Category Archives: Ex Libris

BOUND Book Arts Fair

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Things will be a bit different around Sprouts Press this Autumn.  I’m taking a break from the One of a Kind Show, and using this time to participate in some of my favourite shows that I couldn’t over the last few years.

For example, BOUND Book Arts Fair! (previously held at OCAD, now at the Arts & Letters Club). As a student, this show was the first time I sold one of my handbound blank books and realized that I could, in fact, make some money as an artist.  I remember spending hours making case-bound books to sell for a mere $20 each.  I also remember the thrill of selling my first pieces – what joy!

I’d love for you to stop by and say Hi, and witness this new version of the Book Arts Fair (and at the gorgeous Arts & Letters Club!).

When:  Sunday December 9, 2018.  11am – 5pm
Where: Arts & Letters Club, 14 Elm St., Toronto (near Yonge & Dundas)

For more information, please go here.

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Wordless Wednesday 07.03.18

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One of a Kind Show & Sale 2017

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It’s that time again – the One of a Kind Show & Sale is less than a month away.  Sprouts Press is excited to be back again this year!  We’ll have loads of journals, notebooks and more, in both new and our most popular colours and designs.

Stop by the show to say Hi!  And if you don’t have tickets yet, here’s a discount code to purchase them online: http://bit.ly/2y5ZNnA

What: One of a Kind Show & Sale
When: November 23 – December 3, 2017
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Grounds, Toronto

For more information please see the show site here.

Wordless Wednesday 01.11.17

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Wordless Wednesday 05.10.16

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365/365: Thank You! (but not goodbye)

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Day 365/365

It’s the last day of the Sprouts Press 365 project!  It’s been a fun year sharing my journey as an artisan and creative small business owner.  I’ve enjoyed all your comments and likes, I hope you’ve enjoyed it as well.

DSC_0418_fotor_fotor_fotorI plan to continue blogging about Sprouts Press, my creative process, goings-on and other book-ish content, but it won’t be every day.  I’m looking forward to seeing what sort of content I’m capable of on a more relaxed schedule, and sharing the growth of my little company.  In the meantime, enjoy this collage of many of the books I’ve shared with you over the year!  That’s a lot of books!!

Summer Brights

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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.

Use Your Journal No.5

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Day 170/365

Spring is in the air, the snow is melting/melted and many of us are eager to help welcome the new season.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAUsually, springtime means spring cleaning.  Oh joy.

Today’s post is a mix of ‘Use Your Journal’ and spring cleaning, specifically; getting your books, journals and sketchbooks organized and accounted for!  In a fun way, I promise!
DSC_0661My secret weapon to accomplish this, if you haven’t already guessed, is with Ex Libris bookplates.  

Ex Libris bookplates are labels that go in the front cover of your books (journals, sketchbooks, novels, biographies, etc).  Ex Libris is latin and roughly translates to ‘from the library of’.  Therefore, when you write your name in the space provided on each bookplate, you are creating your own library!  What’s more organized than a library!?photo 4

My Ex Libris bookplates are my own designs that I carve into lino blocks.  Then I hand print each one onto self-adhesive paper, making it easy and convenient for you to label your beloved books.  I’ve printed two different designs, each in a few different colours, you can read about my process here.

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I’ve even got gold bookplates!  They’re actually quite beautiful and classy, and make a great gift when tucked in the front of a special book for a friend.  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA To recap, here are 3 steps to incorporate Ex Libris bookplates into your journalling, sketching and book-collecting lives, making it even more fun to use your journal!

1. Choose a selection of journals/sketchbooks/books to be labelled.

2. Write your name in the space provided on the bookplate.  Some people also like to write the date they start the book.

2a. If you’re giving a special journal/book as a gift and want to put an ex libris bookplate in the front cover, you can write the recipient’s name and the date.  You can also write the occasion for the gift, as a memento for life milestones or achievements.

3. Once you’ve written the info in the space provided on the bookplate, peel off the backing and adhere to the inside front cover of the book/journal/sketchbook.  Repeat for all your most fancy and special books!

Have fun!

And the winner is . . . .

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Day 118/365

Last tuesday I announced I was having a blog giveaway contest!  Well, the contest ran, so many amazing entries were submitted and I’m pleased to announce that we have a winner!!!  DSC_0727Congratulations to kwils3!!  You’ve won the prize pack!!

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to enter my contest.  I’m blown away by your heartfelt reasons for putting pen to paper.  It’s clear so many of you took time and great care to compose your answers.  I love hearing that journals make your hearts swoon!

Soooo, I decided to draw a second name for a smaller but still paper-fantastic prize!!  The winner is Lettersandlaces!!!  You’ve won one of my signature Loot Bags!!  It’s a small collection of my handmade goodies.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated in my first blog contest, I plan to have more in the near future!  And I promise to keep them creative and fun!!

**If you are a winner, please send me an email with your mailing address so I can ship your prize!