boxes are so beautiful on their own, why not transform them into a new object to inspire even more?
One of the advantages of the coptic binding is the ability for the finished book to lie flat when open. This makes sketching and writing much easier and more enjoyable.

The whole gang! Stay tuned for more variations of this journal in my etsy shop in the near future.

Boxing Week Sale!

Posted on December 26, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 80/365

That’s right, I’m having an end of year sale, to coincide with Boxing Week!

You can get 15% off your entire order of $50 or more, before shipping, when you use code BOXING14 at checkout! Yippee!!

Visit my etsy shop to see for yourself!

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 79/365

Greetings!

Happy Holidays, wishing everyone a great holiday season!

I’d like to thank everyone for their business, support and general awesomeness this year as I really pushed Sprouts Press to the next level. I love receiving your feedback so I can grow and learn and keep Sprouts Press flourishing! Keep it coming!!

I look forward to 2014, to designing and creating new items and journals (already have a few projects in the works!) and giving you more pen-to-paper options throughout the year!

Have a wonderful, happy and safe holiday!
Cheers,
Carolyn ~ Sprouts Press

The Coptic Indigo Journal

Posted on December 20, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 73/365

You may remember when I posted about the Indigo Journal back in October. I had shown a small journal created with my fancy-pants hand dyed indigo paper. Well, now I’d like to share this larger, one of a kind, really pretty variation: The Large Coptic Indigo Journal!

Measuring 8″ x 10″, with reclaimed leather and brass button closure, this is a pretty nice journal for sketching or writing full-out.

I managed to dig up some photos showing the hand-dying process, and I’m pretty sure I found the exact hand-dying of this sheet of paper!

And of course the hand dying was all done here in Toronto at Paperhouse Studios. While it is difficult to cut up these papers, especially after the work that goes into making them, it’s pretty fantastic seeing how the book cover acts as a frame, capturing a portion of the paper.

Wordless Thursday

Posted on December 19, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 72/365

Last Chance for 2014!

Posted on December 16, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 70/365

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the last bookbinding workshop I’ll be instructing for 2014! And there’s still time to register, if you’re quick!

Longstitch/Linkstitch Book Making
Wednesday December 17, 6pm – 9pm
Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West

For more info and to register, go here.

Upgrading the Coptic Journal

Posted on December 15, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 69/365

Sometimes I like to re-visit projects I previously thought finished. I’m going to share one today.

Remember these coptic bound journals? Well, I chose my favourites and recently gave them an upgrade. I’ve been listening to your requests for bookmarks in journals, and decided to test the market with these books.

And, the response has been positive! I love that the idea of re-vamping an already-bound journal. It really reminds me that these aren’t ‘finished’ journals, but rather artworks that are going to be completed by the person who fills them with words/sketches/ideas/etc. Theoretically they could continue to evolve into a completely different journal than when originally ‘completed’. This is part of the creative energy that keeps me going and moving forward – I love it!

Also, I love the dangly beaded fringe/tassels!

The Studio on a Sunday

Posted on December 14, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 68/365

Just kidding, I’m not in the studio today at all!

Today you can find me at my last show for 2014, the Wychwood Barns Holiday Arts Market! Just south of St.Clair on Christie here in Toronto.

I’ll be here till 6pm, there’s live music, drinks and a talented selection of other artists and artisans.

Linkstitch

Posted on December 12, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 66/365

This coming Wednesday I’m instructing my last bookbinding workshop for 2014! It’s the longstitch/linkstitch workshop at Graven Feather, and there are still a few spaces available.

-Wednesday December 17, 6pm – 9pm
-Graven Feather, 906 Queen St. West, Toronto

For more details and to register go here: https://www.uniiverse.com/events/longstitch-linkstitch-bookbinding-tickets-toronto-BB8SW

It’s been so great teaching my craft to those who are willing to give it a try.

Thanks to everyone who came out to workshops on 2014. I plan to continue the workshops next year, and have some special classes planned to change things up in 2015! Stay tuned for details!

Official Opening!

Posted on December 11, 2014 by sproutspress

It’s with great pleasure that I announce the official opening party of my new vendor space at Arts Market! I’m so pleased with my booth there, the lovely staff and the opportunity to host my book making workshops and classes on a regular basis. It’s the start of something great!!

This opening is to celebrate not only my own vendor space, but also a few other Arts Market ‘newbies’. We will be taking over the space for the evening and hope you’ll join us!

The details:
December 11, 2014 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Arts Market, 846 College Street, Toronto (just west of Ossington Avenue)

For more info, please take a look at our facebook event found here.