Top 5 Things I Learned at the One of a Kind Show

Posted on December 9, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 63/365

Top 5 Things I Learned at the One of a Kind Show:

1. Wear comfortable shoes, no one really looks at your feet anyways. Worst case scenario: kinda-comfy shoes with inserts or orthotics.

2. Eat healthy, eat often. Lots of tasty, healthy snacks saved me from becoming Cranky Carolyn!! (and, yes I’ll admit it, the occasional handmade almond toffee, or organic chocolate covered nougat)

3. Stay hydrated. In a place as large as the Direct Energy Centre, it gets dry fast! Luckily they had a huge drinking water station with several bottle-filling taps to rehydrate throughout the day. And with so many awesome body care makers at the show, it was impossible to have dry cracked skin! (yay new organic spearmint-eucalyptus lip balm!)

4. Listen. I learned so much from both customers and other makers by listening to their stories, advice and thoughts. So much has developed from these insights: I’ve already got new projects mulling for the new year, new booth design ideas for next Christmas and I learned some painful yet necessary lessons about when to speak up and when to stay quiet.

5. Enjoy it! I worked so hard to get this far, to design items I felt my customers would appreciate and get excited about, and to hand craft each book carefully to the best of my abilities. So why not share this and let my enthusiasm shine through?! It was so affirming to watch people search my display looking for just the right journal, asking questions and holding the books. Even more so when they found the right book, clutching it and then deciding to give it a new home either as the perfect gift for someone else or for themselves.

Neighbours!

Posted on November 28, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 52(?)/365

I’d like to introduce my booth-neighbours here at the One of a Kind.

Starting from the top left going clockwise: Cubits, Embroiderwee, Sugar Blossom, Carl and Rose, Art That Moves.

I’m blown away by the talent and craftsmanship of everyone here. I’m proud to be included in such great company! Stop by and say hi if you’re in Toronto, I’m here till December 7!

More Projects!

Posted on November 22, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 47/365

In the spirit of productivity I’ve decided to post more ‘in progress’ notes. Above, the dried and pressed boards from yesterday’s post Continue reading →

Projects!

Posted on November 21, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 45/365

As I’m sure you know by now, I’ve got a rather large arts and crafts show coming up, the One of a Kind Show. I figure this is a good time to showcase the processes I go through in making some of my products.

Today’s featured project: hand dying paper!

Testing colours, making sure to get just the right hues. I use a mix of inks and watercolour paints.

Mid-dying – yes, this is a messy process! And I love it!

A side view of boards covered with my hand dyed paper, drying in the press, makes a great texture shot.

Books, Photos and Paper

Posted on November 18, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 42/365

This is a project that started a long time ago. It’s had a few reinventions, these are some of my favourites. There is a deeper meaning to these pieces and as a result they have morphed into other objects, but for now I’ll just touch on them briefly. Perhaps I’ll revisit the longer write up in a later post.

They are books sculpted into dioramas featuring digitalized photos from special moments in my life, moments that I feel many people can relate to. I’m talking about things like nostalgia, yearning and sometimes regret.

Consider the crowds in an Italian Piazza, the grand archway in the distance and the top of a carousel tucked in a corner.

One last close up that shows the paper cutting that went into these pieces. They are detailed and intricate.

There is a small selection available at the Arts Market, and I will have a select few at the One of a Kind Show at the end of the month.

Bookbinding + Painting + Printmaking = Happy Me

Posted on November 17, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 41/365

Sometimes I indulge myself and combine mediums. Such is the case with this series of blue painted and relief-printed Longstitch journals. I’ve done this before with other painted journals, but recently came across these photos and felt the urge to share.

Details are everything, matching beaded closures is a thing of beauty (to me anyways).

As many bookbinders and other makers of handmade items know, creating in multiples is key. These books are no exception. But make no mistake; each is unique in placement of the cover patterns and images. Designing these books, the covers and crafting these pieces is the sort of project that keeps me happy!

Ornament Making

Posted on November 15, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 39/365

If you’ve started thinking about the holidays and where to start, I may have the answer for you. In one week I’ll be teaching an Ornament Making Workshop over at the Arts Market on College. It’s the perfect way to start off the season!

This is a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a personalized, unique book ornament. We will touch on the basics first, and then dive into the main project – you will leave with your very own handcrafted ornament!

No previous art or bookmaking experience is necessary.

For more information or to register, go here.

An Old Favourite

Posted on November 11, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 35/365

A close up of some leather book spines from my earlier days of bookbinding. These were experiments with stitches along the spines of soft, leather journals. They started my love for trying new binding techniques and combining the best parts of bindings together, like my more recent Starburst books.

In the Round ll

Posted on November 8, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 32/365

On thursday I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception of ‘In the Round ll’, a group show at Graven Feather here in Toronto. If you haven’t heard of this show, there are over 150 artists participating, all producing art on a set of three, 5″ birch disks.

Once on the wall, it makes for a stunning display of rows and rows of artwork. I love how everyone interpreted the use of the circles differently, creating a beautiful diversity of 2D and 3D pieces.

While I wasn’t able to participate this year, it’s always fun to attend this annual show and see the beautiful works of fellow artists. And as usual, the pieces submitted were all spectacular!

The show runs for the month of November, go here for more info.

Book Ornaments!

Posted on November 7, 2014 by sproutspress

Day 31/365

Who doesn’t love a good book ornament? I started making these for myself, then friends and family, and then I finally realized I should be selling them. They’re now in my online shop.

Bonus: I’m teaching a book ornament making workshop later in the month! We won’t be making this style of ornament, but it will still be a lovely little book you can hang for the holidays or anytime of the year.